Health and Safety Policy for Business Waste Removal West Ham

This policy sets out the commitment of the company to provide a safe working environment for employees, contractors and members of the public affected by our operations. It is written specifically for business waste removal activities and is optimised for the rubbish company service area but remains applicable across the wider waste management and collection environment. The aim is to prevent injury and ill health, ensure compliance with applicable statutory duties and promote a culture of continuous safety improvement.

The policy applies to all staff engaged in the collection, transport, handling, transfer and disposal of commercial and business waste. Senior management will ensure that adequate resources are provided to implement, maintain and review this policy and the associated procedures. Managers have a duty to apply safe systems of work, to carry out risk assessments and to ensure that controls are effectively implemented in every rubbish removal service operation.

Employees, drivers and operatives are expected to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and to cooperate with the company in the application of this policy. Training and competence are essential: all operatives will receive induction training, job-specific instruction and refresher courses covering manual handling, vehicle safety, segregation of materials and dealing with hazardous or unknown waste. The company will provide appropriate personal protective equipment and ensure its use through supervision and enforcement of safe behaviour.

Risk Management, Vehicles and Site Control

Vehicle and site safety are central to our waste collection and rubbish removal service area standards. Regular vehicle inspections, maintenance records and secure loading procedures must be maintained. Site-specific assessments will identify hazards such as traffic interaction, unstable waste loads and presence of sharps or chemical containers. Loading and unloading will be supervised and managed to prevent falls, crushing and spill incidents.

Waste segregation and handling requirements are set out to reduce exposure to biological, chemical and physical hazards. The company operates a clear procedure for identifying potentially hazardous loads, isolation and containment, and assigning specialist disposal routes. Where hazardous materials are suspected, the operative must cease handling and notify a supervisor. The following controls are applied as a minimum:

• Pre-collection checks to ensure waste is suitable for standard collection.
• Use of PPE including gloves, high-visibility clothing, eye protection and respiratory equipment when needed.
• Segregation of recyclable, non-recyclable and hazardous streams to protect operatives and the environment.

Contractors and temporary staff must meet the company's competence and insurance requirements before undertaking duties in any rubbish collection service area. Records of training, qualifications and equipment issue are retained and reviewed periodically to demonstrate compliance and to support continuous improvement.

Accident Reporting, First Aid and Emergency Response

All incidents, near-misses and occupational illnesses must be reported without delay using the company's incident reporting procedure. Immediate first aid arrangements will be in place at central depots and suitable provision made for mobile teams. Emergency procedures cover spill containment, fire, chemical release and vehicle incidents. The aim is to preserve life, minimise harm and preserve evidence for investigation.

Records of incidents, investigations and corrective actions will be maintained. The company undertakes periodic drills and reviews of emergency plans to ensure that response is effective and that lessons learned are incorporated into training and procedures across the rubbish removal service operations.

Monitoring, audits and inspections form the backbone of our assurance process. Routine site inspections, random vehicle checks and documented internal audits will assess compliance with this policy. Performance metrics, such as incident rates, training completion and vehicle defect rectification times, are reported to senior management for review and action. Where non-conformance is identified, corrective action will be taken promptly and effectiveness verified.

The company is committed to continuous improvement and regular review of this Health & Safety policy to reflect changes in operations, legislation and best practice relevant to the waste sector and the broader rubbish company service area. Reviews will occur at least annually, or sooner following significant incidents, changes in operations, or the introduction of new equipment and processes. Employees will be informed of changes and involved in developing practical controls.

Disciplinary procedures will be applied where unsafe acts or wilful breaches of policy occur. The company will also work collaboratively with local authorities, regulators and industry partners to ensure that business waste removal activities are carried out safely and responsibly. Environmental protection and safe disposal routes are integral to our operational planning and to minimising risk to the public.

All personnel are required to read, understand and comply with this policy. Management will lead by example and ensure the provision of adequate resources, competent supervision and clear communication. Through these measures the company seeks to maintain a safe, healthy and sustainable operation across every rubbish collection and waste removal service area it serves.