Richmond Upon Thames House Clearance - Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitments of Richmond Upon Thames House Clearance to protect the wellbeing of staff, clients, contractors and the public during all house clearance and rubbish removal operations. The policy applies to every aspect of our waste removal and rubbish collection services, from initial site assessment through to final disposal and recycling. Our objective is to carry out efficient, compliant and safe clearances while minimising risk, preventing injury and controlling environmental hazards.

Scope and Responsibilities

The policy covers house clearance, bulky waste collection, rubbish clearance, and other related waste management activities carried out by the business or its subcontractors. Senior management hold overall responsibility for health and safety policy implementation and resource allocation. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day-to-day safety on site, ensuring that every member of the clearance crew follows safe systems of work. Each worker is expected to cooperate with safety procedures, use provided safety equipment and report hazards or unsafe practices immediately.

Risk Assessment and Planning

Before any clearance job our trained staff will undertake a documented risk assessment to identify hazards such as manual handling risks, sharp objects, hazardous materials, unstable structures and traffic interactions. Controls are applied in a hierarchy: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls and personal protective equipment (PPE). The assessment forms part of job planning for any rubbish removal service and is reviewed if conditions change or new information emerges.

Safe Working Practices

We maintain specific safe working procedures for manual handling, operating compactors and tippers, ladder use, and working in confined spaces. Manual handling protocols emphasise team lifts, mechanical aids and load assessment. PPE requirements include high-visibility clothing, gloves, sturdy footwear, eye protection and appropriate respiratory protection where dust or fumes are present. All equipment is inspected regularly and kept in safe, serviceable condition by our maintenance team.

Handling Hazardous Materials

Where asbestos, controlled waste, electrical items, chemicals or clinical waste are identified, our teams follow strict segregation, containment and disposal procedures in line with legal requirements. Suspected hazardous items are isolated and a competent specialist is called when necessary. The policy prohibits the transport or disposal of hazardous materials without appropriate authorisation and documentation; we use licensed facilities and compliant carriers for regulated waste streams. Staff training emphasises recognition, safe handling and reporting of hazardous substances.

Transport, Vehicle and Site Safety

Vehicle safety forms a core part of operational procedure: drivers and crew must ensure loads are secured and do not exceed vehicle limits. Safe loading and unloading zones are established on site, and traffic management measures are implemented to protect pedestrians and workers. All vehicles are subject to routine safety checks and records are maintained. When working in residential streets or communal areas the team employs signage, cone systems and risk controls to reduce interaction with the public.

Emergency Procedures and First Aid

All staff receive induction on emergency arrangements, including first aid provision, fire procedures and incident escalation. First aid kits are available in vehicles and site locations, and designated first aiders are appointed according to the scale of operations. Emergency contact protocols explain how to summon additional medical help, secure a site after a serious event, and preserve evidence for incident investigation.

Training, Competence and Contractor Management

We invest in ongoing training to maintain competency across the team. Training covers manual handling, hazardous material awareness, vehicle loading, use of mechanical aids and PPE. Subcontractors engaged for specialised tasks must demonstrate suitable health and safety arrangements and provide evidence of training, insurance and relevant licences. Contractors are monitored for compliance with our safety standards and integrated into site risk assessments.

Incident Reporting, Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

All accidents, near misses and unsafe conditions are reported and investigated promptly to identify root causes and corrective actions. Records of incidents, training, inspections and risk assessments are retained to support review and compliance. Regular safety audits and toolbox talks are conducted to monitor performance and reinforce safe behaviours. We strive for continuous improvement, adjusting controls and procedures in response to lessons learned and regulatory developments.

Policy Review and Enforcement

This policy is reviewed periodically and updated when changes to operations, legislation or industry best practice occur. Non-compliance with health and safety procedures is taken seriously: disciplinary steps may be applied where negligence or wilful breach of safety rules is identified. The company encourages a culture where safety concerns are raised without fear of reprisal and where every member of the team contributes to a safer working environment.

Commitment: We are committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all employees, contractors and members of the public affected by our rubbish clearance and waste removal activities. That commitment extends to responsible waste handling, secure disposal and the minimisation of environmental impact through reuse and recycling where feasible.

Implementation: This Health and Safety Policy will be communicated to all staff and contractors, displayed at key operational points and made available to stakeholders on request. Regular training, thorough risk assessment, diligent supervision and transparent incident management underpin the delivery of safe, reliable house clearance and rubbish removal services.