Health and Safety Policy — Harringay Man with Van Rubbish Service

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitment of Harringay Man with Van and associated removal teams to manage risks, protect employees and the public, and ensure safe delivery of rubbish removal and waste clearance services. The policy applies to all drivers, loaders and administrative staff engaged in man and van operations, refuse collection, and related transport activity. It is a core legal and operational document that governs everyday working practices.

All staff must familiarise themselves with the policy and follow its requirements. The company aims to achieve continuous improvement in safety performance, emphasising systematic risk assessment, appropriate training and the provision of necessary personal protective equipment (PPE). Managers will ensure that the policy is implemented consistently across all removal and rubbish collection activities.

The objectives include preventing injury, avoiding damage to property, and ensuring hazardous materials are handled lawfully. This document explains responsibilities, operational controls, vehicle safety, and reporting arrangements. It is intended to be accessible to employees and contractors and should be used as the reference for safe working practices during house clearances, office removals, garden waste collection and other rubbish services provided by the man and van operation.

Responsibilities are clearly defined. Senior management holds the overall responsibility for safety policy, resource allocation and legal compliance. Supervisors are responsible for day-to-day enforcement, risk assessment completion and ensuring staff are competent to perform tasks. Employees must follow instructions, wear required PPE and report hazards. Non-compliance will be addressed through corrective measures while maintaining fair and proportionate enforcement.

Risk assessment is central to safe rubbish removal. Before each job, the team will evaluate load stability, manual handling hazards, traffic interaction, access and egress, and potential exposure to hazardous substances. Assessments will be documented and reviewed for repeat work. Where risks cannot be eliminated, control measures will be implemented and recorded to protect workers and the public.

Staff training and competence are mandatory. Induction includes manual handling techniques, safe loading and securing of waste, use of lifting aids and vehicle operation basics. Periodic refresher training covers hazardous waste identification, COSHH principles, and emergency response. Qualifications for drivers and machinery operators will be maintained, ensuring licences and certifications are current and verified.

Operational Controls and Equipment

Vehicles and equipment are subject to routine inspection and maintenance schedules. Pre-shift checks must confirm brakes, lights, securing straps, and load restraints are functional. Load distribution and weight limits must be observed to avoid overloading. The company enforces safe vehicle access and egress procedures, and prohibits lone working in high-risk scenarios without agreed control measures.

Waste sorting and segregation reduce risk and ensure compliance with waste management regulations. The company will not accept uncontrolled hazardous wastes such as asbestos, certain chemicals or unlabelled containers without prior arrangement. When handling potentially hazardous items, staff will follow strict containment, segregation and disposal procedures to protect health and the environment.

To support safe operations the policy includes the following control measures in all rubbish removal activities:

• Use of PPE including gloves, high-visibility clothing, and safety footwear.
• Mechanical aids for heavy lifts; team-lift procedures where necessary.
• Traffic management and vehicle positioning to protect staff and road users.

Incident Reporting, Monitoring and Review

Incidents, near misses and safety concerns must be reported promptly through the company reporting system. Investigations will identify root causes and lead to corrective actions. Records of accidents, training, risk assessments and maintenance are maintained for monitoring and continuous improvement. The company will review performance metrics to reduce injury rates and enhance compliance.

Health surveillance and welfare considerations are provided where work activities indicate potential exposure to harmful substances or repetitive strain. Access to first aid, rest breaks and suitable facilities is ensured to maintain wellbeing. The policy emphasises a culture where safety is everyone's responsibility and workers are encouraged to raise issues without fear of reprisal.

Legal compliance and interaction with external bodies are handled by designated staff. The company will comply with applicable health and safety legislation and environmental regulations concerning waste transport and disposal. Regular audits and third-party inspections may be used to verify compliance and inform policy updates.

The policy is supported by specific procedures for job planning, contractor management and vehicle operations. Contractors hired to assist with collections must adhere to equivalent safety standards and provide evidence of competence. Job briefings and site-specific risk checks will be completed for non-routine tasks and complex clearances, ensuring that all parties understand their roles.

Record-keeping ensures traceability of training, vehicle maintenance and waste consignment. Data from audits, near-miss reports and accident investigations is reviewed by management to set targets and allocate resources. Performance reviews are scheduled annually or more frequently where operational changes occur.

Policy owners will communicate updates to all employees and incorporate feedback from safety meetings. This document is not intended as a substitute for statutory requirements but to support and enhance legal compliance through clear operational guidance tailored to man and van rubbish removal services. Adherence to this policy promotes a safer working environment and reliable, professional service delivery.