Business Waste Removal Health & Safety Policy — Hounslow Service Area

Purpose and scope: This Health and Safety policy sets out the approach and controls for business waste removal and associated commercial rubbish removal activities carried out in the service area. It applies to all staff, contractors and sub-contractors engaged in waste handling, transportation and disposal for commercial premises. The policy aims to protect employees, clients, visitors and the public by minimising risk during collection, loading, transportation and disposal operations. Responsibilities described here reflect a commitment to safe systems of work, proper training, and the provision of suitable equipment.

Policy statement: The company will provide and maintain, so far as is reasonably practicable, a safe working environment for the removal of business waste. We will comply with applicable health and safety requirements and implement proportionate controls for manual handling, vehicle operations, containment of hazardous materials, and site access. Managers will ensure that risk assessments are completed and reviewed regularly, and that employees are competent to perform their duties safely. Everyone must co-operate in following safe working practices to reduce incidents and maintain high standards of service across the rubbish company service area.

Legal and organisational framework: The organisation recognises its obligations under relevant health and safety law and expects all staff to follow internal procedures and safety notices. Line managers are responsible for ensuring that teams adopt safe methods for waste removal services including segregation of recyclables, containment of spillages, and secure loading of vehicles. A formal reporting procedure for hazards, near-misses and accidents will be maintained, with investigations to identify root causes and corrective actions. Where specialist waste types are encountered, the company will use accredited handlers following permitted disposal routes.

Risk assessments and safe systems of work

Risk assessments will identify hazards such as manual handling injuries, slips/trips, exposure to hazardous substances, vehicle movement, and confined space risks. Controls will include use of mechanical aids, two-person lifting for heavy items, suitable personal protective equipment (PPE), and clear segregation zones on client sites. All operational activities will be covered by method statements and permits where required. Regular site hazard checks will be carried out to ensure that the rubbish company remains responsive to changing conditions and service area requirements.

Training and competence: The company will provide appropriate induction and ongoing training to ensure staff are competent in safe waste handling, use of lifting equipment, safe driving practices for waste collection vehicles, and emergency procedures. Training records will be maintained and refreshed periodically. Workers will be briefed on how to recognise hazardous items in business waste streams — for example batteries, chemicals, asbestos suspect materials or sharps — and instructed on immediate steps to isolate and report such items to prevent harm to crews and the public.

Equipment, vehicles and maintenance

All plant, vehicles and tools used for commercial waste removal will be maintained to a high standard. Pre-start vehicle checks, secure load procedures, and routine servicing schedules reduce mechanical failure risks and environmental harm. Where lifting devices or compactors are used, certified inspections and operator training will be mandatory. The company promotes the use of appropriate containment such as lockable bins and covered skips to prevent spillage during transfer and transit within the rubbish collection area.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) and hygiene: Suitable PPE — gloves, high-visibility clothing, safety boots, eye protection and respiratory protection when required — will be provided and used. PPE decisions are based on risk assessment and task. Hygiene facilities, first aid kits and cleansing supplies will be made available to crews to mitigate infection risks from contaminated waste. Staff will be instructed in safe handwashing, wound care and reporting of any exposure incidents to ensure rapid response and appropriate medical follow-up.

Emergency response and incident management: The company will maintain emergency procedures for fires, vehicle incidents, chemical spills and personal injuries. Crews will be trained in basic emergency response, spill containment and communication protocols. All incidents will be recorded and reviewed to identify improvements. Insurance and contingency arrangements are in place to ensure continuity of commercial waste collection services while protecting health and safety for employees and contractors operating within the service area.

Monitoring, review and continuous improvement: Health and safety performance will be monitored through audits, inspections and performance indicators such as incident frequency and corrective action completion rates. Senior management will review this policy at planned intervals or following significant events to ensure it remains effective and aligned with operational needs for waste removal services. Staff consultation and involvement in safety decisions will be encouraged to promote ownership and continual improvement across the rubbish company service area.