Health and Safety Policy — Business Waste Removal Euston

Policy statement: This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitments and procedural framework for a professional business waste removal operator serving a wide rubbish company service area. The policy applies to all employees, subcontractors and temporary staff engaged in commercial waste removal, rubbish collection service, and associated site activities. Our objective is to protect the health, safety and welfare of all personnel, clients, contractors and members of the public affected by our operations while ensuring legal compliance and continual improvement.

Scope and application: The policy covers routine office duties, depot operations, vehicle-based collection, customer site visits and disposal operations. It applies across our designated service area providing rubbish removal and commercial waste management services. The document describes responsibilities, risk assessment processes, control measures, training, incident reporting and monitoring arrangements necessary to manage risks from daily activities and unusual operations.

Responsibilities: Management is responsible for providing leadership, adequate resources and visible commitment to health and safety. Supervisors must ensure safe systems of work and confirm that staff follow this policy. Employees and operatives are required to cooperate, follow instructions, use provided personal protective equipment (PPE) and report hazards or near misses immediately. Contractors engaged for specialist waste handling must supply method statements and evidence of competency before work begins.

Risk assessment and safe systems of work

Risk assessments will be carried out for all routine tasks including manual handling, loading and unloading, vehicle-based collections, segregating recyclables, bulky waste handling and potential exposure to hazardous substances. Control measures will follow the hierarchy of controls: eliminate where possible, substitute, apply engineering controls, enforce safe work practices and provide PPE as a last resort. Risk assessments will be reviewed after incidents, when tasks change, or at least annually.

Operational controls: Practical controls include clear segregation of waste types, secure containment and labelling of hazardous materials, use of mechanical aids for lifting, safe vehicle loading limits and defined exclusion zones during loading operations. Drivers and crew will follow specified routes within the rubbish removal service area to minimise traffic risks and adhere to vehicle inspection and maintenance schedules.

Training, competency and supervision

All staff must receive induction training covering this policy, emergency arrangements and role-specific procedures. Ongoing training includes manual handling, COSHH awareness (for hazardous or potentially hazardous wastes), vehicle safety, safe use of lifting equipment and safe driving practices. Training records will be maintained and competency assessed periodically.

Personal protective equipment and welfare PPE will be provided where controls do not adequately reduce risks: hi-visibility clothing, gloves appropriate to waste types, safety footwear and eye protection as needed. Welfare provisions include safe rest facilities, washing facilities and access to hydration. Use of PPE is mandatory where identified in risk assessments; failure to comply may lead to disciplinary action.

Handling hazardous and special wastes: The company follows approved procedures for handling asbestos-containing materials, chemical wastes, batteries, sharps and other potentially hazardous items. Such items must never be handled without prior authorization and suitable controls. Where specialist disposal is required, certified carriers and licensed disposal sites will be used to ensure safe and lawful handling of hazardous waste.

Emergency procedures and incident reporting: We maintain clear emergency arrangements including spill response, first aid provision and procedures for fire and vehicle accidents. All incidents, near misses and property damage must be reported promptly using the prescribed reporting system so that investigations and corrective actions can be implemented without delay.

Monitoring, audit and performance

The company will monitor compliance through routine site inspections, toolbox talks, vehicle checks and audits. Key performance indicators include incident frequency, completion of risk assessments, training currency and audit results. Findings will be used to update procedures and to drive continuous improvement across the rubbish collection and waste removal service operations.

Record keeping and documentation: Records of risk assessments, training, maintenance, inspections, incident reports and waste transfer documentation will be retained in accordance with statutory retention requirements and good practice. These records support operational transparency and enable verification of compliance during inspections or audits.

Review and continual improvement: This policy will be reviewed at least annually or sooner following significant changes to legislation, operations or after a serious incident. Management will consult with staff and relevant stakeholders to ensure the policy remains effective and proportionate for commercial waste removal and the broader rubbish service area.

Communications and contractor management

Effective communication is essential. Safety information will be communicated through briefings, written procedures and signage. Contractors and subcontractors must demonstrate competence, share relevant risk assessments and comply with our safety requirements before starting work. The company will monitor contractor performance and suspend work where safety is compromised.

Legal and regulatory compliance: The organisation recognises its duty to comply with applicable health and safety legislation and regulations relevant to waste handling and transport. This includes obligations to manage waste lawfully, maintain vehicle roadworthiness and ensure safe systems for staff and public protection. Compliance will be maintained through active management, training and periodic review.

Approval and implementation: This policy has been approved by senior management and represents our commitment to safe and responsible waste handling across the business waste removal operation. All employees and contractors must be familiar with its contents and apply the standards it sets. Management will ensure adequate resources for effective implementation and will hold regular reviews to maintain a high standard of health and safety governance within our rubbish removal and commercial waste services.