Health and Safety Policy — Commercial Waste Removal Teddington

Purpose: This document sets out the health and safety policy for our commercial waste removal operations serving businesses in and around the Teddington area. The policy applies to all staff, contractors and subcontractors engaged in commercial waste removal, rubbish collection and business waste disposal services. It is designed to minimise risk, ensure legal compliance and promote a safe working environment across all waste transfer, haulage and disposal activities.

The company recognises its duty to protect employees, visitors and members of the public. Responsibilities cover routine commercial waste collection, skip services, bulky rubbish removal and the handling of mixed waste streams. All personnel are required to follow safe systems of work, report hazards and cooperate with supervision to maintain standards.

Scope: This policy covers risk assessment, safe working practices, vehicle and plant operation, manual handling, personal protective equipment (PPE), hazardous material handling and incident reporting. It applies equally to on-site rubbish removal for commercial premises and to off-site transport and transfer. Key objectives include preventing workplace injury, controlling exposure to hazardous substances and avoiding environmental harm.

Senior management will ensure that adequate resources are available for the safe delivery of commercial waste removal and associated services. Managers are responsible for implementing this policy, arranging training, and ensuring that risk assessments are completed and reviewed. Supervisors must ensure that crews follow documented procedures and that equipment is maintained to a safe standard.

Employees and operative teams have a duty to work safely, use provided PPE and report unsafe conditions immediately. Any worker who becomes aware of an imminent danger must stop work and notify a supervisor. Every operative is expected to take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and others.

Risk assessments will be carried out for all tasks related to waste removal and rubbish clearance. Controls will be designated for high-risk activities such as handling hazardous waste, working near moving vehicles, and operating lifting equipment. Records of assessments, method statements and any control measures will be maintained and made available to staff.

Training is provided to ensure competence in all aspects of commercial rubbish removal and business waste handling. This includes induction training, refresher sessions, and task-specific training such as confined space awareness, COSHH basics for hazardous materials, and safe use of lifting appliances. Competence is assessed and recorded.

The company will implement a programme of regular supervision and safety inspections. Drivers and vehicle crews will receive training in vehicle loading, route safety, securement of loads and manual handling techniques to reduce musculoskeletal injury. Operators of mechanical equipment will be authorised only after competency checks.

Safe working procedures will be documented and communicated. Examples of control measures include:

• PPE provision such as gloves, hi-vis, safety boots and eye protection;
• Clear segregation and labelling of waste streams to avoid cross-contamination;
• Use of mobile equipment and banksman when reversing or manoeuvring vehicles;
• Supervised handling of hazardous or unknown wastes with immediate suspension if risk is unacceptable.

Vehicle safety and maintenance are critical. All trucks and plant used for rubbish removal and commercial waste transport must be serviced on a planned schedule. Pre-shift vehicle checks are mandatory. Loads must be secured, covered where necessary and comply with legal weight limits. Drivers must follow safe loading protocols and report defects without delay.

Incident and emergency procedures are established to address spills, fire, injury or other hazardous events. First aid provision and trained first-aiders will be available. Any incident must be reported, recorded and investigated to identify root causes and prevent recurrence. Spill kits and fire extinguishers are issued to crews and checked regularly.

Monitoring, review and continuous improvement: the policy will be reviewed annually or after any significant incident, change in legislation or operational shift. Audits, toolbox talks and performance metrics will drive continuous improvement in our waste removal operations. All staff are encouraged to contribute to safety by suggesting improvements and taking part in reviews.

Contractors and subcontractors engaged to deliver commercial waste services must demonstrate equivalent standards of health and safety. They will be assessed before engagement and monitored during works. The company will require evidence of training, insurance and safe systems of work for any external provider involved in rubbish removal or waste recycling.

Record keeping is maintained for training, risk assessments, maintenance, incident reports and statutory checks. These records form the basis for compliance verification and management review. Commitment to lawful, safe and environmentally responsible commercial waste handling underpins the operation.

This policy is supported by operational procedures, safe systems of work and management oversight. By following this policy, the organisation seeks to protect people, property and the environment while delivering reliable rubbish collection and commercial waste removal services across its service area.