Health and Safety Policy — Greenwich Man with Van

Greenwich Man with Van maintains a clear and enforceable Health and Safety policy designed to protect employees, customers, contractors and the public during all rubbish collection and removal activities. This policy sets out the commitment of our management team to provide safe systems of work, sufficient resources and competent personnel for waste removal operations. It applies to our full range of services, including rubbish removal, domestic clearances and commercial waste collections, and is reviewed regularly to ensure ongoing compliance and continual improvement.

Management is accountable for implementing and resourcing this policy. All staff, including drivers, loaders and support personnel, share responsibility for following procedures, reporting hazards and participating in safety training. Our approach balances operational efficiency with the need to control risks associated with manual handling, vehicle operation, customer site access and waste segregation. Employees must follow safe working practices at all times and raise concerns without delay.

Training and competence form the backbone of our safety management. Every member of the Greenwich man and van team receives induction training plus periodic refreshers on manual handling, vehicle checks, hazardous waste awareness and incident reporting. We maintain records of qualifications and on-the-job assessments to ensure competence. Supervisors conduct toolbox talks and on-site briefings to address location-specific risks and ensure tasks are planned with safety as a priority.

Risk Assessment and Control Measures

We carry out and document risk assessments for routine tasks and non-routine operations such as bulky waste removal, attic clearances or garden waste lifts. Risk assessments identify hazards such as sharp objects, biological contamination, asbestos suspect materials and uneven access routes. Controls include task planning, provision of suitable equipment, use of mechanical aids and exclusion zones to protect members of the public during collection. The policy emphasises that no job should proceed if the risk cannot be controlled to an acceptable level.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided and maintained; staff are required to use items appropriate to the task, including gloves, hi-vis clothing, steel-toe footwear and eye protection. Vehicle safety checks are completed before each shift to confirm brakes, lights, securing equipment and load restraints are serviceable. Drivers must perform daily defect checks and report issues immediately. Equipment provided for heavy or awkward loads reduces manual handling injuries and promotes safe working at customer premises.

Our waste handling procedures cover segregation, labelling and secure containment of different waste types. Special controls apply to hazardous materials and electrical items. The policy includes the following control measures:

• Pre-visit planning to identify access constraints and potential hazards.
• Use of mechanical aids and team lifts for heavy items to reduce manual handling risk.
• Clear communication with clients on items not accepted and safe access points.
• Regular maintenance and inspection of vehicles and equipment.
• Safe loading and securing procedures to prevent shifting during transit.

Incident Management, Legal Compliance and Continuous Improvement

All incidents, near-misses and health concerns must be reported through our internal reporting system. Prompt investigation identifies root causes and corrective actions to prevent recurrence. First aid kits are available in vehicles and at our premises, and nominated first-aiders are appointed and trained. Spill kits and containment materials are supplied to manage small fuel or fluid leaks safely. In the event of significant or hazardous releases, emergency services protocols are followed and the relevant environmental authorities notified where required.

Contractors and subcontractors engaged to support our removal services are required to demonstrate their own health and safety competence and adherence to our standards. We vet providers, confirm insurance and ensure work arrangements are clearly defined in contracts. Periodic audits and spot checks form part of our monitoring regime so that standards are consistent across all operations involving Greenwich rubbish collection and waste transfer activities.

This policy is reviewed at least annually, or sooner following an incident, change in legislation or alteration in services offered. Senior management are committed to providing necessary resources and ensuring that the policy is communicated to all staff and stakeholders. By following these principles, the Greenwich rubbish removal team strives to deliver a safe, reliable and legally compliant service while minimising environmental impact and protecting the wellbeing of everyone affected by our operations. Safety is an integral part of our service delivery and continuous improvement is embedded through training, auditing and feedback loops.