Health and Safety Policy — Business Waste Removal Northolt

Purpose: This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitments and arrangements for safe operation of commercial waste removal and rubbish collection activities undertaken by our business waste removal Northolt teams. It applies to all staff, contractors and operatives working on-site, in vehicles and within the wider rubbish company service area. The policy is designed to ensure legal compliance, minimise risk and protect people, property and the environment.

Scope and objectives

We will maintain a robust safety management approach for all aspects of waste handling, transfer and disposal. Our objectives include preventing injury and ill-health, controlling exposure to hazardous substances, ensuring safe vehicle operations, and promoting safe manual handling and lifting practices during business rubbish clearance and waste collection activities.

Responsibilities

Management retains overall responsibility for ensuring adequate resources, policy implementation and compliance monitoring. Supervisors are responsible for day-to-day enforcement of safe systems of work. All staff have a duty to follow training, use required personal protective equipment (PPE) and report hazards without delay.

Risk assessments will be carried out for routine and non-routine tasks associated with commercial waste removal Northolt operations. Assessments will identify hazards such as sharps, broken glass, chemical contaminants, manual handling loads, and vehicle movement. Control measures will be recorded, implemented and reviewed regularly to ensure they remain effective.

Control measures include but are not limited to:

• Safe systems of work: documented procedures for waste collection, segregation and transfer.
• PPE: gloves, high visibility clothing, steel-toe footwear and respiratory protection where required.
• Vehicle safety: pre-shift checks, secure load procedures and safe reversing practices.

Training and competence are central to our safety culture. All operatives will receive induction training and task-specific instruction. Training records will be maintained and refreshed at appropriate intervals. Supervisors will assess competencies before assigning solo duties, and additional instruction will be provided when new equipment, processes or hazards are introduced.

Manual handling risks are minimised by mechanical aids where possible and by clear team handling protocols. Staff are instructed in correct lifting techniques and the importance of asking for assistance. Where mechanical lifting is used, regular inspection and maintenance records will be maintained to ensure safe operation.

Special controls apply to hazardous and controlled wastes. These include segregation at source, correct labeling, secure containment and transfer in accordance with regulatory requirements. Staff handling hazardous waste will be trained on the identification, safe handling and emergency measures associated with each waste type.

Vehicle and traffic management: loading areas, routes and parking will be managed to reduce conflicts between pedestrians and vehicles. Reversing aids, trained banksmen and clear signage will be used where necessary. Incident reporting for vehicle-related events is mandatory and will be investigated promptly.

Emergency procedures are in place for incidents such as spills, fire, injury and exposure to hazardous substances. First aid provisions are maintained and designated first-aiders are appointed. Emergency contact protocols and escalation pathways are documented and accessible to all staff without containing external contact details in this policy document.

Monitoring, auditing and review form a continuous improvement loop. Regular site inspections, toolbox talks and performance audits will be conducted. Findings will be used to amend risk assessments and safe work procedures. Non-conformances will be tracked and corrective actions implemented without delay.

Consultation and worker involvement are integral. Staff and their representatives will be invited to participate in safety meetings and risk reviews. Open communication ensures practical feedback is captured and used to improve arrangements. Records of meetings and consultations will be kept for governance and legal compliance purposes.

Record keeping and documentation: detailed records will be maintained for risk assessments, training, equipment maintenance, incident reports and waste transfer documentation. These records support legal compliance, enable trend analysis and provide evidence of due diligence in health and safety management.

Legal compliance: the organisation will meet all applicable health, safety and environmental requirements relevant to business rubbish clearance and waste removal services. This includes adherence to statutory duties, codes of practice and recognised industry standards. The policy will be reviewed annually or after significant operational changes to ensure alignment with legal and best-practice developments.

Policy adoption: this Health & Safety Policy is endorsed by senior management and applies across our service area. It will be communicated to all employees, contractors and relevant stakeholders. Continuous improvement is expected and supported through ongoing monitoring, training and active management of risks associated with rubbish removal, waste collection and commercial waste removal activities.