Health & Safety Policy for Business Waste Removal Queens Park

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and procedures for safe operations carried out by our business waste removal teams working across the service area. It applies to all commercial rubbish collection, office clearance and industrial waste services in Queens Park and adjacent zones. The purpose of this document is to define responsibilities, reduce risk and ensure compliance with statutory obligations while maintaining a high standard of safety in every rubbish collection and business waste removal activity.

Scope and application: this policy covers commercial waste removal, on-site business waste collection, skip loading, vehicle operation and depot handling. All employees, contractors and subcontractors engaged in waste removal activities must follow the procedures set out here. The policy complements risk assessments and safe systems of work and is designed to be consistent with industry best practice for a rubbish company operating in a dense urban service area.

Key responsibilities include a clear allocation of duties: managers will ensure proper resources and training; supervisors will enforce safe working methods; drivers and operatives are required to follow instructions and report hazards without delay. Core duties include:

• Conducting pre-shift vehicle and equipment checks
• Following segregation and containment procedures for different waste streams
• Reporting and recording all incidents and near misses immediately

Operational Safety Measures

Risk assessment: before any business waste collection or rubbish removal task, competent staff must complete a dynamic risk assessment. This identifies hazards such as manual handling, traffic interaction, sharp objects, hazardous substances and unstable loads. Control measures will be documented and reviewed regularly to reflect changes in workload, site conditions or legislation.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) and training are central to safe operations. All operatives will be provided with appropriate PPE including gloves, high-visibility clothing, safety boots and eye protection where required. Training covers manual handling techniques, safe use of lifting gear, vehicle loading protocols and basic spill containment. The company maintains a training log and schedules refresher sessions to ensure competence in rubbish collection and commercial waste handling.

Vehicle and site safety: Vehicles used for business waste collection are maintained under a planned maintenance regime. Drivers must adhere to secure loading practices and safe driving standards while working within the service area. When operating at customer sites, crews will implement traffic management measures, use cones and signage where required and ensure pedestrian routes remain safe and accessible.

Hazardous Waste and Contamination Controls

Hazardous materials: where business waste removal encounters hazardous items (chemical containers, asbestos suspect materials, batteries, electronic waste), crews must isolate the material, avoid contamination of other loads and notify the supervisor. Disposal of hazardous waste follows controlled procedures and is carried out only through licensed facilities. Operators are trained to recognise common hazardous categories and to avoid any direct contact with suspect substances.

Manual handling and ergonomics: manual handling risks are mitigated through mechanical aids, two-person lifts and load planning. Operatives are instructed to assess each load and to avoid unnecessary lifting by using trolleys, skip loaders and tail-lifts. Proper lifting techniques and posture are reinforced in training to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries during refuse collection and commercial rubbish removal tasks.

Emergency procedures and incident response: the company maintains clear procedures for fires, chemical spills, sharps injuries and vehicle incidents. All operatives carry basic first-aid kits and know the escalation route for contacting emergency services. Incidents are to be reported and recorded in the incident logbook; serious events trigger an immediate investigation to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Monitoring and review: safety performance is monitored through routine site inspections, vehicle checks, toolbox talks and scheduled audits. Key performance indicators include near-miss reporting rates, training completion and vehicle maintenance adherence. The policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are significant operational changes or regulatory updates affecting rubbish removal or commercial waste collection.

Communication and consultation: the organisation promotes an open health and safety culture. Staff are encouraged to contribute suggestions for safer working methods, and representatives are involved in reviewing procedures. Regular briefings ensure that everyone involved in business waste collection understands their role and the controls required to work safely across the rubbish service area.

Policy enforcement: failure to comply with the policy may result in disciplinary action. However, the primary aim is to support employees to work safely through training, supervision and provision of the necessary equipment. The company commits to continuous improvement and to providing a safe working environment for all operatives and site visitors.

Record keeping: all risk assessments, training records, maintenance logs and incident reports are retained for audit purposes and to demonstrate due diligence. These records support consistent delivery of safe business waste removal services and provide evidence when reviewing operational safety measures.

Closing statement: this Health and Safety Policy aims to ensure that every rubbish removal operation within the service area is conducted with safety as the highest priority. Senior management endorses the policy and allocates resources required for its effective implementation. The company remains committed to protecting the health and safety of staff, customers and the public while delivering reliable commercial waste removal solutions.