Health & Safety Policy — Garden Clearance Hoxton

This policy sets out the commitment of Garden Clearance Hoxton to maintain safe working conditions for all employees, contractors and members of the public while providing garden clearance and rubbish removal services. It applies across our rubbish company service area and to any site where our teams operate. The aim is to eliminate hazards, reduce risks and ensure legal and moral compliance with health and safety principles.

Scope and objectives

Our objectives are to: reduce workplace incidents, protect staff and neighbours, and ensure that the garden clearance service we deliver is safe and efficient. This policy covers risk assessment, training, equipment, waste handling, vehicle operations and emergency response. We commit to continuous improvement and to learning from near-misses and incidents to refine our rubbish removal service procedures.

Responsibility and organisation

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with senior management, who will ensure appropriate resources are provided. Line managers and supervisors are accountable for day-to-day compliance, and every worker has the duty to follow safe systems of work. Contractors must demonstrate equivalent standards before undertaking work for our garden rubbish removal operations. Key responsibilities include:

• Risk assessment: identifying hazards and implementing control measures;
• PPE provision: supplying and enforcing suitable personal protective equipment;
• Training: ensuring staff competence in safe handling of green waste, mixed waste and heavy items.

Risk management and safe systems

We use a systematic approach to risk management. Before work begins, teams will undertake a site check to spot hidden hazards such as buried glass, unstable structures, contaminated soil or wildlife. Identified risks are mitigated by practical controls: mechanical assistance for heavy lifts, clear traffic management for rubbish collection zones, and segregation of hazardous materials.

Safe manual handling

Manual handling is a frequent exposure; operators follow safe lifting techniques, use trolleys and winches where needed, and rotate tasks to avoid repetitive strain. Staff are trained to assess items for weight, shape and stability. Where an item is considered a manual handling risk, teams must use mechanical aids or call for additional personnel.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

PPE is provided and maintained to a high standard. Typical PPE for garden clearance and rubbish removal includes gloves, safety boots with toe protection, high-visibility clothing, eye protection and suitable respiratory protection when dust or spores are present. PPE usage is mandatory where specified in risk assessments, and failure to wear issued PPE may result in disciplinary action.

Vehicle and traffic safety

Vehicles used for garden clearance, rubbish collection and disposal must be roadworthy and loaded safely. Drivers are trained in safe loading/unloading, use of tail lifts and site-specific traffic control procedures. When operating on public or private property, the team will set up appropriate cones and signage to protect staff and the public. All vehicle movements are conducted at safe speeds with spotters used in confined spaces.

Handling hazardous and controlled wastes

Some clearances involve materials that require special handling, such as oils, asbestos-containing materials, chemicals, batteries and contaminated soil. Where such items are suspected, work will stop and a qualified assessor will advise on segregation, containment and disposal routes. We maintain a duty of care for waste transfer notes and ensure that hazardous materials are transferred only to licensed facilities.

Training, monitoring and incident reporting

All staff receive induction training, role-specific instruction and periodic refresher sessions. Competency is assessed and recorded. We operate an incident and near-miss reporting system to capture learning. Investigations are proportionate and focus on preventing recurrence. Records of training, risk assessments and incidents are retained in line with company policy and regulatory expectations.

Health surveillance and wellbeing

Where work activities present health risks — for example prolonged exposure to dust, repetitive tasks or heavy lifting — we provide appropriate health surveillance and support. Staff are encouraged to report symptoms early so that adjustments can be made. We promote a culture in which mental and physical wellbeing are valued alongside occupational safety.

Emergency preparedness and first aid

Each worksite is assessed for likely emergencies and appropriate measures are put in place, including first aid provision, access routes for emergency services and evacuation procedures. First aiders are trained and equipped. In all incidents, the priority is the preservation of life and the safe evacuation of personnel.

Review and continual improvement

We will review this Health & Safety policy annually or after significant change or incident. Performance is monitored through audits, toolbox talks and management reviews. The goal is to maintain best practice for garden clearance teams and a high standard across our rubbish company service area. Everyone is expected to contribute to a safer workplace by raising concerns and suggesting improvements.

Signed: Management
Date: Current