Flat Clearance Uxbridge Health & Safety Policy
Our company is committed to providing a safe working environment for employees, contractors and the public during all flat clearance and rubbish removal operations. This health and safety policy sets out the responsibilities, procedures and standards that govern every clearance job in our service area. Safety is integral to our work ethic and will be maintained alongside efficient waste removal and flat clearance services.Policy Statement
The objective of this policy is to minimise risk and prevent injury or damage during flat clearing, waste collection and related site activities. We will comply with applicable health and safety legislation and industry best practice while operating as a professional rubbish company in the wider service area. All staff and contractors must adhere to these requirements at all times.
Scope and Application
This policy applies to every clearance task: from single-room flat clearance to full residential removals. It covers manual handling, hazardous waste recognition, traffic and pedestrian safety, vehicle loading and on-site working conditions. The policy is not a substitute for job-specific risk assessments, which shall be completed before each operation.Responsibilities
Management will ensure adequate resources, training and supervision are provided. Managers will maintain risk assessments, update procedures and conduct periodic reviews. Employees must report hazards, follow safe systems of work and use personal protective equipment (PPE) as directed. Subcontractors engaged for specialized tasks are required to demonstrate equivalent safety standards.Key responsibilities include:
- Risk assessments: identify hazards related to rubbish clearance, including sharps, chemical containers, asbestos risk indicators and unstable loads.
- Training: provide induction and refresher training covering manual handling, PPE, safe lifting techniques and waste segregation.
- Equipment: maintain vehicles, lifting aids, tools and PPE in safe condition.
Risk Management and Controls
Risk control measures will be implemented in accordance with the hierarchy of controls: eliminate, substitute, engineer, administer and use PPE. Practical controls for a rubbish company service area include safe access/egress at properties, mechanical aids for heavy items, clear traffic management for vehicle movements, and safe storage and disposal of hazardous materials. Regular site inspections and toolbox talks ensure these controls remain effective.Safe Working Procedures
All operations will follow documented safe working procedures. Typical procedures address the following areas: safe lifting and team lifts, use of trolleys and sack trucks, two-person handling for bulky items, and checklists for stairs and communal areas in residential buildings. Where demolition or dismantling is required, a separate method statement will be prepared.Personal protective equipment is mandatory where risk assessments indicate it: high-visibility clothing, gloves suitable for waste handling, steel-toe footwear and eye protection. Staff must wear PPE correctly and report any defects. Strong emphasis is placed on correct waste segregation, labelling of hazardous items and immediate isolation of unknown or potentially hazardous materials.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Response
Incidents, near-misses and injuries must be reported promptly and recorded. An investigation will determine root causes and corrective actions. Emergency procedures, including first aid, spill control and evacuation, will be available on site and clearly communicated to all personnel. We maintain an approach that encourages reporting and continuous improvement rather than blame.Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
Regular audits and inspections will be conducted to verify compliance with this health and safety policy. Performance indicators include incident frequency, completion of risk assessments, training uptake and equipment inspection records. Lessons learned will be integrated into procedural updates to ensure our clearance services remain safe and effective across the entire service area.We commit to ongoing training, periodic policy reviews and investment in safer handling equipment. Where legislative or operational changes occur, the policy will be revised and communicated promptly. Employees are encouraged to contribute suggestions to improve safety outcomes in day-to-day rubbish removal and flat clearance tasks.
