Health and Safety Policy for Uxbridge Man with Van Rubbish Services

This Health and Safety policy sets out the approach of Uxbridge Man with Van to managing risks for rubbish removal, clearance, and waste collection operations. The policy is designed to protect staff, contractors, customers and members of the public from harm arising from the business activities of a man-and-van style rubbish company. Our aim is to reduce incidents, prevent injury and ensure safe, efficient removal of waste across our service area.

Scope: This policy applies to all vehicle-based removal activities, including domestic clearances, commercial refuse collection, garden waste, and controlled site collections undertaken by our employees and sub-contractors. It covers driving and vehicle loading, manual handling of bulky items, segregation of recyclable and non-recyclable materials, and safe disposal processes. The document complements on-site risk assessments and routine safety checks performed before, during and after each job.

Responsibilities are allocated clearly. The company's management has overall responsibility for implementing and maintaining this policy, ensuring adequate resources and competent personnel. Supervisors and team leads are responsible for daily safe systems of work and for ensuring operatives follow all instructions. Individual operatives and drivers must observe safe working practices, report hazards and follow training. Key responsibilities include:

• Management: Policy oversight, scheduling, training provision and equipment maintenance.
• Supervisors: Site risk checks, toolbox talks and monitoring compliance.
• Operatives: Use of PPE, safe handling and reporting near-misses.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Risk assessment is central to how the removal service operates. Before each job, operatives must undertake a dynamic risk assessment to identify hazards such as uneven ground, restricted access, sharp objects, or hazardous substances. Where necessary, work will not begin until hazards are controlled. Routine vehicle checks, route planning and pre-job briefings are used to manage everyday risks and to ensure the safety of a man with a van operation.

Manual handling is a common cause of injury in rubbish removal. All staff must use correct lifting techniques, mechanical aids where available and team lifts for heavy or awkward loads. Training is provided to support safe handling and to reduce musculoskeletal injuries. The policy encourages reporting of any discomfort or early symptoms so that work tasks can be adapted quickly.

Personal protective equipment is mandatory where required. Gloves, high-visibility clothing, safety boots and eye protection are supplied and must be worn when handling waste or operating near traffic. Vehicle safety controls include secure loading, correct use of tail lifts where fitted, regular servicing and checks of brakes, lights, tires and load restraints. A pre-shift vehicle checklist forms part of safe operations.

Operational Controls and Waste Handling

Operational controls include segregation of recyclable and non-recyclable rubbish at source, clear labelling of hazardous items and adherence to safe containment for broken glass, sharps or liquids. Operatives are trained to identify questionable items and to refuse uplift of potentially dangerous material without further assessment. Clear communication with customers about what can and cannot be accepted helps prevent exposure to unknown hazards.

Vehicle loading protocols ensure stability and visibility for the driver. Loads must be secured to prevent shifting during transit and to maintain safe axle loads. Parking and site positioning should minimize obstruction and avoid putting workers at risk from passing traffic. The use of cones or hi-vis signage is encouraged where space or visibility is restricted.

Emergency procedures cover spill containment, first aid for injuries sustained during collection, and actions to take in the event of fire or vehicle breakdown. A designated first aider is available on call, and operatives are instructed in basic spill control measures and emergency response steps to protect themselves and the public.

Training and competency are key to safe rubbish removal services. New personnel receive induction training covering manual handling, waste identification, PPE use, vehicle safety and incident reporting. Regular refresher courses, toolbox talks and observed assessments maintain competence. Supervisors are responsible for confirming that each team member is competent to complete assigned tasks safely.

Incident reporting, near-miss recording and investigation form part of our continuous improvement process. All incidents, however minor, must be reported promptly so that root causes can be identified and corrective actions put in place. Records of incidents and actions taken are maintained to help prevent recurrence and to inform future risk assessments for the removal business.

Monitoring and review procedures ensure the policy remains effective and relevant. Management conducts periodic reviews, audits and spot checks of operational activity, vehicle maintenance and training records. Feedback from staff about practical safety issues is encouraged, and the policy is updated in response to changes in working practices or identified hazards. Our commitment is to maintain a safe working environment for everyone involved in the man with a van rubbish removal service and to strive for continual improvement in health and safety performance.