Health and Safety Policy for Millwall Storage

At Millwall Storage, health and safety is a core responsibility that supports our people, customers, contractors, and visitors. This storage health and safety policy sets out the standards we follow to reduce risk, promote safe working, and maintain a secure environment across all storage areas, access routes, and operational spaces. We believe safety is not a one-time task but an ongoing commitment built into everyday practice.

Our approach is based on prevention, awareness, and accountability. Every person on site has a role in keeping the premises safe, whether they are handling goods, moving equipment, using access points, or simply visiting the facility. We aim to identify hazards early, take sensible action, and review controls regularly so that our health and safety in storage operations remains effective and practical.

The purpose of this policy is to protect people and property while supporting efficient storage services. It applies to all activities connected with the site, including reception of goods, internal movement, loading and unloading, housekeeping, emergency response, and maintenance work. A safe storage environment depends on consistent standards, clear communication, and a shared understanding that safety comes before convenience.

Key Responsibilities

Management is responsible for creating safe systems of work, providing suitable equipment, and making sure staff understand the risks associated with their duties. This includes carrying out regular checks, maintaining facilities, and ensuring that control measures are applied where hazards cannot be removed entirely. Where necessary, additional training or supervision will be arranged to support safe storage practices.

Employees and contractors must follow site rules, use equipment correctly, and report unsafe conditions without delay. This includes keeping walkways clear, using appropriate lifting techniques, and not bypassing safety controls. Everyone is expected to act responsibly and help maintain a culture where Millwall storage safety is treated as part of the job, not an optional extra.

Visitors must comply with all instructions while on site and remain within authorised areas unless accompanied or otherwise permitted. We expect all visitors to respect signage, speed restrictions, restricted zones, and emergency procedures. If anyone is unsure about what is safe to do, they should stop and seek clarification before continuing.

Managing Hazards and Risks

Common hazards in a storage setting can include manual handling injuries, slips and trips, falling items, obstruction of emergency routes, misuse of equipment, and poor stacking practices. We reduce these risks through clear procedures, regular inspections, suitable storage arrangements, and prompt corrective action when issues are found. Good housekeeping is essential to prevent avoidable incidents.

Manual handling is one of the most significant risks in any storage health and safety policy. Staff should assess loads before lifting, use mechanical aids where suitable, and avoid unsafe twisting or overreaching. Heavy or awkward items should be moved by team lifting or with the correct equipment. Safe methods protect both the person handling the item and those nearby.

Storage areas must be organised so that goods are stacked securely and stored in a stable manner. Heavy items should be positioned appropriately, aisles must remain unobstructed, and fragile or hazardous materials require extra care. Regular reviews help make sure that storage arrangements continue to match the type and volume of goods being handled.

Emergency Preparedness and Reporting

Emergency procedures are an important part of this health and safety policy. All personnel should know the location of exits, alarms, and assembly points, as well as the correct response in the event of fire, injury, security incident, or other emergency. Procedures must be kept simple, visible, and easy to follow.

Any accident, near miss, damage, or unsafe condition must be reported as soon as possible so that action can be taken. Reporting helps us learn from incidents and prevent recurrence. Timely communication also supports better decisions about maintenance, training, and changes to working methods. A strong reporting culture is essential to safer storage operations.

First aid arrangements, fire precautions, and evacuation practices will be maintained in line with the needs of the site. Where risks require it, specific instructions will be displayed and drills may be carried out to test readiness. Preparedness is not only about responding to emergencies; it is also about reducing the likelihood of them happening in the first place.

Training, Supervision, and Safe Working

Training is a key control measure for reducing risk. Staff should receive induction information and task-specific guidance so they understand how to carry out work safely. This may cover manual handling, equipment use, reporting procedures, emergency arrangements, and the safe storage of different categories of goods. Refresher training will be provided where required.

Supervision helps ensure that safe standards are followed consistently. Managers and team leaders should monitor working practices, correct unsafe behaviour, and reinforce good habits. If a task presents a greater risk, additional oversight may be necessary until competence and confidence are established. Safe performance must be supported by clear expectations and practical instruction.

We also expect everyone to wear suitable personal protective equipment where it is required and to use it correctly. PPE is not a substitute for safe systems of work, but it can provide an extra layer of protection in certain tasks. Appropriate clothing, footwear, and protective items should be selected based on the work being done and the risks involved.

Maintenance, Housekeeping, and Review

Maintaining a clean and orderly site is essential for reducing risk. Floors, access points, and work areas should be kept free from clutter, spills, and unnecessary obstructions. Packaging waste should be removed promptly, and any damage to fixtures, racking, doors, or equipment should be reported so that repairs can be arranged without delay.

Plant, equipment, and safety systems must be inspected and maintained in line with their use and condition. Faulty items should be taken out of service until they have been checked and repaired. Millwall Storage health and safety standards depend on reliable equipment, as well as on the willingness of people to stop work when something does not appear safe.

This policy will be reviewed periodically to make sure it remains suitable, effective, and aligned with operational needs. Updates may be made following changes in activity, lessons from incidents, or improvements in safe working methods. By working together and applying these standards consistently, Millwall Storage can maintain a safer environment for everyone who uses the site.