Health and Safety Policy for Commercial Waste Leyton Operations

This Health and Safety policy sets out the commitments and processes used by our commercial waste service to protect employees, contractors and the public across our rubbish collection and waste management service area. The policy applies to all activities related to the removal, transport and handling of commercial refuse in the service region, including skip management, bin collections and transfer operations. Its purpose is to reduce risk, ensure legal compliance and promote a culture where safety is integral to every task.

Responsibilities and Governance

All staff, from senior management to operatives working on the vehicles, share responsibility for implementing this policy. Senior management will provide leadership, allocate resources and ensure that safe systems of work are established. Supervisors are responsible for monitoring work, providing instruction and ensuring that risk assessments are current. Employees and subcontractors have a duty to follow safe procedures, report hazards and use issued personal protective equipment (PPE).

We emphasise the need for dynamic risk assessments and pre-task briefings. Identified hazards include manual handling of bulk sacks and bins, vehicle movements, working at height when emptying large containers, contact with sharps, and potential exposure to hazardous substances within commercial waste. Controls include segregation of waste streams, use of mechanical aids, locked-down containment during transit and secure storage of hazardous materials pending authorised disposal.

Vehicle and site safety procedures are core to our safety management. Vehicles used for commercial rubbish collection are subject to daily checks, routine maintenance and secure loading protocols to prevent shifting loads. Drivers must follow safe driving policies and site access controls; reversing is minimised and banksmen are used where appropriate. All site operations are carried out under a permit-to-work system when required, and traffic management measures are implemented to protect pedestrians and other site users.

Training, Competence and Behaviour

Training is provided at induction and refreshed regularly through toolbox talks and competency assessments. Training topics include manual handling techniques, safe use of lifting equipment, hazardous waste recognition and segregation, spill response and first aid. We maintain records of training and licenses, and promote a culture where continuous improvement and active reporting of near misses are encouraged. Supervisors are trained in incident investigation and corrective action planning.

Emergency response and incident reporting procedures are clearly documented and accessible to all staff. In the event of a spill, fire or injury, employees follow an escalation protocol that includes securing the scene, administering first aid, notifying supervisors and preserving evidence for investigation. Incidents are investigated promptly to identify root causes and implement preventive measures. All injuries and dangerous occurrences are reported in line with statutory requirements.

Hazardous materials and regulated waste streams are handled under separate controls to ensure compliance. Items such as asbestos-containing materials, chemical wastes and clinical waste are segregated on site, stored safely and transferred to authorised facilities. Staff handling these materials receive specialist training and equipment. We maintain documentation to demonstrate correct classification, consignment and disposal in accordance with relevant waste regulations.

Monitoring and audit are integral to verifying the effectiveness of our safety management system. Regular inspections, safety audits and toolbox observations are conducted to check adherence to procedures and to identify opportunities for improvement. Key performance indicators include incident frequency, near-miss reporting rates, training completion and vehicle check compliance. Findings are tracked and corrective actions are implemented and reviewed for effectiveness.

Contractor and subcontractor management is conducted through a pre-qualification process, clear contractual obligations and site-specific induction procedures. All third parties working on our behalf must demonstrate suitable safety competence, insurance and documented risk controls. Coordination between client sites and our teams reduces interface hazards and ensures that rubbish removal activities are aligned with site-specific rules and emergency arrangements.

Key control measures implemented across our commercial waste and rubbish services include:

• Risk assessments: comprehensive, reviewed regularly and updated when conditions change.
• PPE and equipment: issued and maintained; use enforced during all operations.
• Safe systems of work: written procedures for high-risk tasks, including confined space awareness and working at height protocols.
• Training and competence: ongoing programmes tailored to job roles.
• Vehicle safety: daily checks, secure loading, and traffic control measures.

Performance review and policy maintenance are ongoing. This policy is reviewed at planned intervals or following significant incidents, operational changes or legislative updates. The review process involves consultation with workforce representatives and incorporates lessons learned from audits and investigations. Where appropriate, improvements are integrated into training, procedures and equipment standards.

As a responsible waste handler operating in the Leyton service area, we commit to fulfilling our legal obligations and to applying recognised industry best practice. This policy is intended to be read in conjunction with operational procedures, risk assessments and work instructions that provide detailed guidance on specific tasks. Employees are encouraged to raise safety concerns and participate in safety forums that support ongoing development.

By maintaining clear leadership, effective controls and engaged staff, our commercial waste operations aim to deliver a safe, compliant and reliable service. This Health and Safety policy represents our formal commitment to prevent harm, manage risk and continually improve safety performance across all aspects of commercial refuse and waste management activity.