Health and Safety Policy — Business Waste Removal Muswell Hill

Introduction: This Health and Safety policy sets out the standards and procedures for business waste removal operations across our commercial service area. It applies to all staff, contractors and visitors engaged in rubbish collection, commercial waste collection and disposal activities to ensure a safe working environment and consistent risk management for a professional rubbish company service area.

We are committed to complying with relevant health and safety regulations and recognised industry best practice. The policy outlines responsibilities, safe systems of work, training, equipment, monitoring and emergency arrangements for business rubbish service personnel and associated teams.

Key principles include: risk assessment before work, safe handling of waste, use of suitable personal protective equipment (PPE), vehicle and site safety procedures, and documentation of incidents and audits to maintain continuous improvement in commercial refuse operations.

Responsibilities: Senior management retains overall responsibility for ensuring adequate resources and oversight. Site managers, supervisors and crew leaders must implement this policy daily during collections, transfer and disposal of business waste in Muswell Hill and surrounding service locations.

Employees and contractors must follow established procedures, report hazards promptly, and use PPE as required. Everyone is expected to cooperate with training, participate in risk assessments and contribute to safe working practices for waste removal and rubbish collection services.

Supervisory tasks include ensuring toolbox talks are conducted, safe loading practices are observed, and that all staff are fit for duty. Supervisors will also ensure vehicle checks and equipment inspections are completed before operations commence.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

All routine and non-routine activities will be subject to documented risk assessments. These will consider manual handling, hazardous materials, sharps, chemical contamination, traffic interaction, and lifting equipment used in commercial waste collection.

Control measures will be proportionate and may include mechanical aids, segregation of waste types, specialist containment for hazardous or clinical waste, and clear procedures for dealing with fly-tipped or poorly contained loads encountered during rubbish removal services.

Permitted methods must be followed for waste sorting, handling and storage to prevent injury and environmental harm. Staff will be trained in safe lifting techniques and in recognising risks associated with different kinds of commercial refuse.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Equipment Safety

Appropriate PPE (gloves, hi-vis clothing, safety footwear, eye protection and respiratory protection where required) will be supplied, maintained and used by all operatives on site and during transport. The company will ensure PPE is compatible with tasks performed during business waste removal activities.

All mechanical equipment, hydraulics and lifting gear will be inspected regularly and subject to preventive maintenance. Defective equipment will be removed from service immediately and reported through the maintenance system to prevent incidents during rubbish collection operations.

Vehicle and Traffic Management

Vehicles used for commercial waste collection will be roadworthy and operated by trained drivers. Loading procedures and load security are crucial to protect staff and the public. Drivers must observe local traffic regulations and site-specific access controls to reduce roadside hazards associated with rubbish removal services.

Where work occurs near public thoroughfares, appropriate signage, cones and barriers will be used to segregate operations. Operations near footpaths will include measures to protect pedestrians and cyclists from hazards related to collections and container movements.

Training, Communication and Competence

All staff will receive induction training covering this Health and Safety policy, emergency procedures, and specific operational risks. Job-specific training — including safe handling of commercial refuse, hazardous waste awareness and safe vehicle operation — will be provided and documented.

Communication channels for reporting hazards, near misses and incidents are maintained and promoted. Regular safety meetings and toolbox talks will reinforce expectations for safe working during business waste removal operations.

Incident Management and Emergency Response

Incident reporting is mandatory for all events that compromise safety, including near misses, injuries and environmental releases. A clear investigation process will identify root causes and corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Emergency procedures include immediate actions for injury, spill containment, fire response and communication with emergency services where necessary. Staff will be trained in first aid and emergency coordination relevant to their duties in commercial rubbish and business waste removal roles.

Monitoring, Audits and Continuous Improvement

Performance will be monitored through inspections, audits and review of incident records. Key performance indicators related to safety, compliance and near-miss reduction will be tracked and reported to management to drive improvements in waste management operations.

Policy review: This document will be reviewed periodically and updated when changes in legislation, operations, equipment or organisational structure occur. Stakeholder input and lessons learned from audits and incidents will inform continuous enhancement of safety practices.

Additional Controls and Commitments

Key controls implemented include:

• Regular, documented risk assessments for all collection tasks
• Mandatory PPE and competency checks
• Vehicle and equipment maintenance schedules
• Clear waste segregation and safe disposal protocols
• Incident reporting, investigation and corrective action systems

Final Statement

Commitment to safety: The organisation recognises that safe, compliant and responsible business waste services require active management, employee engagement and ongoing review. By adhering to this Health and Safety policy, the company aims to protect people, property and the environment in the delivery of rubbish removal, commercial waste collection and related services.

Signed on behalf of the organisation: The policy is issued as the authoritative statement of safety expectations and will be made available to employees and contractors as part of operational instructions for business waste operations.