Health and Safety Policy — Business Waste Removal Lee

Policy Statement: This document sets out the health and safety policy for the company operating commercial and business waste removal activities. Our objective is to protect employees, contractors, visitors and the public during all waste collection, handling and disposal operations. The policy applies to every aspect of our rubbish company operations, including collection, transfer, storage and transport of non-hazardous and hazardous materials. All personnel engaged in business refuse removal are required to comply with this policy and the associated procedures. The company will allocate adequate resources to maintain safe working systems and to ensure the wellbeing of everyone affected by our activities.

Responsibilities and Management

Management Responsibilities: Senior management are responsible for establishing and maintaining a safe system of work for waste removal services in Lee and adjacent service areas. This includes appointing competent supervisors, ensuring risk assessments are current, and monitoring compliance. Line managers must implement controls, provide suitable training and ensure appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is available and used. Employees must follow instructions, report hazards, and participate in safety training. Contractors engaged for commercial waste removal must demonstrate equivalent standards and provide evidence of their own safety arrangements.

Risk Assessment and Control Measures

Risk assessments will be conducted for routine and non-routine tasks, including manual handling, vehicle movements, loading and unloading, hazardous waste segregation and use of mechanical aids. Identified risks will be managed by elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls and PPE. Control measures include safe lifting protocols, secure containment for sharp objects and chemical containers, and the use of appropriate skip and bin securing methods. Records of assessments and control measures will be maintained and reviewed when operations or regulations change.

Training, Competence and Communication

Training and Competence: The company will provide targeted training for drivers, loaders and site staff to ensure competence in business waste removal tasks. Training covers manual handling, hazardous material recognition, spill response, vehicle safety and emergency procedures. Induction training is mandatory for all new staff and refresher courses are provided regularly. Communication of safety information is made through briefings, toolbox talks and documented procedures; staff are encouraged to raise concerns and contribute to continuous improvement of safety standards.

Operational Controls and Safe Systems of Work

Operational controls for the rubbish collection service include vehicle pre-use checks, route risk planning, secure waste containment, and segregation protocols for recyclable, non-recyclable and hazardous wastes. Work scheduling considers fatigue management, traffic conditions and weather. A permit-to-work system is used where required for confined spaces, machinery maintenance or high-risk activities. Safe systems of work will be documented and available to all employees, and adherence will be monitored by supervisors and safety personnel.

Personal Protective Equipment and Hygiene: Appropriate PPE such as gloves, high-visibility clothing, safety footwear and eye protection will be provided and maintained. Staff handling hazardous or sharps-containing waste will have access to puncture-resistant gloves and disposal containers. Handwashing, sanitising facilities and procedures for decontamination are mandatory following exposure or contact with contaminated materials. The company promotes a culture where PPE is considered essential and non-negotiable during operational tasks.

Vehicle, Plant and Equipment Safety

Vehicles and mechanical equipment used in commercial waste collection will be maintained to a safe standard and inspected regularly. Drivers will follow safe driving policies, secure loads appropriately and use vehicle aids such as tail-lifts and restraints correctly. Maintenance records, defect reporting systems and scheduled servicing are part of our vehicle safety management. Where plant or machinery is used, operators must be trained and authorised; lock-out/tag-out procedures will be applied during maintenance.

Hazardous Waste and Incident Management

Hazardous materials: Identification and segregation protocols for hazardous waste are strictly enforced. Staff receive training to recognise chemical, biological and sharps hazards and to follow emergency containment procedures. Spills and exposures are treated with predefined response plans, including containment, notification, cleanup and waste documentation. Incidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported immediately and will be investigated to prevent recurrence. Records of incidents and corrective actions are maintained for continual safety improvement.

Monitoring, Review and Legal Compliance: The company commits to complying with applicable health and safety laws and waste regulations relevant to a rubbish company service area. Regular audits, inspections and performance monitoring will be undertaken to ensure compliance and to identify opportunities for improvement. This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner in response to significant operational changes, incidents or legislative updates. Leadership will ensure that necessary adjustments are made and communicated promptly.