Health and Safety Policy — Shepherds Bush Man with Van Rubbish Service

This Health and Safety policy sets out the commitment of Shepherds Bush Man with Van and associated rubbish removal operations to protect the health, safety and welfare of staff, contractors, customers and the public. It applies to our man and van service, waste removal activities and all on-site and off-site work undertaken by the rubbish collection and removal teams. The objective is to prevent work-related injuries and ill health, to promote safe working systems and to ensure that our waste transport and disposal duties are carried out responsibly and safely.

Scope and Responsibilities

This policy covers domestic and commercial rubbish removal, small-scale clearances, bulky waste collections and associated vehicle loading and unloading. All personnel engaged by this rubbish removal company are required to follow this policy. The management team is responsible for implementing safety arrangements, while drivers and crew must follow safe working procedures. Employees and subcontractors must report hazards immediately and co-operate in improving safety standards.

Roles and Accountabilities

Senior management will ensure that adequate resources are made available to implement this policy. Crew leaders and drivers are accountable for daily vehicle checks, safe loading, correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe manual handling practices. Staff are expected to take reasonable care for their own safety and that of others and to participate in training and risk assessments. The rubbish removal team should actively help identify unsafe conditions and suggest improvements.

Risk assessment is central to how the man and van service operates. Before any collection, a competent person will complete a site-specific or task-specific assessment that considers manual handling risks, vehicle stability, hazardous materials, sharp objects, and the potential for slips, trips and falls. Vehicle and equipment checks are carried out daily, and any defects are reported and rectified before work continues. Routine checks include brakes, load-securing devices, lights and tyre condition to reduce the risk of road incidents while carrying out rubbish runs.

Training and communication are essential. All staff receive induction training, regular refresher courses and instruction in safe lifting techniques, waste segregation, and handling of potentially hazardous items. Crew members are trained in safe use of trolleys, ramps and securing gear to prevent shifting loads during transit. Clear communication channels are maintained so that any safety concerns raised by drivers, loaders or customers are dealt with promptly.

Safe systems of work are documented and include the correct use of PPE such as gloves, high-visibility clothing, steel-toe boots and eye protection where necessary. The rubbish removal company enforces a strict policy prohibiting the transport of illegal waste and outlining procedures for suspicious or unknown materials. The following safe practices must be observed at all times:

• Use mechanical aids for heavy or awkward items where possible.
• Keep walkways and vehicle loading areas clear to prevent trips.
• Segregate recyclables, hazardous waste and general rubbish following safe handling rules.
• Follow correct lifting posture: bend knees, keep back straight and avoid twisting.

Incident reporting and investigation procedures are in place to ensure that accidents, near-misses and dangerous occurrences are recorded, investigated and lessons learned. All incidents are reported through internal channels and, where required, documented to support continuous improvement. Remedial actions are tracked, and safety performance is reviewed at regular management meetings to identify trends and prevent recurrence. Vehicle maintenance records and staff training logs are kept up to date as part of our compliance and monitoring regime.

Emergency procedures include clear instructions for dealing with injuries, fires, vehicle breakdowns and spillage of hazardous substances. First aid kits and trained first aiders are available and a designated emergency contact procedure is maintained for rapid response. In the event of an uncontrolled waste spill or a hazardous find during a rubbish clearance, work will stop and the site will be secured until the item is made safe by a trained person or specialist contractor.

This rubbish collection and removal policy emphasises continual improvement. Regular audits, driver spot checks and periodic third-party inspections help maintain high standards for our man and van operations. Environmental considerations such as reducing fly-tipping risk, responsible disposal routes and recycling targets are integrated into our safety approach to reduce hazards and promote sustainability. Annual policy reviews ensure that working practices remain current and that staff receive the training and resources they need.