Health and Safety Policy — Commercial Waste Removal Coney Hall
Purpose: This Health and Safety policy defines the standards and expectations for safe operations performed by our commercial rubbish company service area. The policy sets out the responsibilities of management, supervisors, and operatives engaged in commercial waste removal, ensuring a consistent approach to risk control, incident prevention, and compliance with applicable health and safety obligations. The statement applies to all operational activity including skip hire, commercial rubbish collection, hazardous waste handling and transport of materials from business premises and construction sites.
Policy scope and objectives
The objective of the policy is to protect employees, contractors, visitors and the public by identifying hazards, assessing risks and adopting proportionate controls across the rubbish removal service area. Our aim is to reduce workplace injuries, occupational ill health and environmental incidents by implementing safe systems of work, providing appropriate training, and maintaining equipment and vehicles to a safe standard. This document supports continuous improvement and will be reviewed regularly to reflect changes in operations or legislation.
Accountability and responsibilities
Management is responsible for ensuring resources are available for health and safety, for enforcing safe working procedures and for overseeing compliance in the waste removal service area. Supervisors and team leaders must ensure day-to-day adherence to procedures and provide supervision. Operatives are required to follow instructions, use provided controls, and report hazards or incidents without delay. Everyone has a duty to cooperate, and failure to comply may lead to disciplinary measures.
Risk assessment and control measures: Routine risk assessments will be carried out for all routine and non-routine tasks, including manual handling, vehicle loading and unloading, working at height, and working near traffic. The risk assessment process will identify hazards, determine appropriate control measures and record residual risk. Controls will follow the hierarchy of prevention, including elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative actions and personal protective equipment (PPE). Procedures will be documented for the commercial rubbish collection and waste transfer processes.
Training and competency: All staff will receive induction training covering safe working practices for the rubbish collection area, correct use of PPE, emergency procedures, and waste segregation requirements. Job-specific training will be provided for drivers, plant operators and personnel handling hazardous or regulated waste. Training records will be maintained and refresher training scheduled to ensure competence is sustained. Contractors engaged to support the commercial waste removal service area must demonstrate competency and adherence to our safety standards.
Safe systems of work and equipment: Vehicles, lifting equipment and containment systems will be inspected and maintained in accordance with manufacturer guidance and legal requirements. Locked and secure storage will be provided for hazardous materials prior to transfer. Permit-to-work and lock-off procedures will be used where necessary. Operational checklists will be completed daily, and any defects reported and rectified before use. The company promotes mechanical aids and team lifting to minimise manual handling injuries.
Incident reporting and investigation: All accidents, near misses and environmental incidents must be reported immediately and recorded. Investigations will be proportionate and aim to identify root causes and preventive actions. Lessons learned will be communicated across the rubbish removal service area and incorporated into training and procedures. The company supports a no-blame reporting culture that encourages prompt reporting so that corrective measures can be taken.
Emergency preparedness and first aid: Emergency procedures will be in place for fires, spills, vehicle incidents and medical emergencies. First aid facilities and trained first aiders will be available during operational hours. Emergency contact and escalation protocols will be documented and rehearsed through drills. Spill response kits and containment materials must be carried where hazardous or contaminated waste is handled during commercial waste removal operations.
Monitoring, review and continual improvement: The effectiveness of this policy will be monitored through audits, inspections and performance metrics such as incident rates, training completion and equipment inspection records. Internal and external audits will inform corrective actions and opportunities for improvement. Management will review the policy annually or sooner following significant change. The policy demonstrates our commitment to a safe, compliant and professional waste collection and rubbish disposal service area.
- Key commitments: Comply with legal requirements, implement risk controls, maintain competency, and promote a positive safety culture.
- Communication: Safety information will be communicated via briefings, notices and written procedures tailored to the commercial rubbish removal service area.
- Responsibility: Line management retains overall responsibility for safe systems, while each worker must take reasonable care of their own safety and that of others.
Approval: This Health and Safety policy is approved by senior management and is mandatory for all staff and contracted personnel operating within the commercial waste removal Coney Hall operations. It will be maintained as a live document and made available to all employees to ensure clear understanding of safety expectations and continuous protection of people and the environment.
