Health & Safety Policy for Business Waste Removal Hackney

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitment of our business to manage safety for all staff, contractors and clients involved in business waste removal in Hackney. The policy applies to all operations relating to commercial waste collection, rubbish clearance and business rubbish disposal services carried out on behalf of our customers. It outlines responsibilities, risk management approaches and controls designed to prevent incidents and to protect people and property during every stage of waste handling and transportation.

Our aim is to provide a safe service that complies with statutory obligations and best practice for a local rubbish company service area. Management will ensure that resources are available for implementation, and that a positive safety culture is maintained. Directors and line managers are responsible for ensuring safe systems of work, while employees and subcontractors are required to follow procedures and report hazards. Training, supervision and competence assessment will be used to achieve and maintain standards.

A robust approach to risk assessment is central to our policy. All tasks related to commercial waste removal, skip loading and on-site transfers will be subject to documented risk assessments. Control measures will be identified for manual handling, vehicle movements, interaction with pedestrians and hazardous fractions such as chemicals, sharps or asbestos-containing materials. Where risks cannot be eliminated, they will be minimised through safe systems of work, mechanical aids, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Organisational Responsibilities and Safe Working

Managers must ensure staff are competent for roles in business waste collection and that supervisors carry out regular checks. Responsibilities include scheduling safe routes for collections, verifying load security, ensuring appropriate segregation of recyclables and residual waste, and maintaining clear communication channels. Employees must follow instructions, use PPE, and report defects or near misses immediately. Contractors will be assessed before engagement and monitored to ensure they meet agreed safety standards.

Key elements of safe working include vehicle safety checks, maintaining visibility around collection points, and managing manual handling during lift and carry tasks. Drivers and loaders will be trained in safe loading techniques for bulky office clearance and commercial debris. Where lifting equipment is used, it will be inspected and operated only by trained personnel. Emergency procedures for spills, fires and medical incidents will be in place and rehearsed periodically.

We operate a clear incident reporting and investigation process aimed at identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions. Records of accidents, near misses and safety audits will be retained and reviewed by management. This continuous improvement cycle supports safer outcomes for the community and for employees who work in commercial rubbish removal and related services.

Health, PPE and Hazardous Waste Controls

Health risks associated with rubbish and commercial waste removal include musculoskeletal injuries, cuts, exposure to biological agents and hazardous substances. The policy emphasises the use of correct PPE — gloves, hi-vis clothing, steel-toe footwear and respiratory protection where needed — and regular health surveillance for roles with identified risks. Waste segregation procedures reduce exposure to hazardous fractions and ensure safe onward disposal.

Specific protocols exist for hazardous or specially controlled materials discovered during business waste clearance. These materials will be isolated, assessed and handled only by qualified personnel following established procedures. Where specialist removal is required, the waste will be transferred to licensed facilities in accordance with appropriate environmental and safety practices to minimise risk to staff and the public.

Monitoring, audit and review processes ensure this policy remains effective. Performance indicators for the rubbish company service area include incident rates, audit scores and training completion rates. Regular management reviews will consider changes in legislation, industry guidance and operational learnings to update risk controls. The policy will be communicated to all employees and stakeholders, and copies will be available for inspection as part of our standard governance arrangements.