Business Waste Removal Richmond - Health & Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out the standards and operational controls for business waste removal Richmond and related commercial waste services. It applies to all employees, contractors and subcontractors engaged in commercial rubbish removal, refuse collection and waste management within the company service area. The purpose is to protect staff, customers, the public and the environment by delivering safe, compliant and consistent rubbish company service area operations.
The policy outlines roles, responsibilities and practical measures for everyday activities including vehicle operations, manual handling, segregation of materials and safe disposal of hazardous elements. It recognises that commercial waste collection can present varied risks and therefore emphasises training, equipment and supervision. All personnel must understand this policy, follow prescribed procedures and report unsafe conditions without delay.
Risk assessment is central to our approach. Regular site and task-specific risk assessments will identify hazards associated with business refuse removal, bulky waste handling and recycling streams. Controls will be implemented in a hierarchy: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls and personal protective equipment (PPE). The company will maintain written assessments and ensure findings inform safe systems of work.
Responsibilities and Accountability
Management is responsible for setting standards and providing resources to achieve compliance. Supervisors and team leaders must ensure that operatives follow safe methods and use required PPE. Employees are expected to cooperate, attend training and raise concerns. Contractors working with the business must meet equivalent safety standards before commencing work.Safe Systems and Operational Controls
Safe systems of work for rubbish removal service area tasks include pre-shift vehicle checks, secure loading procedures, segregation of recyclables and non-recyclables, containment of sharp objects and correct labeling of hazardous waste. Vehicles and equipment shall be maintained to safe operating standards and subject to regular inspections and documented maintenance schedules.The company promotes a precautionary approach to manual handling and use of mechanical aids where possible. Job briefings will address identified risks for each shift and task. Commercial rubbish removal crews must adhere to signage, exclusion zones and traffic management protocols when working near public thoroughfares.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and health controls are mandatory where residual risks remain. Mandatory items include high-visibility clothing, safety footwear, gloves suitable for handling waste streams and respiratory protection where dust or odors create hazards. The policy also addresses occupational health issues such as exposure to biohazards, needle-stick injuries and fatigue management.
Training and competence are essential. The organisation will provide induction training, task-specific instruction and refresher courses for drivers, loaders and supervisors covering safe driving, manual handling, hazardous waste recognition and emergency response. Records of training and qualifications will be kept and reviewed periodically to support continuous improvement.
Reporting and investigation procedures require that all incidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences are reported promptly and investigated to determine root causes. Lessons learned will be communicated across teams and incorporated into procedures and training. The company will maintain a formal incident log and use findings to reduce future risk.
Hazardous and Special Waste is managed under strict controls. Any potentially hazardous materials discovered during collections will be segregated and handled only by trained personnel following the appropriate disposal route. The business will comply with relevant regulations for classification, documentation and transfer of hazardous waste while minimising environmental impact.
Contract and subcontract management ensures that any third-party provider operating within the service area meets our safety standards. Business waste removal services in the service area must provide evidence of training, vehicle safety records and insurance before engagement. Periodic audits will be carried out to verify compliance and rectify deficiencies.
Monitoring and review of this policy will be continual. Key performance indicators include incident rates, audit results, training completion and maintenance records. The policy will be reviewed at least annually and whenever there are significant changes to operations, legislation or reported incidents. Senior management will approve revisions and ensure effective communication to all affected parties.
Legal Compliance and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy aligns with applicable health, safety and environmental legislation and industry best practice for commercial waste removal and rubbish collection. The organisation commits to providing adequate resources to implement this policy and to pursue continuous improvement through proactive risk management, training, monitoring and stakeholder engagement. Everyone involved in business refuse disposal and waste services within the company’s operational area is expected to contribute to a safe workplace by following the policy, participating in training and reporting unsafe conditions.
- Scope: Applies to all commercial waste removal activities.
- Responsibility: Clear assignment from senior management to frontline staff.
- Review: Policy reviewed annually or after significant incidents.
Signed on behalf of the company — Position holders will ensure enforcement and visibility of the policy across all business waste removal and rubbish company service area operations.
