Health and Safety Policy for Garden Clearance Raynes Park

Policy statement: This Health and Safety policy sets out the commitment of Garden Clearance Raynes Park to protect the health, safety and welfare of employees, contractors and the public during all garden clearance and waste removal activities. The aim is to deliver a safe garden clearance service and responsible rubbish removal service area operations while minimising environmental impact and complying with relevant standards.

Scope and objectives: The policy covers all aspects of garden waste clearance, green waste handling, bulky rubbish removal and yard clearance operations across the company's service area. It defines responsibilities, risk control measures, training requirements and emergency arrangements to ensure consistent delivery of safe, compliant rubbish company services.

Responsibilities: Management will provide adequate resources, ensure suitable plant and equipment, and maintain written safe systems of work. Supervisors and team leads must enforce safe practices on site, carry out briefings and ensure PPE is used. Employees have a duty to follow instructions, report hazards and participate in training for the garden waste clearance and rubbish removal activities.

Risk assessment and control

Risk assessments are required for every job and must be recorded prior to work starting. The assessment will identify hazards such as manual handling risks, use of powered tools, interaction with traffic, and potential contact with contaminated waste. Controls will include task-specific safe systems, exclusion zones for public safety and use of mechanical aids where practicable.

Training and competence: All staff engaged in garden clearance or working for the rubbish company must receive induction training and regular refreshers on safe working, manual handling, equipment operation, and waste segregation. Competence checks and toolbox talks are mandatory for new tasks and seasonal variations.

Personal protective equipment (PPE): PPE requirements must be identified in risk assessments and provided free of charge. Typical items include hi‑vis clothing, heavy-duty gloves, protective boots, eye protection and hearing protection where powered machinery is used. PPE usage must be enforced at all times on site.

Equipment, vehicles and site safety

All equipment used for garden clearance, green waste removal and rubbish collection must be maintained to a safe standard and inspected before use. Vehicles must be loaded safely, with loads secured to prevent spillage during transit in the rubbish removal service area. Drivers and operators must hold appropriate licences and follow safe loading procedures.

Waste handling and segregation: Waste should be segregated at source to maximise recycling and reduce landfill. Separate containers for green waste, timber, household rubble and mixed general waste should be used where possible. Hazardous or unknown materials should be isolated and referred to a competent manager for assessment.

Key controls and checklist:

• Pre‑work risk assessment completed and communicated
• Appropriate PPE issued and worn
• Equipment inspections and vehicle checks logged
• Emergency procedures and first aid arrangements confirmed

Hazardous wastes and contamination: Where asbestos, chemical containers, sharps or other hazardous materials are suspected, work must stop and a competent person must assess the item. Staff must not handle suspected hazardous waste without appropriate training and equipment. Clear labelling and isolation procedures will apply to all identified hazardous items.

Incident reporting and investigation: All incidents, near misses and property damage must be reported immediately and recorded. Investigations will identify root causes and controls to prevent recurrence. Lessons learned will be communicated across the team to improve safety of garden waste clearance operations and the broader rubbish collection service.

Emergency procedures: Emergency plans will cover first aid, fire, major spills and vehicle incidents. First aiders and trained responders will be available for every shift. Spill kits and fire extinguishers suitable for the risks present will be provided, with clear instructions for their use during site inductions.

Monitoring, audits and performance: The policy will be monitored through regular site inspections, vehicle checks and scheduled audits. Performance indicators will include training completion rates, incident frequency, compliance with PPE and equipment inspection records. Results will be reviewed by management to drive continuous improvement.

Contractors and subcontractors: External contractors working on behalf of the garden clearance operator will be required to demonstrate equivalent health and safety standards. Pre‑qualification, site inductions and supervision arrangements will be enforced to maintain a consistent standard across the rubbish company service area.

Policy review and communication: This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as needed to reflect changes in operations, legislation or industry best practice. The policy is communicated to all staff, displayed in workplaces and incorporated into induction materials to ensure everyone understands their role in maintaining safe garden clearance and rubbish removal services.