Health & Safety Policy — Commercial Waste Removal Hoxton

This policy sets out our commitment to safe, compliant and sustainable commercial rubbish removal and waste management operations in and around the service area. The aims are to protect staff, clients, contractors and the public while delivering reliable commercial waste removal and commercial rubbish clearance services. It outlines responsibilities, safe working arrangements, training expectations and continuous improvement measures for all waste collection, transfer and disposal activities.

Scope and Responsibilities

This policy applies to every employee, subcontractor and authorised representative engaged in the provision of commercial waste removal and Hoxton-area rubbish collection services. Management will ensure that health and safety is integrated into planning and everyday operations. Employees are expected to follow safe systems of work, report hazards promptly and take appropriate action to reduce risk. The company will provide appropriate resources and oversight to maintain safe commercial waste disposal practices.

Risk Assessment & Operational Controls

We undertake documented risk assessments for routine and non-routine tasks, including manual handling, vehicle operations, load containment, and working in confined or public spaces. Controls are implemented on a hierarchy basis: elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative controls and personal protective equipment. Key controls include:

• Task-specific risk assessments completed before new or changed activities.
• Safe loading and segregation protocols to prevent contamination and spillage.
• Traffic management measures for collections in public streets and customer sites.

Personal Protective Equipment & Hygiene

Employees and contractors will be provided with and required to wear appropriate PPE for commercial waste removal tasks, including hi-vis clothing, gloves, eye protection and safety boots. PPE use is mandatory where controls do not fully remove risk. Work clothing and PPE must be maintained in good condition; contaminated items should be handled as hazardous waste until assessed. Emphasis is placed on hand hygiene and avoiding manual contact with hazardous or unknown materials during rubbish clearance.

Emergency Procedures and Incident Reporting

The organisation maintains clear emergency arrangements for spills, fires, vehicle incidents and medical emergencies. All staff must know how to summon assistance, isolate hazards and use spill kits or firefighting equipment when trained to do so. Incidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported immediately and recorded. Investigations will identify root causes and corrective actions to prevent recurrence. First aid provision and trained responders are available across operations.

Hazardous Waste & Specialist Handling Certain wastes encountered during commercial rubbish collection may be hazardous or subject to special controls. These include chemical containers, asbestos-containing materials, sharps and electronic equipment. The company will ensure hazardous items are identified, segregated and handled by authorised personnel using specific procedures. Safe containment, labelling and transport arrangements are required to prevent environmental release and protect handlers. Key measures include:

• Use of sealed containment for hazardous loads and leak prevention methods.
• Clear labelling and segregation of suspect wastes to prevent cross-contamination.
• Engagement of certified hazardous waste contractors for specialised disposal tasks.

Vehicle Safety, Equipment Maintenance & Environmental Controls

All vehicles and mechanical handling equipment used in commercial waste operations are subject to routine inspection, servicing and statutory checks. Drivers/operators receive training on safe loading, securement and reversing procedures, and systems are in place to manage vehicle emissions and spillage prevention. Environmental controls include waste minimisation, segregation for recycling, and measures to avoid litter and contamination during transfer and storage. Monitoring programs assess performance against recycling and recovery targets while ensuring compliance with environmental obligations.

Training, Competence and Contractor Management We commit to ongoing training and assessment to ensure all operatives are competent in safe working practices for rubbish removal, waste segregation and customer site operations. Competence records are maintained and refresher training is provided when processes or equipment change. Contractors and supply chain partners must demonstrate equivalent health and safety standards before engagement; regular audits and supervision ensure consistent practice across all commercial waste removal activities.

Monitoring, Review and Continual Improvement

Performance is regularly monitored through inspections, audits and safety performance indicators. Management reviews this policy at least annually or after significant incidents, operational changes or regulatory updates. The organisation encourages reporting of safety suggestions and implements improvements to reduce risk and enhance service delivery. This policy demonstrates a continuing commitment to safe, professional and responsible commercial waste collection, clearance and disposal services across the service area.