Health and Safety Policy — Business Waste Removal Uxbridge

This document sets out the Health and Safety policy for our commercial waste and rubbish removal operations. It applies to all activities associated with business waste collection, disposal and recycling across our service area. The purpose of this policy is to protect employees, contractors, clients and the public by establishing safe systems of work for a professional rubbish company service area while remaining concise and legally clear. We commit to preventing accidents and ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks and applying proportionate controls.

Scope, Responsibilities and Legal Compliance

Management holds the overall responsibility for the implementation, review and communication of this policy. Senior managers will ensure appropriate resources are available, that duties are delegated, and that policies are maintained in line with statutory obligations. All staff engaged in commercial waste removal, skip hire operations, and business rubbish collection are required to follow safe working procedures. Supervisors must ensure that operatives are competent and that site-specific risks are addressed prior to work commencing. Employees have a duty to cooperate, use provided protective equipment and report hazards promptly.

Risk Assessment and Control Measures

Risk assessments will be carried out for routine and non-routine tasks, including manual handling, vehicle loading, segregation of recyclables and handling of potentially hazardous wastes. Identified risks will be controlled by applying the hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls and personal protective equipment (PPE). Controls include safe lifting techniques, mechanical aids, traffic management plans, and secure load restraints. Records of assessments and any resulting safe systems of work will be retained and reviewed regularly.

Training, Competence and Communication

All employees, whether drivers, loaders or office staff, will receive induction training and documented role-specific instruction. Training covers site safety, waste segregation, spill response, use of PPE, and defensive driving for commercial waste vehicles. Ongoing refresher training and toolbox talks will reinforce standards. Communication of risks and safe methods is maintained via written procedures, signage and supervisor briefings, ensuring everyone understands their duties when performing business waste collection and rubbish removal tasks.

Personal Protective Equipment and Equipment MaintenanceAppropriate PPE such as hi‑vis clothing, gloves, safety boots and eye protection must be supplied and worn where identified. Equipment used for commercial refuse removal — including compactors, cranes, tail lifts and lifting aids — will be inspected and maintained according to manufacturers' instructions. Faulty equipment must be reported and withdrawn from service until repaired. Maintenance records and inspection checklists form part of the company’s safety assurance.

Emergency Preparedness and Hazardous Waste Handling: emergency procedures, including spill response, fire action and first aid, will be in place at all operational sites and vehicles. Procedures for the segregation, packaging and documentation of hazardous wastes follow relevant regulations and industry best practice; consignment notes and safe transfer procedures must accompany controlled materials. Employees are trained in emergency response and know how to summon assistance and secure the scene.

Vehicle Operations and Road Safety: drivers operating for a rubbish collection or commercial waste disposal service must hold valid licences and undertake vehicle daily checks. Loads must be safely secured to prevent shifting and loss during transit. Journey planning should consider load types, permitted routes and safe access for collection and delivery. Incidents involving vehicles are investigated to identify causal factors and to prevent recurrence, with corrective actions tracked to completion.

Contractors, Subcontractors and Site Visitors: contractors engaged to support waste handling or removal services must demonstrate their competence, have adequate insurance and comply with this policy. Subcontractors will be assessed prior to engagement and monitored during work. Visitors to operational areas are escorted, instructed on site rules and provided with necessary protective equipment. The company reserves the right to stop any work that poses an immediate risk to health or safety.

Incident Reporting, Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

All incidents, near misses and occupational illnesses must be reported without delay and recorded. Investigations proportionate to the severity of the event will be carried out to determine root causes and implement corrective measures. Performance is monitored through inspections, audits and review of KPIs such as incident rates, training completion and audit findings. Management will review this policy at regular intervals or following significant change, ensuring continuous improvement in safety performance for business waste removal and rubbish service operations.

The company encourages a positive safety culture where everyone is empowered to stop unsafe work, report hazards and suggest improvements. Leadership in health and safety is expected at all levels, and the organisation will provide the necessary systems, training and resources to deliver safe, compliant and reliable commercial waste management services. This policy is supported by documented procedures, risk assessments and records that demonstrate our commitment to protecting people and the environment.

Review and Signature: this policy will be reviewed at least annually and whenever there is a change in operations, legislation or following a significant incident. The review process includes consultation with staff and any appointed safety representatives. The revised policy, together with associated procedures, will be communicated to all affected parties. By adhering to these standards, our business aims to provide a safe and sustainable refuse and recycling service across the service area while meeting its legal and ethical obligations.

Implementation: managers are responsible for ensuring this policy is understood and implemented. Staff are required to cooperate and participate in safety activities. Together we will work to reduce workplace risks, protect health and support safe, efficient commercial rubbish collection, waste removal and disposal operations.