Health and Safety Policy — Commercial Waste Sutton

Purpose: This document sets out the health and safety policy for our commercial waste and rubbish removal services operating across our service area. It applies to all staff, contractors and subcontractors engaged in business waste collection, commercial rubbish clearance and related site operations. The aim is to protect employees, visitors, clients and the public by establishing clear expectations, controls and responsibilities. Safety is integral to every task, from depot operations to on-site waste handling.

Scope and Principles

The policy covers all activities connected with commercial waste management in the service area including skip services, commercial bin collections, bulky waste removal and recycling transfers. It is based on the principles of risk elimination, reduction through engineering and administrative controls, and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment. All operations will be carried out with respect for environmental safeguards and without compromising the well-being of our personnel or the public. Everyone has a role to play in maintaining a safe workplace.

Responsibilities and Organisation
Management will provide sufficient resources to implement this policy and ensure compliance. Line managers are responsible for day-to-day enforcement. Employees and contractors must follow instructions, report hazards and use provided safety equipment. Key responsibilities include:

• Carrying out and recording site-specific risk assessments before work begins.
• Following safe systems of work for manual handling and vehicle operations.
• Reporting incidents and near misses promptly so lessons can be learned.

Risk Assessment and Control Measures

Risk assessments will be conducted for routine and non-routine tasks, with particular attention to lifting operations, traffic management, confined spaces, and handling of potentially hazardous materials. Controls will follow the hierarchy of risk control and will include engineering measures, safe work procedures and supervision. Assessments will be reviewed when conditions change or following any incident.

Training, Competence and Supervision
All staff engaged in commercial rubbish services will receive induction training and task-specific instruction. Training topics include safe vehicle loading and securing of waste, correct use of lifting aids, manual handling techniques, and awareness of hazardous waste indicators. Supervisors will monitor compliance and provide refresher training as required to maintain competence.

PPE, Manual Handling and Vehicle Safety
Appropriate personal protective equipment such as high-visibility clothing, gloves, eye protection and safety footwear will be supplied and maintained. Drivers and loaders must secure loads to prevent shifting during transit. Manual handling will be minimised through mechanical aids, mechanical lifting plan implementation, and team lifts where necessary. All vehicles will be maintained to a high standard and operated only by authorised personnel.

Hazardous and Controlled Waste

The company will identify and segregate hazardous items from general commercial waste. Where specialist disposal is required, licensed procedures will be followed and appropriate documentation maintained. Spill kits and containment measures will be available for accidental releases or contaminated loads. Staff will be trained in safe handling, immediate containment, and notification procedures for hazardous occurrences.

Site Safety, Traffic Management and Public Protection
When working on customer premises or in public spaces, safe zones and signage will be used to protect the public and employees. Traffic management plans will be implemented for collections in busy areas, and banks of operations will be organised to reduce exposure to moving vehicles. Customers will be informed of safety requirements that affect site access where appropriate.

Incident Reporting, Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

All incidents, near misses and unsafe conditions must be reported immediately and recorded. Investigations will focus on root causes and corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Health and safety performance will be monitored through regular audits, toolbox talks and review of risk assessments. The policy will be reviewed at planned intervals or when significant changes occur to ensure ongoing suitability and effectiveness for commercial waste and rubbish removal operations.

Objectives and Performance
The organisation is committed to: maintaining a safe working environment; reducing work-related injuries and occupational ill-health; ensuring legal compliance; and promoting safe working behaviours. Performance indicators such as incident frequency, audit findings and training completion rates will be used to drive improvements across our business waste services and the wider service area.

Emergency Preparedness and First Aid
Emergency procedures are in place to respond to fires, major spills, medical emergencies and other critical events. First aid provisions and trained personnel will be maintained at depots and at designated sites. Emergency contacts and procedures will be clearly posted where operations are based and shared with teams during briefings.

Approval and Review
This health and safety policy is approved by senior management and will be communicated to all employees, contractors and relevant stakeholders involved in commercial waste operations. Regular review cycles ensure the policy remains aligned with operational changes and industry best practices for rubbish removal and business waste management across the service area.