Health & Safety Policy for West Hampstead Man with Van

This document sets out the health and safety policy for our man with van rubbish and waste collection operations. It applies to all staff, subcontractors and anyone working on behalf of the company within our service area. The policy addresses rubbish removal, waste collection and removal of unwanted items, emphasising prevention of harm, compliance with legal obligations and the maintenance of safe systems of work for household and commercial refuse. The objective is to ensure consistent, safe and environmentally responsible refuse clearance services across the service area.

Our senior management team recognises its duty to provide a safe working environment. Responsibilities are allocated as follows: senior managers will review and approve risk assessments and safe operating procedures; supervisors and drivers must implement controls and monitor day-to-day compliance; crew members are required to follow instructions and report hazards immediately. All employees have a duty to take reasonable care of their own safety and the safety of others. Everyone is empowered to stop work where there is an imminent risk. Strong leadership and clear communication underpin performance.

Risk assessment is central to our approach. We carry out documented assessments for routine tasks including manual handling during rubbish clearance, vehicle loading and unloading, use of trolleys and lifts, and handling of bulky or heavy items. Risk controls include safe lifting techniques, job rotation, use of mechanical aids and exclusion zones during loading. The policy covers rubbish clearance, junk removal and hazardous materials protocols. Records of assessments are maintained and reviewed whenever there is a change of working practice, new equipment or following an incident.

Training, Competence and Personal Protective Equipment

We require induction and ongoing training for all staff involved in waste disposal and removal tasks. Training covers manual handling, vehicle safety, load restraint, spill control, and identification of hazardous items. Staff must use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, high-visibility clothing, safety footwear and eye protection where necessary. The company provides fit-for-purpose PPE and ensures it is replaced or maintained as required. Competence is assessed and recorded; refresher training is provided annually or sooner if required by changes in operations.

Operational controls are documented in written procedures and include pre-shift vehicle inspections, secure loading methods, safe use of tail lifts and correct segregation of recyclable and non-recyclable materials. A practical checklist is used for vehicle checks and storage of equipment. The aim is to prevent load shifts, spills and hazards to the public during doorstep collections and on-site clearances. Safe routing and planning help minimise reversing manoeuvres and interactions with pedestrians.

Key control measures include:

• Pre-use checks of vehicles and lifting equipment.
• Use of mechanical aids for bulky items and team lifts for heavy loads.
• Segregation of hazardous refuse for specialist disposal.
• Clear communication and exclusion zones during loading.
• Documentation of incidents and near misses to drive improvement.

Hazardous Materials and Controlled Waste

Handling of hazardous items such as paint cans, solvents, batteries and asbestos-containing materials is strictly controlled. These items are identified at point of collection, segregated and stored securely until transferred to licensed waste handlers. Under no circumstances will staff attempt to dispose of controlled waste without appropriate authorisation. Compliance with hazardous waste regulations is mandatory and the company maintains records of all such disposals. Where doubt exists, activities are suspended and management consulted.

Incident reporting, first aid and emergency response arrangements are in place. All incidents and near misses must be reported immediately and recorded to allow investigation and preventive action. First aid equipment is provided in vehicles and at base locations. Emergency procedures include steps for dealing with spills, medical emergencies and vehicle breakdowns. The company supports return-to-work procedures following injury, aiming for safe, sustainable rehabilitation and adjustments where necessary to facilitate recovery.

Vehicle maintenance, driver competence and load restraint are critical to safe waste removal operations. Drivers receive route- and vehicle-specific training and are required to log daily checks. Loads are secured to prevent movement during transit and are covered when necessary to avoid littering. Fuel safety, secure storage of tools and lockable compartments are enforced. Regular audits of vehicle maintenance records and driver licences are conducted to ensure continued compliance.

Monitoring and review mechanisms ensure the policy remains effective. Performance is measured through safety audits, incident trends, staff feedback and regulatory updates. The policy will be reviewed at least annually or sooner if there are significant operational changes or legislative amendments. Continuous improvement is achieved through corrective actions, updated training and technology improvements that reduce manual handling and improve efficiency in rubbish and waste services.

The company is committed to promoting a culture where health and safety are integral to service delivery. All staff, contractors and partners are expected to cooperate with this policy and to contribute proactively to a safe working environment. Policies and procedures are available to all employees and are reinforced through toolbox talks, briefings and documented controls.

By adopting these standards we aim to deliver reliable, safe and compliant man with van services for rubbish collection, clearance and waste disposal within our operational area. This policy sets the legal and practical framework for managing health and safety risks and demonstrates our commitment to protecting people, property and the environment.