Health and Safety Policy for Business Waste Removal Hoxton

Business Waste Removal Hoxton is committed to protecting the health, safety and welfare of its staff, contractors and the wider community while delivering professional rubbish removal and commercial waste services. This policy outlines our approach to managing risks associated with business rubbish collection, site operations and vehicle-based waste transport. It applies to all operational activities and service areas where we provide waste removal and clearance.

Our primary objective is to ensure that all work is carried out without risks to health or safety, and that every reasonable step is taken to prevent accidents, injuries and environmental harm. We expect all employees and subcontractors to cooperate with this policy and to follow the procedures and safe systems we set. This document forms part of our legal and ethical commitment to safe rubbish removal and compliance with relevant health, safety and environmental standards.

The scope of this policy covers: commercial waste removal, on-site rubbish clearance, transfer and secure transport of business waste, and disposal activities. It addresses normal operations, routine maintenance, and foreseeable emergency situations. The policy supports a systematic approach to risk assessment, control measures and continuous improvement for all aspects of our waste removal service.

Management will provide visible leadership, sufficient resources and clear arrangements for implementing this policy. This includes ensuring that vehicles, equipment and PPE are appropriate for the tasks, that legal requirements are met, and that safe working procedures for rubbish collection and waste handling are maintained. Managers are responsible for monitoring performance and taking corrective action where necessary.

Employees, drivers and contractors must follow site rules, attend required training and report hazards promptly. Key duties include:

• Carrying out tasks in accordance with risk assessments and safe systems of work.
• Using personal protective equipment and equipment correctly.
• Reporting incidents, near-misses and unsafe conditions immediately.
• Maintaining vehicle and load security during rubbish removal operations.

We will ensure all staff engaged in business waste removal are competent through induction, role-specific training, refresher courses and on-the-job supervision. Training covers manual handling, safe vehicle operation, spill response, segregation of waste streams, and handling of any identified hazardous materials. Certification and records of training will be kept and monitored to ensure ongoing competence.

Employees involved in commercial waste clearance will be trained in correct lifting techniques, the use of lifting aids, and the safe operation of tail lifts and loading equipment. Regular toolbox talks and briefings will reinforce safe rubbish collection practices and promote a positive safety culture across the service area.

We emphasise awareness of health risks such as sharps, biological contamination and hazardous substances that can be encountered during waste collection. Clear procedures are in place for reporting and isolating suspicious or hazardous items to reduce exposure and prevent harm.

Risk assessments will be undertaken for all activities related to waste removal and kept current. Controls will follow the hierarchy of risk management: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative measures and PPE. Safe systems of work and permits will be used where necessary to manage higher-risk tasks.

Vehicle safety measures include daily inspections, scheduled maintenance, secure load procedures and driver fatigue management. Our rubbish removal fleet is maintained to ensure brakes, lights, load restraints and tail-lift mechanisms are reliable and safe for use. Drivers are trained in route planning to minimise reversing and exposure to public hazards during pickups.

Segregation and handling: Waste streams are segregated to prevent cross-contamination and to facilitate compliant disposal. Hazardous or potentially hazardous materials are identified and isolated, with specific handling, containment and disposal measures. Spill kits, eyewash and first aid supplies are available to manage incidents promptly.

All incidents, near-misses and health concerns must be reported and investigated to identify root causes and prevent recurrence. We maintain records of incidents, corrective actions and lessons learned. Regular audits and inspections provide feedback on compliance and the effectiveness of controls for the waste removal service.

Performance indicators for our rubbish removal operations include incident frequency rates, training completion rates, vehicle inspection compliance and waste segregation accuracy. These metrics drive targeted improvements and ensure that our commercial waste clearance activities remain safe and resilient.

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner following significant change, incident or legislative update. The organisation is committed to continual improvement of health and safety performance in business waste removal, and to providing a safe, professional rubbish collection service. All staff should familiarise themselves with this policy and integrate its principles into daily work practices.