Health and Safety Policy — Flat Clearance Kilburn

Statement of intent: This Health and Safety policy sets out the commitments and arrangements for safe operations when delivering flat clearance and rubbish removal services. The company is committed to protecting the health and welfare of staff, contractors and members of the public through practical risk management, safe systems of work and ongoing monitoring. This policy applies to all aspects of flat clearance work, rubbish collection and waste handling carried out across our service area.

Scope and Purpose

The aim of this policy is to minimise harm and ensure compliance with health and safety obligations while providing professional clearance services. It covers risk assessment, training, personal protective equipment, vehicle safety, manual handling and safe disposal of waste. The policy is intended to be proportionate to the nature of the work and to be applied consistently across all sites and appointments for apartment clearance, flat removal and related waste services.

Roles and responsibilities are defined as follows: the management team retains overall responsibility for ensuring the policy is implemented, reviewed and resourced. Supervisors must ensure safe systems of work are followed on each job. Operatives and crew members are required to follow instructions, use approved controls and report hazards. Everyone involved in clearance activity is expected to cooperate with safety processes and wear required protective equipment.

Risk assessment and control measures

Risks are identified before work begins through a combination of pre-job checks, pictorial surveys and on-site assessment. Common hazards include sharp objects, heavy lifting, biological contamination, hazardous household waste, trips and falls, and traffic-related risks during roadside operations. Controls are applied using a hierarchy of measures: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls and PPE.

Control measures include:

• Pre-job planning: job-specific risk assessments and clear method statements;
• Segregation of waste: separating recyclables, non-hazardous waste and potentially hazardous items to reduce exposure;
• Use of mechanical aids and trolleys to reduce manual handling;
• Designated waste containers and secure vehicle loading procedures.

Training and competence are central to safe operations. All staff receive induction training that covers health and safety policy, risk awareness, infection control, and the safe use of tools and lifting equipment. Regular refresher sessions and toolbox talks address seasonal hazards, new equipment and legislation. Competence assessments ensure that operatives are authorised to carry out specific tasks such as operating lifting gear or handling hazardous items.

Equipment, PPE and manual handling

Employees are provided with appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves, hi-visibility clothing, eye protection and safety footwear. Equipment such as sack trucks, lifting straps and mobile ramps must be inspected before use and maintained according to manufacturer guidance. Manual handling is minimised by using team lifts, mechanical aids and safe lifting techniques to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injury.

Waste classification procedures identify and isolate hazardous materials such as asbestos-containing items, solvents, batteries and chemical containers. Where hazardous waste is identified, work ceases until the correct handling and disposal route is confirmed. Waste transfer notes and secure containment protocols ensure legal and safe disposal; operatives must never attempt to treat or neutralise hazardous waste without authorisation.

Incident management and emergency response procedures require immediate reporting of injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences. First aid kits and trained first aiders are available on-site or within the vehicle fleet. In the event of a spill, fire or significant contamination, the site is isolated, emergency services contacted where necessary and supervisors complete an incident report and root cause review to prevent recurrence.

Monitoring, audit and review form an essential part of the safety framework. Regular site inspections, vehicle checks, and audit cycles verify that controls are effective. Performance indicators such as incident frequency, corrective action completion and training records are reviewed by senior management. Continuous improvement is pursued through corrective actions, learning from incidents and adopting safer equipment or procedures where practical.

Enforcement and disciplinary arrangements are clearly defined. Non-compliance with safety procedures is addressed through retraining, supervision and, where necessary, disciplinary measures. Conversely, safe behaviour is recognised and promoted as part of a positive safety culture. All workers are encouraged to report hazards without fear of reprisal to maintain a transparent and proactive approach to safety.

Policy review: this Health and Safety policy is reviewed at least annually or following significant operational changes, an accident or updated guidance. Records of reviews, risk assessments and training are retained to demonstrate ongoing compliance. This policy applies to all employees, contractors and representatives while engaged in flat clearance, rubbish removal and waste handling activities, and should be read alongside other statutory obligations and procedures.