Health and Safety Policy for Business Waste Removal Earls Court

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitments and procedures for safe operations by our commercial waste collection teams working on business waste removal in Earls Court and surrounding service areas. The purpose of this document is to ensure that every task performed by our rubbish removal operatives is planned, risk assessed and executed to minimise harm to staff, clients and the public. Compliance with statutory obligations and industry best practice underpins every activity associated with business rubbish collection in the area.

Scope and Objectives

This policy covers all activities relating to commercial waste removal, including skip services, bulky waste clearance, and routine business rubbish collection. It applies to employees, contractors and sub-contractors engaged in debris clearance, refuse pickup, and transport of non-hazardous and hazardous materials. Our objectives are to: reduce workplace injuries, prevent environmental incidents, and maintain safe vehicle operations. All personnel must follow procedures and report hazards without delay.

Responsibility for implementing the policy rests with management and designated safety officers, but every team member has a role. Managers will ensure adequate resources, supervision and training while operatives are required to work in accordance with safe systems of work and use appropriate personal protective equipment. Accountability measures include documented checks, permit-to-work where necessary and clear lines of reporting for incidents and near-misses related to waste collection services.

Risk Assessment and Safe Work Practices

Before any rubbish removal or commercial waste collection activity begins, a dynamic risk assessment must be completed. Identified hazards such as manual handling of heavy items, traffic interaction during roadside collections, and potential exposure to sharps or chemical residues must be mitigated. Controls include mechanical aids, team lifts, cordoned working zones and clear signage. Our approach to risk management emphasises proactive identification and elimination of hazards where possible, with residual risks treated by documented control measures.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory where hazards cannot be fully eliminated. Required PPE includes high-visibility garments, gloves rated for cut resistance, safety footwear, eye protection and respiratory protection when dusty conditions or fumes are present. Regular inspection and replacement of PPE ensures continued protection. Operators are trained in correct donning, doffing and maintenance of their protective gear for safe rubbish removal operations.

Vehicles and plant used for waste removal must be maintained to a high safety standard. Routine checks cover brakes, lighting, securing equipment for loads and containment systems for loose waste. Drivers are expected to follow safe loading limits and use appropriate restraints. A maintenance log and daily pre-start checklists support safe transport of collected waste and reduce risks associated with moving waste between sites.

Workplace training, competence assessment and supervision are essential components of this policy. All staff involved in commercial waste clearance and business rubbish collection undergo induction training, job-specific instruction and periodic refresher courses. Training includes manual handling techniques, hazardous waste recognition, spill response and basic first aid. Supervisors carry out competency checks and provide on-the-job coaching to maintain safe standards.

Emergency procedures are established for incidents that may occur during rubbish removal work, including injuries, fires, chemical spills and traffic collisions. Procedures define immediate actions, emergency contacts, spill containment measures and site evacuation arrangements. Incident reporting protocols require prompt notification, investigation, root-cause analysis and corrective action to prevent recurrence.

Monitoring, audit and continuous improvement processes ensure the policy remains effective. Regular safety audits, toolbox talks and performance reviews identify opportunities to enhance controls for commercial waste removal activities. Our waste segregation and recycling practices are audited to ensure compliance with environmental obligations while reducing the volume of landfill-bound rubbish from business clients.

Specific operational controls for common tasks include:

• Manual Handling: use two-person lifts, trolleys and lifting aids for bulky items.
• Sharps and Hazardous Materials: isolate, label and handle according to hazardous waste protocols; use appropriate containment and specialised disposal methods.
• Traffic Management: implement cones, signs and high-visibility clothing when operating near public roadways.
• Confined Spaces: observe confined space entry procedures and atmospheric monitoring when accessing enclosed voids.

Records of training, risk assessments, equipment checks and incident reports are retained and reviewed. Compliance with relevant regulations and codes of practice is monitored and any non-conformances are addressed through corrective action plans and management oversight.

Review and policy ownership: this Health and Safety Policy is reviewed at least annually and updated following significant incidents, legislative changes or service developments in the waste removal sector. The policy owner ensures revisions are communicated to all staff and incorporated into operational procedures for rubbish clearance and business waste removal services. Continuous improvement, staff engagement and a commitment to safe working are central to preventing harm while delivering reliable commercial waste services.