Health and Safety Policy — Hackney Man with Van Rubbish Services

This Health and Safety policy outlines the duties, processes and controls adopted by Hackney Man with Van to deliver safe rubbish removal and waste clearance services. It is written to ensure all staff, contractors and operatives understand the expectations for safe working practices across pickups, loading, transport and disposal. The policy reflects our commitment to reducing risk, protecting personnel and safeguarding the public while providing dependable man-and-van rubbish services.

Our policy applies to every activity associated with man with van operations, including household waste collection, garden waste clearance, small-scale commercial removals and bulky item uplift. Management responsibility is defined and cascaded, with supervisors required to enforce safe systems of work. We adopt a proactive approach to compliance, implementing risk assessments, method statements and routine vehicle checks so that waste clearance is undertaken consistently and safely.

Risk assessment is central to our approach. Before any job, an operative or supervisor will complete a documented site assessment covering access constraints, traffic interactions, manual handling demands and the potential presence of hazardous materials. Assessments are used to determine control measures such as mechanical aids, two-person lifts, traffic management and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce exposure to common hazards encountered during rubbish removal.

Training and competence are mandatory. All team members complete induction training covering safe loading, vehicle stability, segregation of waste types and safe driving practices relevant to a man with van operation. Refresher training, toolbox talks and task-specific instruction ensure staff remain competent when performing routine rubbish clearance or responding to unusual site conditions. Records of training are retained for audit and continual improvement.

Vehicle safety and maintenance are prioritised. Vans are inspected daily by drivers and subject to scheduled servicing. Load restraint, weight distribution and secure packaging of waste are enforced to prevent spills and road hazards. Drivers must comply with all road traffic regulations and safe driving policies while transporting collected waste, including secure containment to prevent littering during transit.

Personal protective equipment must be worn where risk assessment identifies a need. Standard issue may include high-visibility clothing, gloves, safety boots and eye protection. Where staff handle sharp or contaminated items, additional protection such as puncture-resistant gloves and arm guards will be supplied. The policy promotes the use of mechanical aids like trolleys and sack trucks to reduce manual handling injuries.

Hazardous or specialist wastes are not part of routine rubbish removal unless explicitly agreed and handled under separate procedures. Staff are trained to recognise asbestos, chemical containers, sharps and other dangerous materials; if encountered, they must stop work, cordon off the area and notify a designated manager. Disposal of any controlled waste follows legal requirements and uses licensed facilities where appropriate.

Incident reporting and investigation help prevent recurrence. All accidents, near misses and safety concerns must be reported immediately via our reporting system. Investigations identify root causes and corrective actions, which may include revised procedures, additional training or equipment changes. Lessons learned are communicated to the workforce as part of our commitment to continual improvement.

Our operational controls include clear responsibilities and practical measures such as:

• Pre-job checks for site hazards and access;
• Use of PPE and mechanical aids to reduce injury risk;
• Vehicle loading protocols to maintain stability and safety;
• Waste segregation to avoid contamination and illegal disposal;
• Emergency procedures for spills, injury and fire.

Supervisors conduct regular workplace inspections and safety audits to ensure compliance with this policy. Monitoring covers driver checklists, waste manifest accuracy and adherence to load limits. Corrective actions are tracked until complete; repeated non-compliance is managed through performance processes. We encourage a safety culture in which everyone can speak up about unsafe conditions without fear of reprisal.

Health surveillance and wellbeing measures are provided where tasks present specific occupational health risks. Staff are supported with access to health assessments and practical measures to minimise exposure to dust, noise and repetitive strain. Where necessary, adjustments to duties are made to protect vulnerable employees or those recovering from injury.

This policy is reviewed at least annually or sooner after significant incidents, legislative changes or operational shifts for Hackney Man with Van and its rubbish clearing services. Reviews evaluate effectiveness, incorporate feedback, and update procedures to reflect industry best practice. The review process ensures the policy remains relevant and continues to protect people, vehicles and the environment while delivering reliable waste removal for clients.

Responsibilities and Compliance

Management and Employee Duties

Management provides leadership, resources and oversight, while each employee is required to follow safe systems of work, wear required PPE and report hazards. Compliance with this policy is mandatory and forms part of employment conditions. Regular audits and performance checks underpin our drive for continuous safety improvements within the rubbish removal and man with van operational environment.

Key commitments include maintaining a safe working environment, preventing work-related injuries and illnesses, and ensuring lawful handling of waste streams. The policy is supported by standard operating procedures, training modules and a clear escalation route for health and safety concerns. By combining practical controls with a culture of accountability we aim to deliver safe, legal and professional rubbish collection services.

Signed and approved by the company leadership, this policy is the foundation for safe operations and reflects our ongoing pledge to protect workers, customers and the public while providing responsible waste clearance services.