Business Waste Removal Redbridge – Health & Safety Policy

Purpose: This Health and Safety policy sets out the commitments and procedures of our business waste removal operation, covering commercial waste removal in Redbridge and the wider rubbish company service area. The policy is designed to protect employees, contractors, clients and the public while ensuring that waste handling and disposal are carried out lawfully and safely. All staff must comply with this policy and associated safe working procedures.

Scope: This policy applies to every activity associated with business rubbish removal in Redbridge including collection, transport, sorting, storage and handover to authorised disposal or recycling facilities. It covers permanent employees, subcontractors, agency staff and any visitor engaged in or affected by our waste removal services. The document complements statutory duties and industry standards without attempting to restate specific legislation.

Responsibilities: Management is responsible for providing resources, training and oversight. Supervisors must ensure risk assessments are completed and reviewed. Employees are responsible for following safe systems of work, wearing required personal protective equipment and reporting incidents. Our rubbish removal service area operates under a clear chain of command so that accountability for health and safety is clear and enforceable.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems

Risk assessments are carried out for routine and non-routine tasks, informed by job-specific hazard identification. Risks commonly associated with business waste operations include manual handling injuries, vehicle incidents, exposure to sharps or hazardous substances and slips, trips and falls. Control measures are implemented following the hierarchy of control: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls and PPE.

Controls and Procedures: We maintain safe systems for loading, securing and transporting waste across the rubbish company service area. These procedures include vehicle checks, load restraints, segregation of hazardous materials, clearly marked storage zones and permitted waste acceptance criteria. Permits and documentation are used where applicable to ensure traceability and compliance with transfer note requirements.

Key protective measures include:

• Training: Induction and refresher training on manual handling, PPE use, COSHH awareness and emergency response.
• PPE: High-visibility clothing, gloves, safety footwear and eye protection provided as appropriate.
• Vehicle safety: Maintenance schedules, secure loading practices and safe driving policies for the waste collection fleet.

Handling Hazardous and Non-Hazardous Waste

We operate clear segregation procedures so that hazardous wastes are identified and handled separately from general commercial waste. Where hazardous materials are present, only trained personnel with appropriate equipment will manage them. Our waste removal policies emphasise early identification to reduce risk and ensure that transfer to licensed facilities is carried out safely and with full documentation.

Manual handling and ergonomics: Manual handling risk is mitigated by mechanical aids, team handling for heavy or bulky items and task rotation to minimise repetitive strain. Employees are encouraged to use equipment such as trolleys, sack trucks and mechanical lifters where provided, and to request assistance rather than attempt risky lifts.

Contractor and Site Management: Subcontractors engaged in commercial waste removal Redbridge operations must demonstrate equivalent safety standards and provide evidence of training, insurance and competency. Site supervisors will coordinate activities to prevent conflicts with other site operations and ensure permit-to-work systems where necessary.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures: All incidents, near misses and hazardous observations must be reported immediately. We maintain an incident reporting system that supports investigation, root cause analysis and implementation of corrective actions. Emergency procedures include first aid provision, spill containment, and liaison with emergency services. Regular drills are carried out to ensure preparedness.

Monitoring, Audit and Compliance: Routine inspections and audits of our waste removal activities and vehicles are conducted to ensure compliance with this policy. Performance indicators such as incident rates, training completion and audit results are reviewed by management. Continuous improvement is sought through corrective action plans and periodic policy reviews.

Training, Communication and Review: Effective communication of health and safety requirements is maintained through toolbox talks, written procedures and electronic updates. Training is role-specific and refreshed at appropriate intervals. This policy is reviewed at least annually or sooner following significant changes in operations, legislation or after a serious incident. All workers are expected to cooperate and contribute suggestions to improve safety.

Records and Documentation: We maintain clear records of risk assessments, training, vehicle servicing, waste transfer documentation and incident reports. These records support compliance and provide audit trails for regulatory or internal review requirements. Managers must ensure records are retained and accessible in accordance with operational retention schedules.

Welfare and Occupational Health: The physical and mental well-being of staff is a priority. Welfare facilities, access to occupational health where required and measures to reduce stress and fatigue related to shift patterns and route planning are part of the business waste removal company’s approach to a healthy workforce across the service area.

Policy Commitment: Management endorses this Health & Safety policy and will provide the necessary leadership, resources and direction to ensure its effective implementation. Employees and contractors are expected to take personal responsibility for safety and to support the continuous improvement of health and safety standards across the rubbish collection and business waste removal activities.