Commercial Waste Hammersmith Health & Safety Policy

Purpose: This Health and Safety policy sets out the standards and commitments of our commercial waste operation. It is designed to ensure that all aspects of our commercial waste collection and rubbish removal services are delivered with the highest regard for staff safety, public protection and environmental care. The policy applies to every team member, contractor and visitor involved in commercial refuse work, collections and site-based activities, and outlines responsibilities, safe working systems and continuous improvement expectations.

Scope and Responsibilities

All employees and subcontractors engaged in commercial rubbish Hammersmith operations must understand their roles in maintaining safe workplaces. Senior management will provide leadership, allocate resources and ensure statutory obligations are met. Supervisors are required to implement safe systems of work, and operatives must follow procedures, wear specified personal protective equipment and report hazards promptly. The policy emphasises collaborative responsibility: safety is a core part of operational performance and service delivery.

To support safe operations, the company commits to risk assessments, routine inspections and documented safe work procedures for general waste, bulky waste, recyclable materials and light hazardous waste streams. Training and competency checks form part of the induction and ongoing development programme, and records are maintained to evidence compliance. Key elements include manual handling controls, vehicle loading limits, and segregation protocols to prevent cross-contamination and accidental injury.

Risk Management and Safe Systems

The organisation will undertake dynamic and formal risk assessments for all tasks associated with commercial waste services. Risk control measures will be proportionate and include engineering controls, administrative procedures and PPE. Where mechanical handling is used, equipment will be inspected daily and maintained by authorised technicians. Drivers and loaders will follow vehicle safety checks and secure loads to prevent spillage, shifting or risks to road users and pedestrians.

Training and competence are central to reducing incidents. All operational staff receive induction covering emergency procedures, hazardous materials awareness and the correct use of tools and lifting aids. Refresher sessions and toolbox talks are scheduled regularly to reinforce safe behaviours. Behavioural safety observations will be used to give positive reinforcement and identify opportunities for improvement. Records of training, licences and certifications are kept and reviewed.

Waste types are assessed and handled according to risk: recyclable, organic, inert and designated commercial hazardous waste. Segregation at source reduces exposure to hazards and improves recovery rates. Where hazardous or regulated items are encountered, operations stop and the item is isolated pending specialist handling. Transport of controlled waste follows secure and documented chains of custody to maintain compliance and safety.

Incident reporting, investigation and learning are mandatory. All accidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported promptly and investigated to identify root causes and preventive actions. Lessons learned inform training, revisions to safe systems and procurement decisions. Regular safety audits and performance reviews benchmark workplace health performance and ensure corrective measures are tracked to closure.

Emergency preparedness includes first aid provision, clear evacuation routes and contingency plans for spill response and fire. Staff are made aware of site-specific emergency arrangements and the location of first aid equipment. Where required, designated first aiders and fire marshals are appointed and receive additional training. The policy ensures that emergency incidents are managed effectively to protect people, property and the environment.

Performance monitoring uses a mix of leading and lagging indicators: training completion rates, near miss reports, audit findings and incident frequency. Senior management will review health and safety performance at planned intervals and integrate findings into operational planning. Continuous improvement is encouraged through staff engagement, regular reviews and investment in safer equipment and technology.

This policy also includes clear expectations for contractors and visitors who support waste handling activities. Contractors must demonstrate competency, provide method statements and comply with the same health and safety standards required of direct employees. Inductions and site-specific instructions ensure that everyone operating on company premises understands and follows agreed controls.

To preserve occupational health, measures address manual handling, exposure to dust and biohazards, and ergonomic considerations. Practical controls include mechanical lifting aids, safe stacking and loading procedures, hygiene facilities and health surveillance where applicable. Employees are encouraged to report fatigue or health conditions that may affect their ability to perform tasks safely.

Commitment: The organisation is committed to continually improving our commercial waste services through proactive risk management, structured training, and a culture that values safety and environmental stewardship. Our objective is to deliver reliable rubbish collection and waste management services while protecting our workforce, clients and the communities we serve. The policy will be reviewed periodically to reflect operational changes, regulatory updates and lessons learned from performance reviews.

• Leadership and accountability
• Risk-based decision making
• Training, assessment and engagement
• Monitoring, reporting and continuous improvement