Health & Safety Policy — Commercial Waste Removal Barnet

Purpose: This health and safety policy sets out the obligations and working standards for our commercial waste removal service in and around the borough. It applies to every employee, contractor and sub-contractor engaged in commercial waste removal, rubbish collection and waste transfer activities within our service area. The aim is to prevent injury, promote safe working and ensure compliance with applicable statutory duties without over‑stating local regulatory detail. Safety is central to our operational approach.

Scope and application

This policy covers all commercial waste services, including skip collection, bulk rubbish removal, secure waste disposal, hazardous material handling and associated vehicle operations. It applies to site-based work, roadside collections, depot activities and in-transit operations. Everyone involved in the waste collection and rubbish removal process must follow the protocols described here to minimise risk to staff, clients, contractors and the public.

Responsibilities and leadership

Management will ensure that adequate resources, training and supervision are provided. Site managers and team leaders are responsible for implementing the policy on the ground, conducting risk assessments and ensuring that safe systems of work are followed. All operatives must report hazards, near-misses and incidents promptly. Senior management will review performance and lead continuous improvement in commercial waste services and rubbish collection safety standards.

Employees and contractors must carry out their duties in a safe manner. This includes using designated personal protective equipment (PPE), following vehicle loading limits, adhering to segregation protocols for recyclable and non-recyclable materials, and complying with safe lifting techniques. The rubbish company service area will maintain documented competency records for duties that present higher risk, such as handling hazardous waste or operating mechanical lifting equipment.

Risk assessment and safe systems of work are core to this policy. Prior to any task, operatives must complete or consult the relevant risk assessment and method statement. Control measures may include exclusion zones during loading, use of banksmen for vehicle movement, traffic management for roadside collections, and clear communication when working adjacent to public access or client premises. Where additional controls are required, these will be documented and implemented before work commences.

Training and competence are non-negotiable. All staff involved in commercial waste removal must receive induction training, job-specific instruction and periodic refresher courses. Training covers manual handling, PPE use, vehicle safety, spill response and identification of controlled wastes. Records of training are maintained, and supervisory checks are carried out to confirm skills are applied correctly on site.

Equipment and maintenance: Vehicles, lifting gear, containers and PPE provided for rubbish removal activities must be fit for purpose and regularly inspected. Routine pre-shift vehicle checks, weekly inspections of mechanical handling equipment and immediate reporting of defects are mandatory. Faulty equipment must be removed from service until repaired or replaced to prevent accidental injury or environmental release.

Waste handling, segregation and storage protocols reduce exposure and cross-contamination risks. Staff must follow segregation rules for general waste, recyclables and designated hazardous streams. Sharps, clinical waste or unknown contents found during commercial waste removal should be isolated and reported to a supervisor for specialist handling. Safe storage at depots must ensure containment, signage and controlled access to prevent unauthorised handling.

Emergency response and incident management: The company maintains clear procedures for first aid, spill control, fire response and serious incidents. All operatives are trained to summon assistance and to preserve the scene for investigation. Incidents and near-misses are recorded, investigated and used to inform corrective actions. Lessons learned are communicated across the rubbish collection team to reduce recurrence.

Monitoring, review and continual improvement: Health and safety performance is monitored through regular audits, site inspections and safety meetings. Key performance indicators include accident rates, training completion, equipment inspection compliance and incident investigation closure. This policy will be reviewed at least annually or following a significant change in operations, equipment, legislation or after a serious incident to ensure its ongoing suitability for commercial waste services across our service area.

Employee obligations and conduct

All employees must:

• Follow the safe systems of work and risk assessments;
• Use PPE correctly and maintain personal cleanliness and hygiene when handling waste;
• Report defects, hazards and incidents without delay;
• Co-operate with training and monitoring activities;
• Respect the safety of the public and client property during rubbish removal activities.

Statement of commitment

The company is committed to protecting the health, safety and welfare of everyone affected by its commercial waste removal operations. Management will provide leadership, resources and continual oversight to achieve safe outcomes across our rubbish company service area. Employees, contractors and visitors are expected to uphold this commitment by acting responsibly and following the measures set out in this policy.

Review and compliance: This policy provides a framework for maintaining a safe working environment. It is supported by specific procedures, risk assessments and training records available to staff. Non-compliance may result in disciplinary action in line with company practice, but the primary objective is prevention and improvement through cooperation and learning.

Note: This document outlines internal policy and operational expectations for safe commercial waste removal and rubbish collection services across our operational area. It intentionally omits detailed statutory text and local legal references which are maintained in separate compliance documentation.

Approved by: Senior Management Team — Health & Safety Lead. Review date: as recorded in the company review schedule.