Health and Safety Policy — Commercial Waste Harlesden Services

Purpose: This policy sets out the approach taken by our commercial rubbish and waste collection teams to protect the health, safety and welfare of employees, contractors, clients and members of the public. Our aim is to provide a clear, practical and enforceable framework for safe operations across all waste and recycling activities in the service area.

Policy Statement

We are committed to maintaining a safe working environment, minimising risk from refuse collection, transfer and disposal, and ensuring compliance with applicable health and safety standards. This policy applies to all aspects of commercial waste handling, including skip services, compactors, bulk collections, and daytime or night-time haulage.

Responsibilities and Organisational Roles

Management is responsible for implementing and reviewing this policy, allocating resources for training and equipment, and ensuring legal duties are met. Line managers must carry out risk assessments and ensure that safe systems of work are in place.

Employees and contractors must follow safe working practices, report hazards promptly, use personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly and take reasonable care for their own safety and that of others. Supervisors will monitor day-to-day compliance and provide on-the-job coaching.

Consultation: We will consult with employees and appointed safety representatives about significant changes to operations and control measures. Regular safety briefings and toolbox talks form part of an ongoing communication programme.

Risk Assessment and Control Measures

Risk assessments are carried out for all routine and non-routine tasks, including but not limited to loading and unloading, manual handling of sacks and bins, operation of compaction equipment, and vehicle movements. The principal controls include:

• Safe working procedures for collection rounds, labelled and maintained equipment, and restricted access to vehicle loading zones.
• PPE requirements: hi-vis clothing, gloves, boots, eye protection and hearing protection where necessary.
• Mechanical aids and manual handling training to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injury.

Operational Safety for Rubbish Collection

Vehicles and plant are maintained under a documented inspection and servicing regime. Drivers and operators are checked for competence and fitness to work. Loading practices prohibit overloading, insecure loads and prohibited materials in general waste streams; hazardous or dangerous wastes are segregated and handled according to safe disposal procedures.

Hazardous Materials and Waste Streams

Certain commercial waste streams may contain hazardous items such as batteries, solvents, asbestos-containing materials, or sharps. Where such items are reasonably foreseeable, specialised handling procedures and containment are used. Employees are trained in identification and emergency measures and will not attempt to process suspect materials without appropriate equipment and authorization.

Emergency response and incident management are integral. Any spill, exposure, injury or near-miss must be reported immediately and recorded. The procedure includes securing the scene, giving first aid, notifying senior staff, and initiating any necessary clean-up or containment. Post-incident reviews identify root causes and follow-up actions to prevent recurrence.

Monitoring, audit and continual improvement: We maintain records of training, inspections, risk assessments and incidents. Regular audits and performance reviews assess compliance and effectiveness. Where opportunities to improve safety are identified, corrective measures will be implemented promptly and evaluated for effectiveness.

Training and Competence

Training programmes ensure that all personnel understand their responsibilities, legal obligations and practical controls. This includes induction training, periodic refresher courses, and task-specific instruction for drivers, loaders and plant operators. Training records are retained and reviewed as part of competence management.

Contractors and third parties engaged to provide services in the rubbish collection and waste management chain must demonstrate adequate safety standards, insurance and competence before work begins. Work by external contractors is supervised and integrated into site safety plans.

Performance targets: Safety performance is measured using leading and lagging indicators. Examples include frequency of risk assessments completed, near-miss reporting rates, and trend analysis of recorded incidents. These metrics support management review and continuous improvement.

Policy Review and Commitment

This health and safety policy will be reviewed at least annually or when there are significant changes to activities, equipment or legislation. The review process will consider audit outcomes, incident investigations, and stakeholder feedback. Our commitment is to a proactive and pragmatic approach to safety across all commercial waste operations and rubbish service activities within the service area.

Final statement: The organisation and all staff share responsibility for achieving high standards of health and safety. By following the controls and procedures described in this policy, we will reduce risk, protect people and maintain reliable, lawful waste and recycling services.

Approval: This policy is approved by senior management and forms part of the company's formal governance framework. It is available to employees and relevant stakeholders as part of our ongoing safety management programme.