Health and Safety Policy for Business Waste Removal Chislehurst
Purpose: This policy sets out the commitment of our business waste removal operation to protect the health, safety and welfare of all employees, contractors and members of the public affected by commercial waste removal Chislehurst activities. It applies to all sites, vehicles and processes used to provide rubbish collection services to businesses, and establishes a framework for risk management, training and compliance.
Scope: The policy covers commercial waste removal Chislehurst services including waste collection, transportation, depot handling and transfer to authorised disposal or recycling facilities. It addresses routine tasks such as container emptying, manual handling, vehicle loading and segregation of recyclable and non-recyclable materials, as well as the identification and safe handling of hazardous or controlled wastes.
Legal and regulatory compliance: We will comply with applicable health and safety legislation, environmental controls and the duty of care for waste. Managers must ensure operations meet statutory requirements and industry standards for waste carriers, ensuring permits, registrations and documentation are maintained and accessible.
Responsibilities and organisation
Management responsibilities include provision of adequate resources, competent supervision and documented procedures for the collection, transport and disposal of business rubbish in Chislehurst. Supervisors must implement this policy on a day-to-day basis, ensuring staff understand their roles and the safe systems of work. Employees are required to follow instructions, report hazards and participate in safety training.
Risk assessment and safe systems: Dynamic and documented risk assessments will be conducted for routine and non-routine tasks. Identified hazards — including manual handling, slip and trip risks, moving vehicles, hazardous substances and sharps — will have controls applied using hierarchy of risk reduction: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Training and competence: All staff involved in rubbish removal for businesses in Chislehurst will receive induction training and periodic refresher courses covering safe lifting techniques, vehicle safety, containment and segregation procedures, spill response, and emergency arrangements. Training records will be maintained and reviewed.
Operational controls
Vehicle and depot safety procedures shall include pre-shift vehicle checks, secure loading practices, safe reversing protocols and clear pedestrian segregation around loading zones. Mechanical aids and trolleys should be provided to minimise manual handling where possible. Maintenance schedules for vehicles and handling equipment will be in place to reduce mechanical failure risks.
Waste segregation is mandatory at source and during processing. The company will enforce segregation of recyclables, general commercial waste and hazardous materials, with clearly labelled containers and documented handling instructions. For controlled wastes, authorised packaging, documentation and transfer notes will be used to comply with waste duty-of-care obligations.
Incident reporting and investigation procedures are mandatory. All accidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported promptly, recorded and investigated to identify root causes and corrective actions. Findings will be communicated to staff and used to update procedures and training.
Personal protective equipment will be provided as necessary and must be worn when risks cannot be eliminated. This includes gloves, hi-visibility clothing, safety boots, eye protection and respiratory protection where indicated. Employees will be trained in correct usage and care of PPE.
Monitoring and performance: The company will set measurable safety objectives and monitor performance through inspections, audits and key performance indicators related to incidents, near misses, training completion and legal compliance. Records will be retained and made available for review by authorised personnel.
Consultation and communication: Employee consultation is integral to the safe delivery of rubbish removal services. Regular safety meetings, toolbox talks and accessible safety notices ensure that staff are engaged in identifying hazards and improving controls. Contractors and temporary workers will receive the same site-specific safety information prior to commencing work.
Emergency preparedness includes spill kits, first aid provision and clear evacuation procedures. Drivers and depot staff will be trained in spill containment and emergency notifications. External emergency services will be contacted when incidents exceed in-house response capabilities.
Record keeping and documentation will be maintained for risk assessments, training, equipment maintenance, waste transfer notes and incident reports. These records support continual improvement and demonstrate compliance with statutory duties for commercial waste collection Chislehurst operations.
Review and continual improvement: This policy will be reviewed at least annually, or sooner following significant incidents, regulatory changes or operational changes. Management commits to continual improvement of health and safety performance for all aspects of Chislehurst business waste collection and related rubbish removal services.
Enforcement: Failure to comply with safety procedures may result in disciplinary action. Employees are encouraged to report unsafe acts or conditions without fear of reprisal so that hazards can be addressed promptly and effectively.
Conclusion: The company is committed to delivering safe, compliant and responsible commercial waste removal and business rubbish services. Through active management, training, and transparent reporting, we aim to protect people, property and the environment while providing reliable waste collection and disposal services.