Health and Safety Policy for Business Waste Removal Wandsworth

Policy statement: Our organisation is committed to maintaining a safe working environment for all staff, contractors and clients involved in business waste removal and commercial rubbish services. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the arrangements that govern safe operations for waste transport, collection and disposal activities within our service area. The policy applies across all commercial waste collection Wandsworth operations and associated works conducted on behalf of business customers.

Scope and objectives

This policy covers activities related to commercial waste removal, including routine rubbish removal in Wandsworth, skips, container handling, hazardous waste segregation, vehicle movements and site-based clearances. The objectives are to prevent accidents and occupational ill health, to ensure legal and regulatory compliance, and to promote continuous improvement in safety performance. All personnel must comply with the standards set out herein and cooperate with safety controls.

Accountability and responsibilities

Management holds the ultimate responsibility for health and safety performance and must provide adequate resources, leadership and oversight. Supervisors are responsible for implementing safe systems of work and ensuring staff are competent. Employees and contractors must follow safe working procedures, wear required PPE and immediately report unsafe conditions. Specific responsibilities include:

• Directors: establish policy, allocate resources and ensure legal compliance.
• Managers / Supervisors: maintain risk assessments, conduct toolbox talks and ensure equipment is safe.
• Operatives: carry out tasks safely, use PPE and report incidents.

Risk assessment and control measures

Risk assessments will be undertaken for all routine and non-routine tasks associated with waste collection and waste removal Wandsworth activities. Controls will follow the hierarchy of risk reduction: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls and personal protective equipment. Typical hazards include manual handling, vehicle movements, sharps and hazardous substances. Control measures include designated loading zones, vehicle banksman procedures, mechanical aids and safe segregation of materials.

Training, competence and supervision

All staff engaged in business waste services must receive induction training and job-specific instruction. Training covers: manual handling techniques, safe use of lifting equipment, hazardous waste awareness, confined space awareness (where relevant) and safe driving practices. Competence is assessed periodically and refresher training is provided. Supervisory oversight ensures that new or temporary operatives are closely monitored until deemed competent.

Safe systems of work

Standard operating procedures are maintained for vehicle loading/unloading, container exchange, site clearance and handling of specialist waste streams. Commercial rubbish clearance Wandsworth tasks that present increased risk require permit-to-work or method statements. PPE standards are specified for each task and compliance is mandatory. Equipment is regularly inspected, maintained and recorded to ensure operational safety.

Incident reporting and emergency procedures

All incidents, near misses and hazardous exposures must be reported promptly in accordance with internal reporting procedures. Incidents are investigated to determine root causes and to implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Emergency arrangements include spill containment, first aid provision, fire response and liaison with emergency services where required. Record keeping of incidents supports trend analysis and continuous improvement.

Monitoring, audit and performance

Routine inspections, safety audits and performance monitoring are used to assess compliance with this policy. Key performance indicators include incident rates, audit findings, training completion rates and vehicle safety checks. Where deficiencies are identified, corrective actions are assigned with clear timescales. This policy applies throughout our commercial service area and is reviewed periodically to reflect operational changes and evolving legal requirements for rubbish companies operating in the borough and neighbouring areas.

Contractors, third parties and site co-ordination

Where third-party contractors or subcontractors are engaged, they must demonstrate equivalent health and safety standards and provide evidence of competence. Site-specific arrangements will be agreed in writing, including access controls, vehicle routing, segregation of pedestrian and vehicle movements and communication protocols. Cross-organisational risks are managed through coordination meetings and clear allocation of responsibilities.

Policy review, communication and continuous improvement

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed at least annually or following significant incidents, regulatory change or operational modification. Changes are communicated to all staff through briefings, toolbox talks and documented updates. The organisation fosters a proactive safety culture by encouraging reporting, learning from events and recognising good safety performance. Commitment to improvement underpins our approach.

Enforcement and non-compliance

Failure to comply with safety requirements may result in disciplinary action or removal from work activities until competency is demonstrated. Managers will apply corrective measures fairly and consistently. The organisation will not compromise safety for operational expediency: safe delivery of waste removal services remains the priority.

Conclusion

This policy is endorsed by senior management and represents the minimum standard expected for all personnel engaged in Wandsworth business waste services, commercial rubbish removal and related operations. Strong oversight, competent personnel, effective controls and ongoing monitoring combine to reduce risk and protect the health of everyone involved. All employees are required to read, understand and implement this policy as part of their role in delivering safe, compliant waste management services.