Health & Safety Policy — Commercial Waste Feltham
Purpose: This policy sets out the commitment of our commercial rubbish collection operation to protect the health, safety and welfare of employees, contractors, visitors and the public. It applies to all aspects of commercial waste removal in the local service area, including site-based collection, container servicing and vehicle transport. The objective is to ensure safe, consistent and legally compliant handling of commercial refuse and recyclable materials while reducing risk across our service area.Scope and Commitment
We are committed to maintaining a robust safety culture across every part of our commercial refuse services. This policy covers routine and non-routine activities, including bin lifts, skips, compactors, transfer operations and interactions at customer premises. The organisation will allocate resources to implement controls, provide training and maintain records. Commercial rubbish services Feltham will be carried out in a way that minimises hazards and prevents injury, ill health and environmental harm.
Responsibilities: The management team is responsible for ensuring that risk assessments, safe working procedures and monitoring systems are in place. Supervisors must ensure staff follow documented procedures and wear issued protective equipment. Every employee has a duty to take reasonable care for their own safety and that of others, report hazards and co-operate with safety initiatives. Contractors and subcontractors engaged by our commercial waste removal teams must comply with this policy.
Employer Duties Employers will:
- Provide and maintain safe plant, vehicles and equipment used for refuse collection and transfer.
- Ensure vehicles used for commercial waste transport are roadworthy and loaded safely to prevent spillage.
- Conduct documented risk assessments for each activity and implement control measures.
Employee Obligations: Employees must attend required training and follow safe systems of work, including manual handling techniques, use of mechanical aids and adherence to segregation protocols. They must report defects in equipment, near misses and incidents promptly. Failure to follow safety measures may lead to disciplinary action.
Training, Competence and Communication
Staff will be trained in safe collection methods, hazardous waste identification, spill response and emergency procedures. Training records will be maintained and refreshed at appropriate intervals. Regular toolbox talks, safety briefings and clear written procedures will ensure that everyone understands their role in sustaining a safe working environment for commercial waste collection across the service area.Risk Assessment and Safe Systems Risk assessments will identify hazards such as manual handling, traffic, mechanical failure, sharps, chemical exposures and slips/trips. Identified risks will be mitigated using engineering controls, administrative controls, personal protective equipment and safe work methods. Written safe systems of work will be available for each task and reviewed after any incident or change in operation.
Vehicles and Site Safety: All vehicles used for commercial rubbish collection are to be operated by trained drivers. Pre-shift vehicle checks are mandatory. Loading and unloading will take place in designated areas where possible; drivers and operatives must follow site rules and use visible signage and cones to protect pedestrians and road users.
Segregation and Hazardous Materials Waste segregation is essential. Staff must follow accepted waste segregation protocols and refuse acceptance policies to prevent mixing of hazardous and non-hazardous waste. Any suspected hazardous material must be isolated and reported to supervisors. Procedures exist for safe handling, containment and transfer of hazardous components to authorised facilities.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Suitable PPE will be provided and maintained, including high-visibility clothing, gloves, safety footwear and eye protection. PPE usage is mandatory for designated tasks. Supervisors will ensure PPE fits correctly and is used appropriately. Disposable PPE for contamination control shall be available where required.
Reporting, Recording and Investigation All incidents, near misses and health concerns must be reported without delay. Investigations will be completed to identify root causes and implement corrective actions. Records of incidents, training, equipment inspections and audits will be retained to demonstrate compliance and support continuous improvement of our commercial waste collection and rubbish removal processes.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement The policy will be reviewed at least annually and following significant operational changes or incidents. Regular audits and performance checks will test compliance and the effectiveness of controls. Feedback from staff and stakeholders will be used to refine procedures. By embedding continuous improvement, our commercial waste services aim to reduce accidents, improve operational efficiency and protect the environment.
Emergency Preparedness Emergency procedures will be in place for spill response, fire, medical emergencies and major incidents. Staff will be trained on emergency contacts, on-site procedures and evacuation routes. Spill kits, fire extinguishers and first aid supplies will be accessible on vehicles and at operational hubs.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance The organisation will comply with applicable health, safety and environmental regulations relevant to commercial waste carriage, handling and disposal. This includes maintaining waste transfer documentation, following hazardous waste consignment procedures and cooperating with regulatory inspections.
Policy Endorsement This Health & Safety Policy for commercial rubbish collection and waste services is endorsed by senior management. All personnel engaged in commercial waste and refuse operations are expected to understand and apply its principles. Through consistent leadership, training and monitoring, we will promote a safe workplace and reliable services across our operational area.
