Health & Safety Policy for Business Waste Removal Hackbridge

This Health and Safety policy sets out the commitment of our commercial waste collection and rubbish removal teams to maintain a safe working environment for staff, contractors and the general public. The policy applies across all aspects of our waste clearance and commercial rubbish services, covering routine collections, drop-off operations, vehicle-based activities and temporary on-site works. Safety is a core value and the organisation will allocate appropriate resources to manage hazards, prevent harm and promote wellbeing.

Scope and responsibilities are clearly defined: senior management retains overall accountability for health and safety, while supervisors and crew leaders are responsible for day-to-day implementation of safe systems of work. All employees, including agency staff, have a duty to co-operate with safety measures and to report hazards. Every team member must follow operating procedures, wear required personal protective equipment and participate in training. Clear lines of responsibility reduce ambiguity and improve on-the-job decision making.

Risk assessment underpins our approach to controlling workplace hazards associated with waste removal services. Regular assessments identify risks from manual handling, vehicle movements, interaction with members of the public, weather-related conditions and potential exposure to hazardous materials. The organisation will implement proportionate controls based on the hierarchy of risk control: elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative controls and PPE. Controls are reviewed whenever processes change or new hazards emerge.

Operational Controls, Equipment and Training

The safe operation of vehicles and plant used for business waste removal is critical. Vehicles used for commercial rubbish collection are subject to scheduled maintenance, daily pre-shift checks and secure load management procedures. Drivers and operators receive training in vehicle safety, secure loading, reversing protocols and fatigue management. Appropriate signage and high-visibility clothing are mandatory on all collection sites to reduce the risk from moving vehicles.

We maintain specific procedures for handling hazardous or specialist wastes, such as asbestos-containing materials, batteries, solvents and contaminated soils. These procedures include segregation at source, safe containment, labelling and secure transport to authorised disposal or treatment facilities. Competent, certified handlers will manage regulated wastes and all staff will be made aware of the indicators of hazardous materials. Documentation and waste transfer records are kept to ensure traceability and to support safe, compliant disposal.

Controls are supported by an ongoing training and competence programme. Training covers manual handling techniques, safe lifting, use of mechanical aids, PPE selection, spill response and first aid. Periodic toolbox talks and observed competency assessments reinforce safe behaviours. An induction process ensures new staff understand their role in accident prevention and environmental stewardship.

Site Management, Incident Response and Continuous Improvement

Effective site management and operational planning reduce exposure to hazards during waste collection and clearance activities. Before a worksite is accessed, crews will conduct brief site inspections to identify trip hazards, unstable loads, access constraints and proximity to pedestrians. Waste segregation practices are promoted to support recycling and to limit hazardous mixtures that increase risk during handling. The rubbish service area is managed to prioritise safety without compromising operational efficiency.

Incident reporting and emergency procedures are integral to this policy. All incidents, near misses and injuries must be reported promptly and investigated to identify root causes and corrective actions. Emergency plans cover incidents such as vehicle collisions, chemical spills, sudden illness and dangerous goods discoveries. First aid provision, emergency communication protocols and liaison with emergency services are maintained and tested periodically.

Monitoring, audit and review processes ensure that the policy remains effective and up to date. Regular safety audits, route risk reviews and performance metrics are used to evaluate compliance and to measure the impact of control measures. Where non-conformances are identified, timely remedial actions are taken and lessons learned are incorporated into training and procedures. The senior management team will review this Health & Safety policy at least annually and sooner if operational changes or incidents indicate that a review is necessary.