Health and Safety Policy — Business Waste Removal Woolwich

This document sets out the formal Health & Safety Policy for our commercial rubbish removal operations. It applies to all employees, contractors and subcontractors engaged in Woolwich business waste removal and related site services. The aim is to protect people, property and the environment by ensuring safe working systems, competent supervision and effective risk management across our service area.

Our organisation recognises its duties under general health and safety principles and adopts a precautionary and proportionate approach to risk. The policy embraces safe handling of waste streams, secure vehicle loading for rubbish collection, and procedures to prevent incidents during commercial waste collection Woolwich operations. Management commits resources to maintain standards, training and continuous improvement.

We require all staff to follow operational controls and safe systems of work that reflect the nature of the waste removal service. This includes correct segregation, manual handling techniques, use of lifting aids, and the safe operation of compaction and containment equipment. Every team member must report hazards, near-misses and incidents promptly so that preventive measures can be implemented without delay.

Roles, Responsibilities and Competence

Managers and supervisors have defined responsibilities for health and safety during rubbish removal service activities. They must ensure that all operatives receive adequate induction, job-specific training and supervision. Employees are responsible for following instructions, wearing issued PPE and taking reasonable care for their own safety and that of others.

We maintain records of qualifications and training for operatives delivering waste collection services. Recruitment and contractor selection includes verification of competence and safety performance. Contractors must comply with our policy when undertaking commercial waste collection work, and we will monitor compliance through spot checks and audits.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Systematic risk assessments are conducted for routine and non-routine tasks, including site visits, hazardous waste handling and vehicle manoeuvring. Assessments identify control measures relevant to a specific site or client premises, and outcomes are communicated to teams. Controls may include exclusion zones, traffic management, fall prevention and safe use of mechanical aids.

Our operational procedures emphasise manual handling best practice for bulky or awkward waste items commonly encountered by a rubbish removal company in the area. We require the use of mechanical assists for heavy loads and provide guidance on two-person lifts, correct posture and staged lifting. Manual handling controls are periodically reviewed to reflect changing task profiles.

The policy outlines the hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative measures and personal protective equipment. In practical terms this means selecting safer containers, using sealed bags for contaminated waste, and implementing timed collection windows to reduce exposure to public traffic during peak hours.

Incident Reporting, Investigation and Emergency Response: All incidents, injuries and near-misses must be reported immediately. We will investigate to identify root causes and implement corrective actions. Emergency procedures are documented and rehearsed, covering spill response, first aid and coordination with emergency services when necessary. First aiders and trained personnel are available across our fleet.

Health surveillance and wellbeing measures are applied where staff are exposed to dust, biohazards or repetitive tasks. Vaccinations, respiratory protection programs and routine medical checks are provided where appropriate. Mental health and fatigue management are acknowledged as critical to preventing accidents in the rubbish clearance sector.

Equipment maintenance is central to safe operations. Vehicles, compactors, lifting equipment and PPE are subject to scheduled inspections and records are retained. Faulty equipment is removed from service until repaired. Safe fuel handling, battery charging and electrical safety procedures form part of our maintenance regime.

We maintain clear communication with clients and site contacts about hazards, access constraints and permitted working hours. Prior to commencing work at any commercial premises, a pre-task briefing summarises risks and controls. Where necessary, a written method statement will be agreed to align expectations and responsibilities for both the business waste removal team and the client.

Monitoring, review and continuous improvement form the core of our safety management. Performance indicators include incident rates, audit results and corrective action closure times. Regular management reviews ensure the policy remains proportionate, legally compliant and effective for commercial rubbish collection activities across the service area.

To reinforce compliance, we publish clear rules on substance misuse, mobile device use near active operations, and safe access to customer premises. These rules are supported by disciplinary procedures for serious breaches, and by recognition of safe behaviours that protect staff and the public.

In summary, this policy provides a structured approach to risk control for business waste removal Woolwich operations, prioritising the protection of people and the environment. It is reviewed at least annually or after significant change, and is available internally to all personnel involved in waste removal, collection and disposal tasks.