Health & Safety Policy — Business Waste Removal Kingston upon Thames

This Health & Safety Policy sets out the commitment of our business waste removal operation to ensure the safety of staff, clients and the public in our rubbish company service area. It applies to all employees, contractors and temporary staff engaged in commercial waste handling, collection and transfer activities. The policy is designed to reduce risk through clear responsibilities, safe systems of work, training and continual improvement while delivering dependable commercial rubbish services across the service area.

Our approach balances practical risk control with operational efficiency. We emphasise hazard recognition, safe manual handling, secure vehicle operations and the correct use of personal protective equipment. Managers are responsible for implementing safety measures, and every worker has a duty to follow procedures, report hazards and use protective systems. This policy supports a positive safety culture for a professional rubbish removal service area.

The scope covers routine collections, on-site bin swaps, load compaction, hazardous segregation and transport to authorised facilities. It excludes household waste not collected under commercial contracts and specialised hazardous waste requiring licensed disposal routes. Key elements include risk assessments, method statements, incident reporting, and regular inspections of vehicles and equipment to maintain standards for the waste removal service area.

Risk assessment and control measures are carried out by trained staff before starting tasks. Controls include safe access to work locations, exclusion zones during tipping, secure containment of loose materials, and restrictions on lone working in high-risk environments. We apply the hierarchy of controls: eliminate where possible, substitute with safer options, use engineering controls, adopt safe work practices and provide appropriate PPE for all operatives in the rubbish collection service area.

Training and competence are essential. All operatives receive induction training, job-specific instruction and periodic refresher courses on manual handling, vehicle safety, sharps awareness and spill response. Supervisors complete additional training in risk management and incident investigation. Records of training and assessments are maintained to demonstrate ongoing competence across the commercial waste removal territory.

Vehicles and plant are inspected and maintained according to manufacturer guidance and the company maintenance schedule. Pre-shift vehicle checks are mandatory and documented. Load security and weight distribution are checked to prevent overturning and spillage. Mechanical lifting equipment and compaction systems are only operated by authorised trained personnel. This reduces the likelihood of vehicle-related incidents on routes throughout our service area.

Emergency procedures are in place for incidents such as spills, collisions, fires or injury. Staff are briefed on local emergency contacts and site evacuation requirements without including external contact details here. First aid equipment is available on vehicles and at operational sites, and appointed first aiders are identified. Incident reporting and root cause analysis encourage lessons learned to be shared widely so we can adapt practices across the rubbish company service area.

Waste segregation and safe handling of hazardous items are prioritised to prevent contamination and exposure. Clear labeling, secure bin liners and client instructions help manage risks associated with chemical, electrical or biomedical materials that may be encountered. Where specialised disposal is required, procedures ensure these materials are kept separate and transferred only to authorised facilities and personnel to keep the wider waste removal service area safe.

Monitoring, audit and continuous improvement are central to effective safety management. Regular site audits, vehicle inspections and safety meetings help identify opportunities to improve controls and reduce incidents. Key performance indicators track near misses, injuries and compliance checks. Findings prompt corrective actions and updates to procedures, reinforcing a resilient health and safety framework for commercial rubbish services in the locality.

Responsibilities

Leadership ensures the policy is resourced and integrated into operational planning. Supervisors implement controls, conduct briefings and verify competence. Employees must follow instructions, use PPE, report hazards and contribute to safety reviews. Contractors engaged for specific tasks are expected to align with these requirements and demonstrate equivalent safety arrangements when operating within our rubbish collection operational area.

Key Safety Controls

• Completed risk assessments and method statements for operational tasks;
• Mandatory pre-shift vehicle and equipment checks;
• Documented training and competence records for all staff;
• Provision and enforcement of PPE such as gloves, high-visibility clothing and respiratory protection where required;
• Clear segregation and labeling of hazardous waste;
• Effective incident reporting and corrective action processes.

Policy review and amendment: This policy is reviewed annually and after significant incidents or operational changes. Amendments are communicated to staff and incorporated into training. The aim is to maintain a safe, compliant, and efficient business waste removal operation while supporting the needs of clients across the rubbish company service area.

Commitment: We are committed to protecting the health and safety of our workforce, clients and the public through proactive management and continual improvement. Everyone associated with our commercial waste removal activities shares responsibility for safety and is expected to act accordingly.

Signed on behalf of the company management — this statement represents our formal commitment to uphold the standards set out in this policy and to operate a safe and responsible rubbish removal and waste management service area.