Commercial Waste Haringey Health & Safety Policy

Commercial Waste Haringey is committed to protecting the health, safety and welfare of all employees, contractors and anyone affected by our commercial rubbish collection and waste services. This policy sets out the standards and responsibilities that govern our operations across the service area, covering Haringey commercial waste services, site works, vehicle operations and customer premises activities. Our aim is to prevent injury and ill health, reduce risks associated with handling commercial waste, and to promote a positive safety culture through clear leadership and continuous improvement.

Scope and Purpose

This policy applies to every aspect of our rubbish company operations including collection, transfer, storage, and disposal of commercial waste. It covers employees, subcontractors and visitors, and includes specific measures for dealing with hazardous materials, sharps, contaminated loads and mixed commercial refuse. The purpose is to provide a single, accessible statement of our safety objectives, to guide risk assessment, training and operational procedures, and to ensure compliance with relevant health and safety obligations while avoiding over-specifying legal detail.

Responsibilities are clearly defined to ensure accountability at each level of the organisation. Senior management will provide leadership and resources; supervisors will ensure safe work systems are in place; drivers and operatives must follow procedures and report hazards. Key responsibilities include:

• Management: maintain and review safety policy, resource PPE and training.
• Supervisors: perform local risk assessments and monitor compliance.
• Employees and Contractors: follow safe systems, report incidents and wear required PPE.

Risk Assessment and Control Measures

Risk assessment is central to our safety approach. We will identify hazards associated with commercial waste collection, including manual handling, vehicle movements, lifting equipment, waste segregation and potential exposure to hazardous substances. Controls will be proportionate and include engineering measures, administrative controls and personal protective equipment. Safe systems of work will be documented for repeatable tasks and reviewed whenever there is a change in operations or a near miss is recorded.

Training and competence are critical. All staff receive induction training tailored for a rubbish company operating in the commercial waste sector, including safe lifting techniques, correct use of PPE, spill response and contamination avoidance. Refresher training and competency checks are scheduled regularly. We maintain training records and ensure that those with supervisory responsibilities have additional training in risk assessment and incident investigation.

Operational controls for Haringey commercial waste include clear segregation of recyclable and non-recyclable loads, secure load containment on vehicles, and measures to prevent sharps injuries. Vehicles are fitted with appropriate signage and equipment, and daily vehicle checks are mandatory. Manual handling procedures emphasise team lifts, mechanical aids and avoiding risky postures. A simple hierarchy of control guides decision-making: eliminate the hazard where practical, substitute, isolate, use engineering controls, then administrative controls and PPE.

Maintenance, vehicle safety and site access protocols are enforced to reduce the risk of collisions, falls from height and entrapment. Drivers follow a safe route planning process to reduce fatigue and ensure safe arrival at commercial premises. We prohibit working beneath raised bodies unless supported by certified lifting props and use lock-out/tag-out procedures for vehicle-mounted compactors and other mobile plant. Regular audits and inspection schedules support the integrity of equipment and operational safety standards.

Contractors and subcontractors engaged in commercial rubbish collection must comply with this policy and demonstrate equivalent safety standards. Before any work starts, we require risk assessments and method statements for high-risk tasks. Our procurement and contractor management processes include verification of competence, insurance checks and monitoring performance. We also include procedures for dealing with unknown hazards discovered during work, with an immediate stop-and-report requirement until the hazard is controlled.

Incident reporting, emergency response and record keeping are essential. All accidents, near misses and hazardous observations must be reported promptly and investigated proportionately to identify root causes and corrective actions. Emergency procedures cover first aid, spill containment and contact with hazardous substances, and are communicated to staff and on-site personnel. We keep records of training, inspections, incidents and corrective actions to demonstrate ongoing improvement and to inform future risk assessments.

Communication and worker engagement underpin our safety culture. Toolbox talks, safety briefings and pre-shift checks ensure operatives are briefed on specific site risks and daily tasks. We encourage reporting of hazards without blame and use employee input to refine procedures. Supervisors hold regular safety meetings and document outcomes. Mental health and wellbeing are also recognised as part of overall safety; resources and support pathways are available to staff to manage fatigue and stress related to operational pressures.

Performance monitoring includes key performance indicators for safety, such as lost time incidents, near misses reported and audit findings. These KPIs are reviewed by management and used to set improvement targets. Where non-compliance is identified, proportionate disciplinary processes may be applied, alongside training and remedial action. Continuous improvement is pursued through learning from incidents, supplier engagement and adapting to changes in waste streams and service demands.

In conclusion, this Health & Safety Policy for our commercial waste operations commits the organisation to maintain high standards of safety across all commercial waste Haringey activities. We will review this policy at regular intervals and whenever significant operational changes occur. By working collaboratively and following the controls and responsibilities set out here, our rubbish company service area will protect people, the environment and the continuity of service delivery.