Health & Safety Policy — Business Waste Removal Herne Hill

This Health and Safety policy sets out the commitments and procedures for Business Waste Removal Herne Hill and applies equally to our commercial waste removal teams, contractors, and operatives working across the rubbish company service area. The aim is to prevent harm, ensure legal compliance and deliver a safe, efficient waste removal service for business clients. All personnel engaged in rubbish removal and related waste management activities must follow this policy and the safe systems of work it defines.

Scope and Responsibilities

The policy covers all aspects of the waste removal service: collection, loading, transport, unloading, temporary storage, and disposal. Company management has overall responsibility for health and safety, including risk assessments, training and resource allocation. Supervisors must ensure daily compliance on sites and in the rubbish removal vehicle fleet. Employees and subcontractors are responsible for working safely, reporting hazards and using provided PPE. This policy applies to commercial rubbish removal, office clearance, and any contract where the business provides waste removal services within its service area.

Risk Assessment and Control Measures

Risk assessments will be carried out for routine and non-routine tasks related to the waste removal service, focusing on manual handling, vehicle movements, sharps and hazardous materials, slips/trips/falls, and environmental risks. Controls include engineering measures (vehicle tail-lifts, secure storage), administrative controls (site-specific instructions, job briefs), and personal protective equipment. The assessment process will prioritize elimination or substitution of hazards where reasonably practicable.

Safe Systems of Work and Personal Protective Equipment

Safe systems of work are established and documented for all typical activities within the rubbish removal service area. These include pre-shift checks, load securing procedures, segregation of waste streams, and cleaning protocols. Mandatory PPE for operatives includes high-visibility clothing, gloves, safety boots and eye protection where risk assessments indicate. The following controls will be used where applicable:

• Pre-task briefings and permit-to-work where necessary
• Use of mechanical aids to reduce manual handling
• Isolation of hazardous items and clear labelling

Vehicle, Site and Manual Handling Safety

All vehicles used for waste collection and transport are maintained under planned maintenance schedules, with daily driver checks recorded. Drivers and loaders must follow safe loading patterns to maintain stability and weight distribution. Manual handling training is mandatory for all staff involved in lifting or carrying items, and lifting aids are used for bulky or heavy loads. Wherever possible, heavy containers are manoeuvred using mechanical handling equipment rather than manual lift-and-carry methods.

Hazardous Waste and Controlled Materials

Waste streams that are hazardous, potentially infectious or otherwise controlled are segregated and handled under specific procedures. Examples include batteries, paints, solvents, fluorescent tubes, and sharps. Such items are identified at collection points, isolated and transported in secure containers to licensed facilities. Disposal routes comply with regulatory requirements and are recorded. Employees receive instruction on recognising hazardous materials and the steps to take to protect themselves and the public.

Training, Competence and Supervision

Training programmes ensure staff are competent in risk recognition, use of PPE, manual handling, vehicle operation, and emergency procedures relevant to a rubbish removal business. Induction training is provided to all new personnel and refresher training at defined intervals. Supervisors conduct regular competency checks and on-the-job coaching. Records of training and certifications are maintained and reviewed as part of the policy monitoring process.

Incident Reporting, Accident Investigation and Emergency Response

All accidents, incidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported immediately and recorded. Investigations aim to identify root causes and prevent recurrence through changes to procedures, training or equipment. Emergency response plans cover first aid, spill containment, fire response and coordination with emergency services when necessary. Key steps include preserving the scene where safe to do so, providing immediate care, and ensuring that learning is communicated across the rubbish removal service area to prevent repeat events.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

The policy will be reviewed at least annually or following significant incidents, regulatory changes, or operational modifications. Regular inspections, safety audits and performance metrics (such as incident rates, near misses reported and completion of scheduled maintenance) are used to measure effectiveness. Feedback from staff and periodic reviews of waste removal practices drive continuous improvement. This policy is a live document and forms part of the company’s commitment to maintaining a safe workplace while delivering reliable commercial waste removal and rubbish collection services.

Commitment and Implementation

The organisation is committed to providing the necessary resources to implement this policy, including competent personnel, training, equipment and monitoring systems. Managers will ensure that appropriate health and safety measures are integrated into contract planning and operational delivery across the rubbish company service area. All employees are expected to cooperate fully and to contribute to a culture of safety and compliance.

Signed on behalf of the Company: The management team will ensure this policy is communicated, understood and applied. Regular reviews will check that the control measures remain effective and that the business maintains its duty of care to employees, clients and the public.

End of policy document.