Health and Safety Policy — Business Waste Removal Sydenham

Our Health and Safety policy outlines the commitments and procedures of the company providing commercial waste removal across the service area. This policy is designed to protect employees, contractors, clients and the public while delivering professional rubbish collection and waste disposal services. It sets out responsibilities, risk management measures and the operational standards required to maintain a safe working environment in all routine and non-routine tasks.

Policy scope and objectives

The policy applies to all activities associated with waste and rubbish removal services in the service area, including site assessments, vehicle loading, transfer, segregation and disposal operations. Our objectives are to: prevent injury, minimise environmental risk, ensure regulatory compliance and maintain high standards of operational safety. The policy supports continuous improvement through incident reporting, monitoring and training.

This section details the core responsibilities and safe systems of work. Key responsibilities include:

• Management: provide resources, ensure risk assessments are current and enforce safety procedures;
• Supervisors: monitor day-to-day compliance and ensure staff are competent;
• Employees: follow safe working methods, report hazards and use PPE;
• Contractors: meet equivalent safety standards and collaborate on site-specific controls.

Risk assessment and control measures

Risk assessments are carried out for all waste handling tasks, from rubbish collection at commercial properties to bulky waste removal. Controls include safe lifting techniques, mechanical aids for heavy or awkward items, exclusion zones during collections and written procedures for handling hazardous or unknown materials. Where risks cannot be fully eliminated, they are reduced by implementing additional controls and providing appropriate PPE.

All vehicles, lifting equipment and containment units are inspected and maintained according to a documented schedule. Drivers and crew follow vehicle-loading protocols to prevent shifting loads, spillage and manual handling injuries. Communication devices, vehicle risk checks and route planning form part of operational controls to reduce road-related incidents during transfers between sites and disposal facilities.

Emergency procedures cover spill response, fire, vehicle incidents and first aid. Staff receive training on reporting incidents, securing scenes and notifying emergency services when required. Incident investigation is undertaken for every report to identify root causes and preventive measures, supporting an evidence-based approach to safety management.

Training and competence are central to safe rubbish removal service delivery. Regular induction, refresher courses and task-specific instruction ensure crews are competent in waste segregation, handling potentially hazardous materials and operating equipment. Training records are maintained and competency assessments are repeated periodically to ensure standards remain high across the service area.

Health monitoring is provided for roles with known exposure risks, including manual handling, dust, fumes and prolonged vehicle driving. Occupational health referrals are made when concerns arise and employees are encouraged to report work-related health issues promptly. The company promotes a culture of wellbeing, recognising that physical and mental health are integral to safe, effective service provision.

Operational controls extend to client sites where rubbish collection is performed. Site-specific briefings identify access limitations, segregated waste streams and any restrictions on vehicle movement. Crew members are instructed to prioritise safety over speed; where a collection cannot be performed safely, procedures require that the job is paused and escalated for management review and remedial action.

Monitoring, audit and review processes verify the policy’s effectiveness. Routine audits, toolbox talks and performance indicators track compliance and safety trends. Corrective actions are documented and implemented promptly. The policy is reviewed at defined intervals and whenever significant changes occur in operations, legislation or the composition of waste streams handled by the rubbish company.

Contractor and supplier engagement requires evidence of equivalent health and safety standards. This includes written method statements, proof of training and confirmation of vehicle maintenance regimes. Collaborative risk management on shared sites ensures consistent controls across all parties and reduces the likelihood of incidents during joint operations.

Statement of commitment: the company commits to providing the necessary resources to implement this policy effectively. All personnel are expected to actively support and comply with the provisions. By embedding these standards into everyday practice, we aim to deliver a safe, reliable and environmentally responsible waste removal service across the covered area, protecting people and property while maintaining professional rubbish and waste collection operations.