Health and Safety Policy — Business Waste Removal Dulwich

Purpose and Commitment. This document sets out the Health and Safety Policy for Business Waste Removal Dulwich and applies across our rubbish company service area operations. The purpose is to establish clear, measurable standards that protect employees, contractors and the public while delivering commercial waste and rubbish removal services. Our aim is to minimise risk, prevent injury and reduce environmental harm through consistent practice, supervision and continuous improvement.

Responsibility for implementing this policy rests with senior management and line managers, who shall ensure adequate resources, training and supervision are available. All staff and authorised subcontractors must co-operate fully and follow safety procedures, report hazards and participate in training. The policy covers activities including skip and bin servicing, manual handling, vehicle loading and unloading, and site-based waste collections within our designated service area.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance. We will comply with all applicable health, safety and environmental legislation and industry codes of practice relevant to waste removal and rubbish clearance. The company will maintain up-to-date risk assessments, safe systems of work and documentation demonstrating compliance, including safe disposal and handling records for controlled and hazardous materials. Management will review legislation and implement necessary changes to procedures without delay.

Scope and Application

This policy applies to all operational sites, vehicles, storage facilities and workplaces utilised in the delivery of waste removal and rubbish collection services. It includes: collection from commercial premises, temporary site clearances, and routine bin and container servicing across our rubbish removal service area. The policy also covers visiting contractors, temporary workers and visitors while on duty or within operational settings under company control.

To manage risks we will assess hazards associated with manual handling, moving vehicles, working at height, hazardous substances, noise and traffic management. Controls will be implemented following the hierarchy of risk control: elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative measures and personal protective equipment. Practical measures include vehicle route planning, segregation of waste streams, secure containment and labelled storage.

Risk Assessments and Operational Controls

Risk assessments will be recorded and reviewed regularly or when operations change. Control measures will be documented in method statements and site-specific plans. Key control elements include:

• Pre-shift checks for vehicles and lifting equipment to ensure roadworthiness and safe operation.
• Mandatory use of PPE for all operational staff, including gloves, hi-vis clothing, safety footwear and respiratory protection where required.
• Segregation protocols for general, recyclable and hazardous waste streams to prevent contamination and ensure safe handling.

Training and competence are essential. We will provide induction training for new starters, refresher training, and role-specific instruction such as safe loading, winch and lift operation, and traffic management for roadside collections. Supervisors must verify competency before assigning complex tasks. Toolbox talks and behavioural safety briefings will be used to reinforce safe practices and encourage hazard reporting.

Vehicle and plant maintenance programmes will be carried out to manufacturers' standards and recorded. All incidents, near misses and defects must be reported immediately through the company reporting system. Investigations will identify root causes and corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Where disciplinary or remedial training is required, this will be enacted promptly.

Emergency preparedness includes clear procedures for spills, fires, vehicle collisions and medical emergencies. First aid provision, emergency contact chains and evacuation arrangements will be established at all operational locations. Spill kits and containment equipment must be carried on vehicles when transporting potentially polluting materials and staff trained in their use. Environmental protection measures will prevent waste escape and pollution of watercourses.

Contractors and Supply Chain. All contractors and third-party providers engaged in rubbish removal and waste clearance within our service area must demonstrate robust health and safety management. They will be assessed before engagement, required to comply with our safety standards and monitored during their activities. Subcontractors will provide evidence of insurance, competence and their own risk assessments where appropriate.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement. The policy will be reviewed at least annually and after significant incidents, changes in legislation or operational scope. Performance will be monitored through audits, inspections and key performance indicators such as incident rates, audit findings and corrective action closure times. Management will publish results internally and apply lessons learned to policies and procedures to drive continual improvement.