Health and Safety Policy for Business Waste Removal Greenwich

Purpose: This Health and Safety policy sets out the principles, responsibilities and procedures for providing a safe and healthy working environment for everyone involved in Business Waste Removal Greenwich and related commercial waste collection activities. The policy covers commercial refuse handling, site operations, vehicle loading and unloading, and the management of hazardous and non-hazardous materials. It is intended to protect employees, contractors, clients, visitors and the public while ensuring waste and rubbish services are delivered reliably and responsibly.

Scope: The policy applies to all business waste removal operations, including business rubbish removal in Greenwich and surrounding service areas, whether on client premises, transfer stations, or in transit. It includes routine collections, one-off clearances, recycling activities and the storage and transport of segregated waste streams. All staff and subcontractors must understand and comply with this policy as a condition of engagement.

Legal and regulatory compliance: The company will comply with applicable health and safety legislation, environmental regulations and transport rules relevant to commercial waste removal and recycling services. Management will maintain current awareness of statutory requirements and industry guidance, implementing updates through written procedures, training and supervision. Records of risk assessments, method statements and vehicle inspection logs will be retained and made available for inspection where required.

Responsibilities and accountabilities

All staff have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others affected by their actions. Specific responsibilities are:

Management must ensure that:

• Risk assessments for routine and non-routine tasks are completed and reviewed.
• Safe systems of work and written procedures are in place for waste handling, segregation and disposal.
• Appropriate training, supervision and personal protective equipment (PPE) are provided and maintained.

Employees and contractors

Employees and subcontractors engaged in business waste collection must:

• Follow risk assessments and method statements.
• Report hazards, incidents and near misses promptly.
• Use PPE such as high-visibility clothing, gloves, safety footwear and eye protection when required.

Failure to follow safety procedures may lead to disciplinary action or suspension of subcontracted services.

Risk management and safe systems of work: The company will identify, evaluate and control risks associated with waste removal tasks. Controls include mechanical aids to reduce manual lifting, designated loading zones, traffic management for on-street collections, and secure containment for sharps, chemicals or fluids. A hierarchy of controls will be applied: eliminate hazards where practicable, substitute less hazardous processes, apply engineering controls, and rely on administrative controls and PPE as necessary.

Training and competence: Staff will receive induction training and regular refresher sessions covering safe handling of waste, manual handling techniques, hazardous waste procedures, spill response, vehicle operation safety and emergency procedures. Training records will be maintained to demonstrate competence for specific responsibilities, including drivers and operatives engaged in bulky waste removal and hazardous material segregation.

Incident reporting and investigation: Any accident, injury, environmental release or near miss must be reported immediately through prescribed channels. Management will investigate incidents to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Where required by law, incidents will be notified to regulatory authorities, and records of investigations, remedial actions and lessons learned will be retained.

Equipment, vehicles and maintenance

Vehicle and equipment safety is central to an effective rubbish removal service. All vehicles used for business waste and commercial rubbish collection will undergo routine maintenance checks, including brakes, lights, securing equipment and load containment systems. Daily pre-start checks are mandatory and documented; defects will result in immediate withdrawal from service until rectified.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) and health

Appropriate PPE will be provided and its use enforced for tasks with identified risks. The company recognises health risks including musculoskeletal injury, dust and aerosol exposure, and biological hazards when handling contaminated waste. Health surveillance will be arranged where activities indicate significant occupational health risks.

Monitoring and continuous improvement: The company will monitor safety performance through audits, inspections and key performance indicators such as incident frequency and corrective action completion. A culture of continuous improvement will be fostered where staff are encouraged to suggest safer working methods. Management will review this Health and Safety policy at least annually and whenever there are significant changes to operations to ensure ongoing relevance and effectiveness.

Conclusion: This Health and Safety policy governs safe operations for business waste removal, commercial rubbish clearance and associated services. By adhering to the procedures and responsibilities outlined here, the organisation commits to protecting people, property and the environment while delivering dependable waste removal services. All personnel must familiarise themselves with this policy and participate actively in its implementation.