Health and Safety Policy for Business Waste Removal Finchley

Purpose: This Health and Safety policy sets out the commitment of our commercial rubbish removal and business waste services to protect employees, contractors, clients and the public across our service area. The policy applies to all operational activities linked to business waste removal in Finchley and wider commercial waste collection work undertaken by the company. It defines responsibilities, procedures and monitoring arrangements to reduce risk and ensure compliance with statutory obligations.

Scope: The policy covers routine collections, on-site clearances, skip loading, transfer of waste to depots, vehicle operations and the handling of hazardous or regulated materials. It applies to all staff, including drivers, loaders, supervisors and subcontractors engaged in the removal of commercial waste, rubbish clearance and recycling services. The approach is precautionary, evidence-based and tailored to the specific risks posed by different types of waste streams.

Policy Statement: We are committed to maintaining a safe working environment and reducing health risks associated with the removal of business rubbish and commercial refuse. The company will provide the resources, training and equipment needed to achieve high standards of safety performance and protect the environment. All operations will be managed to ensure that incidents are prevented and legal obligations are met.

Responsibilities

Management holds overall responsibility for health and safety policy implementation, ensuring that risk assessments are completed and control measures maintained. Supervisors are responsible for day-to-day safety oversight on sites and in vehicles, and employees must follow safe working procedures and report hazards promptly. Everyone has a duty to take reasonable care for their own safety and that of others.

Risk assessment is central to our process. Formal assessments will be carried out for all common tasks including manual handling of sacks and bins, operation of lifting equipment, working near traffic, and handling potentially hazardous materials. Control measures include safe systems of work, use of mechanical aids, segregation of materials and clear communication of risks to site teams.

Training and Competence

All personnel will receive induction training, job-specific instruction and refresher courses. Training covers safe lifting techniques, correct use of PPE, hazardous waste identification, spill response and basic first aid. Competence is assessed and documented; only trained and authorised staff will operate vehicles, compactors or specialist waste handling equipment.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided and must be worn as specified: high-visibility clothing, gloves appropriate to the waste type, safety footwear and eye protection where required. Respiratory protection will be supplied for dusty or contaminated environments. PPE use is monitored and replacements provided when damaged or worn.

Vehicle safety and traffic management are controlled through vehicle maintenance programs, daily pre-start inspections, secure load procedures and safe routing. Drivers follow set procedures for vehicle loading, unloading and parking to minimise interaction with pedestrians and other road users. Loading bays and customer sites are assessed for safe access before work commences.

Special waste handling is managed by trained staff and follows statutory requirements for segregation, labelling and documentation. Sharps, chemicals, asbestos-containing materials and contaminated soils are identified and handled in accordance with regulatory controls and safe disposal pathways. When necessary, licensed carriers and authorised disposal facilities are used.

Emergency Response and Incident Reporting: Procedures are in place for accidents, spills and other emergencies. Staff must report incidents immediately and assist with containment and mitigation. All incidents are recorded, investigated and reviewed to prevent recurrence. Near-misses are treated as learning opportunities and form part of continuous improvement.

Waste segregation and site housekeeping are essential to reduce hazards. Colour-coded containers, clear labelling and secure storage prevent cross-contamination and reduce manual handling risks. Routine cleaning schedules and site inspections ensure that collection points are safe for staff and the public. Environmental protection is embedded in operations to limit pollution and nuisance.

Monitoring, audit and review will be maintained through regular safety audits, performance indicators and management reviews. We will measure compliance with legislation and internal standards and use findings to improve procedures. Annual policy reviews and updates will reflect changes in regulation, technology and operational learnings.

Subcontractors and Partners: Where subcontractors are used, they must demonstrate equivalent health and safety standards and comply with the company policy. Contracts will include specific safety requirements and monitoring to ensure consistent standards across the service area for rubbish removal and commercial waste management.

The company promotes a positive safety culture that encourages reporting, constructive feedback and shared responsibility. Health surveillance will be provided where occupational exposure necessitates it, and welfare arrangements ensure staff have access to facilities and support. Risk controls will be proportionate and justified by the nature of the task.

Conclusion: This Health and Safety policy is a living document designed to protect people, property and the environment during business waste removal operations. By following these principles—risk assessment, competent staff, clear procedures and continuous monitoring—we commit to high standards for all commercial waste and rubbish removal activities across our coverage area. The policy will be reviewed and updated regularly to maintain effectiveness and regulatory compliance.