Health and Safety Policy — Commercial Waste North Watford Operations

This Health and Safety policy sets out the commitment of our commercial waste and rubbish removal business to protect employees, contractors, clients and the public within our rubbish collection service area. It describes the principles, responsibilities and practical measures adopted to manage risks associated with handling, transporting and disposing of commercial waste. Safety is a core value and underpins every operation from site visits to vehicle maintenance.

Our approach to health and safety is preventative, systematic and continuously reviewed. The policy applies across the full scope of our rubbish company activities including waste segregation, loading, vehicle operation and delivery to authorised disposal sites. We aim to comply with relevant statutory duties and industry best practice while tailoring controls to the specific hazards of a commercial waste operation.

Key objectives include reducing workplace accidents, preventing occupational ill health, minimising environmental incidents and ensuring safe working for all who operate in our rubbish removal service zone. These objectives are supported by training, supervision and a culture that encourages prompt reporting of hazards and near misses.

Organisation and Responsibilities

Clear assignment of roles is essential. The senior management team retains overall accountability for the policy and ensures adequate resources are available. Line managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing procedures on the ground. Employees and subcontractors must follow instructions and participate in safety systems.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Management: policy oversight, risk assessments, provision of PPE and emergency planning;
• Supervisors: daily briefings, monitoring compliance, supervising vehicle loading and unloading;
• Operatives: safe use of equipment, adherence to manual handling techniques, reporting defects and incidents;
• Contractors: ensuring their personnel meet the company safety standards before starting work in our rubbish service area.

Training and competence are maintained through induction, refresher courses and task-specific instruction. Records of training and qualifications are kept to demonstrate that staff are competent to work safely in a commercial waste environment.

Risk Management and Safe Systems of Work

We operate a formal risk assessment process that identifies hazards common to rubbish collection and disposal tasks, such as manual handling, slippery surfaces, vehicle movements, sharps and hazardous substances. Control measures are documented and implemented as safe systems of work, including exclusion zones, buddy systems and lock-out procedures for maintenance.

Vehicle safety is central to our operations. All refuse collection vehicles and service vans are inspected daily, maintained to manufacturer standards and operated only by authorised, trained drivers. Load security, route planning to minimise reversing and use of audible and visual warnings are standard practices to protect staff and members of the public in our rubbish collection territory.

Personal protective equipment is provided where risks cannot be eliminated. PPE includes gloves, hi-vis clothing, protective footwear and eye protection tailored to task risk assessments. Use of PPE is enforced and part of performance reviews.

Emergency procedures cover spill response, injury management and fire. First aid arrangements, emergency contacts and incident escalation routes are communicated to all staff. Regular drills and scenario exercises ensure readiness and continuous improvement of emergency response aligned with the nature of commercial waste operations.

Health surveillance is undertaken for roles with specific exposures — for example, where staff encounter dust, biological agents or persistent noise. We promote occupational health through manual handling training, vaccination where relevant, and access to advice for work-related health concerns.

Monitoring, review and continual improvement are embedded in the policy. We audit compliance, investigate incidents to identify root causes and implement corrective actions. Performance indicators such as days without lost time, incident rates and completion of safety observations are tracked and reviewed by management periodically.

Communication and workforce involvement are vital. Safety briefings, toolbox talks and consultation forums allow staff to contribute to risk reduction measures. Employees are encouraged to suggest improvements and report unsafe conditions without fear of reprisal. Management responds promptly to raised concerns.

Subcontractor control is based on pre-qualification, evidence of training, insurance and demonstrated competence. Contracts include health and safety obligations and the expectation to work in harmony with our rubbish company operational standards within the service area.

Implementation of this policy is mandatory for everyone working under our control. Breaches may lead to disciplinary action where appropriate. The policy will be reviewed at least annually or sooner if there are material changes to operations, legislation or following a significant incident. This ensures the rubbish removal and commercial waste services we provide remain safe, legally compliant and effective.

Signed on behalf of the company: Management — review date and record of updates are kept within company systems to demonstrate commitment and accountability across the rubbish company service area.