Health & Safety Policy — Ruislip House Clearance

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitment of Ruislip House Clearance to maintain safe working conditions for staff, contractors and members of the public in the delivery of house clearance, rubbish removal and waste disposal services. The policy applies across our service area and is designed to ensure compliant and consistent practice for all jobs, from small domestic clearances to larger waste removal projects. Safety is central to our operations and underpins every decision we make.

Our objectives include preventing accidents, reducing occupational risks and ensuring that every team member understands their responsibilities. We will achieve this through training, risk assessment, and the provision of appropriate equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE). Rubbish clearance activities will be planned to minimise manual handling risks and exposure to hazardous materials.

The policy covers the full range of services provided by this rubbish company, including household clearances, garden waste removal, bulky waste collection and secure disposal of unwanted items. We commit to following recognised waste management procedures and to promoting safe practices across our network of operatives and subcontractors. Regular reviews will ensure the policy remains current with legal requirements and industry best practice.

Responsibilities and Leadership

Senior management has overall responsibility for implementing and maintaining this policy, while supervisors and team leaders are accountable for day-to-day compliance on site. Every employee and contractor engaged in house clearance work has a duty to: report hazards, follow safe working methods and co-operate with investigations into incidents. We emphasise a culture of shared responsibility where safety concerns are addressed promptly and respectfully.

To support this, the company will ensure:

• Clear allocation of roles: defined health and safety duties for managers and operatives;
• Training and competence: appropriate induction and refresher training for all staff involved in rubbish removal and clearance;
• Monitoring and review: regular site inspections and performance checks to identify and correct unsafe practices.

We will maintain written records of training, risk assessments and accident reports. Where subcontractors are used, we require evidence of equivalent health and safety standards to ensure consistent practice across the service area.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Before any clearance, a formal risk assessment will be carried out to identify potential hazards such as sharps, asbestos-containing materials, biological contamination, heavy lifting and traffic management issues. The assessment will determine appropriate control measures, including the use of mechanical aids, specialist disposal routes and exclusion zones. All assessments will be documented and communicated to the team before work begins.

Control measures will follow the hierarchy of risk control wherever possible: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative measures and PPE. Manual handling tasks will be planned to reduce strain and risk of injury, and lifts will be performed by trained personnel only. For bulky or awkward items, two-person lifts or mechanical aids such as sack trucks and hoists will be used to protect staff.

Our rubbish clearance teams will apply safe loading and transport protocols to prevent spillage and secure loads during transit. Vehicles used for waste collection will be inspected and maintained according to scheduled checks to minimise mechanical failures and ensure road safety.

Emergency procedures are in place to ensure a rapid and effective response to incidents. First aid provisions, emergency contact lists and clear reporting pathways will be maintained at all operational sites. Where incidents involve hazardous waste or potential environmental contamination, the appropriate authorities will be notified and containment measures activated without delay.

Performance is measured through regular audits, incident analysis and targeted inspections. We set measurable health and safety objectives and review progress at management meetings, with corrective actions implemented where necessary to prevent recurrence of incidents.

This policy will be reviewed at least annually or sooner where operational changes, incidents or legislative updates demand it. By continuously improving our health and safety arrangements, Ruislip House Clearance aims to deliver reliable, safe and professional waste removal and rubbish clearance services throughout our service area. Everyone involved with our operations is expected to read, understand and apply this policy to help create a safer working environment for all.