Health and Safety Policy for House Clearance Maidavale

This document sets out the commitment of House Clearance Maidavale to maintain the highest standards of health and safety in all house clearance and rubbish removal activities. Our policy applies across the rubbish company service area and covers operational duties, staff welfare, safe working procedures and continual improvement. The aim is to prevent injury, protect employees, contractors and members of the public, and manage waste removal in a responsible way while delivering a professional house clearance service.

We recognise that safe operations are essential for a reputable rubbish removal service area and that every task carries potential hazards. Our commitment is to identify, assess and control risks associated with manual handling, vehicle movements, hazardous substances and site conditions. Safety is an integral part of our planning and delivery, and we ensure these principles are visible in daily work managed by supervisors and carried out by trained staff.

All employees and operatives are expected to follow this policy and take responsibility for their own safety and that of others. Management will provide the resources, training and oversight required to reduce risks and promote effective communication. We will maintain records of risk assessments, toolbox talks and incident reports as part of our operational governance for any rubbish collection or waste removal activity.

Scope and Responsibilities

This policy covers routine house clearances, bulky waste removal, clearance of properties after tenancy or bereavement, and recycling or disposal activities within our service area. The responsibilities are allocated as follows: the company director holds overall accountability; supervisors ensure safe systems of work on site; employees and subcontractors must follow instructions and use protective equipment; and all staff must report defects and hazards promptly.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems

We will conduct risk assessments for all significant operations and implement control measures to reduce the likelihood of harm. These systems include: planning access and egress, arranging suitable lifting aids where possible, segregating hazardous waste, and scheduling works to minimise disruption. Risk assessments are reviewed when a job differs from standard conditions or when new information or incidents suggest change is necessary.

Personal protective equipment (PPE), correct tools and vehicle safety checks are mandatory. Staff receive training in manual handling, the correct use of PPE, slip and trip prevention, and safe loading and securing of items in vehicles. PPE includes gloves, high-visibility clothing, protective footwear and respiratory protection when dust or mould is encountered. Supervisors will ensure compliance and provide coaching and corrective action where needed.

Operational Controls include clear procedures for handling bulky items, fragile materials, and potentially hazardous domestic waste. We emphasise the following controls as part of our rubbish company operations:

• Pre-job planning: site surveys, access checks, and identification of hazards.
• Team briefings: daily toolbox talks that highlight specific risks and emergency procedures.
• Equipment maintenance: regular inspection of vehicles, lifting aids and hand tools.
• Segregation of waste: separating recyclable materials, hazardous items and general rubbish for compliant disposal.
• Reporting: immediate reporting and recording of accidents, near misses and unsafe conditions.

Training and competence are central to our policy. All staff undergo an induction that covers company policies, manual handling techniques, safe vehicle operation, and the correct treatment of hazardous domestic waste such as batteries, solvents or chemicals. Ongoing refresher training, performance reviews and practical assessments ensure competence is maintained and improved.

Emergency preparedness includes clear procedures for first aid, spill response and contacting emergency services where required. First aid kits are carried on vehicles and available at main depots. In the event of a serious incident, supervisors will secure the scene, administer immediate support and follow up with an investigation to identify root causes and prevent recurrence.

We promote a positive safety culture where communication is encouraged. Employees are expected to speak up about hazards and suggest improvements. Management will investigate reports promptly and take proportionate action. Regular audits and site inspections will be carried out to verify compliance with safe working procedures across our house clearance and waste removal operations.

Review and continual improvement: this health and safety policy is reviewed at least annually and after major incidents or when operational changes occur. Lessons learned from incident investigations and industry best practice will be incorporated. Our objective is to reduce occupational injuries and maintain an efficient, reliable rubbish collection and house clearance service area that protects people and the environment.