Health & Safety Policy for Business Waste Removal Addiscombe

Policy Statement: Our organisation is committed to maintaining the highest standards of health and safety across all commercial refuse operations. This policy sets out the principles and measures that govern business waste removal, commercial clearance and rubbish collection services to protect employees, contractors, clients and the public. The purpose is to prevent injury, manage environmental risks, and ensure compliance with applicable regulations while delivering a reliable rubbish removal service in an efficient, responsible manner.

Scope and Objectives

This policy covers the full range of activities involved in commercial waste collection, including site visits, vehicle operations, manual handling, segregation of wastes and disposal arrangements. Objectives include systematic risk assessment, provision of suitable personal protective equipment, clear training and supervision, and an incident reporting framework. The policy applies to all staff, subcontractors engaged for business rubbish collection, and third parties interacting with our operations.

Implementation is focused on measurable outcomes: reducing accidents, eliminating unsafe practices, preventing contamination, and ensuring that every job is planned and executed with safety at its core. Our management team will allocate adequate resources and ensure that health and safety considerations are integrated into planning for every commercial waste removal assignment.

Roles and Responsibilities

Responsibilities are allocated to ensure clarity of duty and accountability. Key roles are defined as follows:

• Senior Management – sets policy, allocates resources, and ensures legal compliance for all rubbish removal services.
• Operations Managers – carry out risk assessments, prepare work plans for each job and ensure safe systems of work for refuse collection and transportation.
• Supervisors and Drivers – maintain vehicle safety, conduct pre-trip checks, follow documented procedures for commercial waste collection and report hazards immediately.
• Employees and Subcontractors – follow safe work instructions, use PPE, participate in training and report near-misses or incidents without delay.

Training and competence are essential. All staff engaged in business waste removal or rubbish clearance will receive induction, role-specific training, and refresher courses. Training covers manual handling, safe use of lifting equipment, segregation of hazardous and non-hazardous materials, and the safe operation of compactors and lifting gear.

Risk Assessments and Control Measures

Before any waste collection or commercial clearance, a documented risk assessment will be completed. Controls include but are not limited to: safe exclusion zones, use of high-visibility clothing, enforcement of vehicle loading limits, and protocols for the handling of sharps, asbestos-containing materials and chemical wastes. Identified controls will be recorded and communicated to all personnel. Where hazardous waste is identified, specialist procedures and licensed disposal routes will be employed.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is mandatory where risks cannot be eliminated. Required PPE may include gloves, steel-toe boots, eye protection, respiratory protection and high-visibility garments. PPE selection will be based on documented risk assessment and employees will be trained in correct use and maintenance. Vehicle safety is equally important: seat belts, load restraints and routine maintenance checks form part of the controls that reduce the risk of transport incidents during commercial waste transport.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures: All incidents, near-misses and spills must be reported immediately through the internal reporting system. Emergency procedures will be available for fire, chemical release, personal injury and vehicle accidents. First aid provisions and trained first aiders will be available to respond to workplace injuries, and major incidents will be escalated to senior management for immediate action and investigation.

Monitoring, performance review and continual improvement are core to this policy. Regular audits, workplace inspections and performance metrics (such as accident frequency, near-miss reports and compliance checks) will be used to evaluate effectiveness. Findings will be communicated to staff and used to revise procedures where necessary. Internal audits and periodic external reviews will ensure our commercial waste removal practices remain robust and aligned with evolving standards.

Contractors and Third Parties: All contractors engaged to carry out specialised tasks for our rubbish removal operations must demonstrate equivalent health and safety standards. Contractor selection includes assessment of safety records, provision of method statements and evidence of relevant licences and insurance. Subcontractors must adhere to site-specific rules, coordinate with our teams and participate in joint risk assessments when required.

Policy review: This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed annually and following any significant incident or change in operations. Revisions will reflect legislative changes, operational feedback and technological developments that improve safety and environmental performance. Managers are responsible for ensuring that the updated policy is communicated and implemented across the organisation.

Final note: Commitment to safe and responsible business waste removal is non-negotiable. By following this policy, we protect people, property and the environment while delivering professional rubbish collection and commercial waste services. Every employee and contractor is expected to contribute to a safe workplace by following procedures, raising concerns and acting with due care at all times.