Health and Safety Policy — Commercial Waste Removal Putney

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitment of our commercial waste removal service to maintain safe working conditions for staff, contractors and the general public. It applies to all commercial waste removal activities including collection, transfer, sorting and disposal carried out by the rubbish removal Putney team and associated subcontractors. The aim is to reduce risk through clear procedures, competent personnel and documented controls. Safety is a priority in every operation and all personnel must follow this policy. Compliance with statutory obligations and industry best practice underpins our approach.

This policy covers scope, responsibilities and practical measures for delivering safe waste removal services. Key objectives include: prevention of injury, minimisation of environmental harm and ensuring that all commercial waste collection work is performed without danger to health. The policy applies whenever staff are performing duties related to commercial rubbish collection, including vehicle operations, manual handling, waste segregation and dealing with potentially hazardous materials. The following sections outline how we implement and monitor these objectives.

The policy is supported by a system of risk assessment, documented safe systems of work, training and incident reporting. Our obligations include identification of hazards associated with commercial waste management in Putney and adjoining service areas, assessment of risks, and implementation of proportionate control measures. We maintain records of assessments, inspections and training, and ensure that equipment is properly maintained. Where specialist waste types are encountered we will apply additional controls and, when necessary, engage authorised hazardous waste carriers in line with industry practice.

Responsibilities and Organisational Arrangements

Senior management has overall responsibility for ensuring this policy is implemented. Line managers are accountable for day-to-day application of safe systems of work and must ensure staff are fit, competent and provided with the correct personal protective equipment. Drivers and operatives must follow procedures, report hazards immediately and use correct lifting techniques. Contractors working alongside our teams must comply with our standards and provide evidence of their own risk controls. The following roles are defined to make responsibilities clear:

• Management: Policy implementation, resource allocation and review.
• Supervisors: Monitor compliance, coach safe behaviour and complete daily checks.
• Operatives and drivers: Operate vehicles safely, segregate waste and report incidents.

Risk Assessment, Training and Competence

We carry out documented risk assessments for all commercial waste removal activities and update them when changes occur. Training includes vehicle safety, manual handling, safe use of lifting equipment, segregation of recyclable and hazardous materials, and emergency response. Competence is confirmed through induction, practical assessments and periodic refresher training. Records of training and medical fitness checks are maintained. Underlying risks such as sharps, chemical contamination and bulky items are controlled through specified procedures and suitable PPE.

Operational Controls and Safe Working Practices

Operational controls are designed to manage the unique hazards of commercial waste removal. Vehicles are inspected daily and subject to routine maintenance. Loads are secured to prevent shifting in transit. Where hazardous waste is suspected, operations cease until the material is identified and handled by trained personnel or an authorised specialist. Safe working practices include:

• Segregation of waste at source and secure containment during transport;
• Use of mechanical aids and team lifts for heavy or awkward items;
• Clear communication and use of high-visibility clothing when working near traffic;
• Spill kits and containment measures readily available for accidental releases.

Maintenance of vehicles and plant is essential; pre-operational checks are mandatory and any defects are reported and corrected before use. Drivers must ensure their route planning minimises reversing and hazardous manoeuvres where possible and that public safety is maintained during collections. Waste transfer points are controlled to prevent unauthorised access and reduce manual handling risks.

Incident Reporting, Emergency Response and Health Surveillance

All incidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported promptly and investigated to prevent recurrence. Emergency response procedures address fires, spills, injury and site security issues. First aid provision and trained responders are available in accordance with the scale of operations. Health surveillance is provided where employees are exposed to specific risks requiring monitoring, and occupational health guidance informs return-to-work processes. Lessons learnt from incidents feed into updated risk assessments and training plans.

Documentation, record keeping and compliance monitoring are integral to this policy. Records include risk assessments, equipment maintenance logs, training records and incident reports. Regular audits and inspections evaluate performance against safety objectives and identify improvement opportunities. We will cooperate with regulatory inspections and provide evidence of compliance with applicable waste handling and transport obligations without disclosing confidential client information.

Policy review and continuous improvement: this policy will be reviewed at least annually or sooner if there are significant changes to operations, legislation or following serious incidents. Management commits to providing the resources necessary to implement the policy, and every employee is required to support its objectives. By working together and following the procedures set out here, we aim to deliver reliable, safe and compliant commercial waste removal and rubbish collection services that protect people and the environment.