Health and Safety Policy — Commercial Waste Removal Lewisham Services

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and standards for safe operation of commercial waste removal and rubbish collection services across our service area. It applies to all employees, contractors and subcontractors engaged in commercial waste removal, commercial rubbish collection and associated site services. The purpose of this policy is to ensure legal compliance, reduce risk to people and property, and promote consistent safety practice throughout every stage of the waste handling cycle.

The policy covers risk assessment, training, personal protective equipment (PPE), vehicle safety, handling of hazardous materials and incident reporting. It is designed to be a practical framework for teams responsible for commercial waste removal and rubbish collection operations, and to be compatible with regulatory requirements without detailing specific local enforcement mechanisms.

All personnel must understand that safety is an operational priority. Responsibilities include identifying hazards, using appropriate controls, and cooperating with monitoring and review processes. Managers and supervisors will document risk assessments for each job, ensure that safe systems of work are followed and that employees have access to necessary resources to carry out tasks safely.

Risk Assessment, Controls and Safe Systems

Risk assessments shall be undertaken for all routine and non-routine activities associated with commercial rubbish removal, including manual handling, loading and unloading, vehicle movements and working at height. Controls will follow the hierarchy of prevention: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls and PPE. A clear record of identified risks and implemented measures must be maintained.

Key controls include:

• Safe lifting techniques and mechanical aids to minimise manual handling injuries;
• Segregation and containment of hazardous materials during commercial waste collection;
• Traffic management plans for vehicle access, loading zones and pedestrian separation;
• Lockout/tagout procedures where applicable to plant and compactors.

Supervisors will coordinate permits where required and ensure that contractors engaged for specialist waste removal follow equivalent or higher standards. Regular audits of equipment, vehicles and working areas shall confirm that controls remain effective.

Training, Competency and PPE

All staff involved in commercial waste removal and rubbish collection must receive induction training and role-specific instruction. Training covers manual handling, safe operation of lifting equipment, hazardous waste awareness and emergency procedures. Records of training and competency assessments will be maintained and reviewed periodically.

PPE requirements will be risk-based and may include high-visibility clothing, safety footwear, gloves, eye protection and respiratory protection where dust or fumes are present. Use of PPE is mandatory where risk assessments indicate it as a control measure; failure to comply will be treated as a safety breach.

Contractor management procedures require evidence of competency, insurance and adherence to this policy for any third-party engaged in commercial rubbish collection activities. Contractors must demonstrate safe working methods, provide suitable equipment and permit access only to authorised personnel.

Emergency preparedness is an integral part of the policy. Emergency plans must address fires, spills, injuries, vehicle incidents and exposure to hazardous substances. Staff will be trained in emergency response, first aid arrangements and spill containment. Where necessary, external emergency services will be involved, and incidents will be reported in accordance with statutory requirements.

Incident reporting and investigation are mandatory for all accidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences. Investigations aim to identify root causes and implement corrective actions promptly. Records of incidents, corrective measures and lessons learned will be retained to inform continuous improvement in waste removal operations.

Vehicle safety and maintenance protocols apply to all vehicles used in commercial waste removal work. Drivers must have valid licences appropriate to the vehicle, complete pre-shift checks and follow safe loading practices. Routine maintenance, inspection schedules and record keeping help to prevent mechanical failures that could compromise safety.

Special waste types, including asbestos-containing materials, biomedical waste and certain chemical wastes, require specific handling, containment and disposal procedures. These materials must be identified in advance where possible, and appropriate specialist contractors engaged when necessary. Documentation of waste streams and transfer notes must be maintained to demonstrate proper handling and lawful disposal.

Monitoring, audit and review mechanisms are in place to ensure compliance with this policy. Internal audits, management reviews and external inspections will evaluate performance against objectives. Findings will be used to refine procedures, update training and allocate resources where risks are identified.

Responsibilities under this policy are as follows:

• Directors and senior managers — set policy, allocate resources and ensure legal compliance;
• Supervisors and managers — implement risk controls, maintain records and supervise safe work;
• Employees and operatives — follow safe systems, report hazards and participate in training;
• Contractors — work to agreed standards and provide evidence of competency.

This policy will be reviewed at least annually or following significant changes to operations, legislation or after a reportable incident. Reviews will consider performance data, audit results and stakeholder feedback to ensure the policy remains effective for commercial waste removal and rubbish collection activities.

The organisation commits to continual improvement of health and safety performance. Information, instruction and supervision will be provided to ensure all personnel can perform their roles safely and understand the standards expected in all waste handling tasks.

Publication of this policy establishes the framework for safe and lawful commercial waste services. It is the responsibility of everyone involved in commercial waste removal services to read, understand and apply the measures set out herein, and to contribute to a safe working environment for colleagues, customers and the public.