Health and Safety Policy for Flat Clearance Enfield

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the obligations and arrangements for safe working across our flat clearance and rubbish removal operations. The purpose of this document is to define clear responsibilities, control measures and safe systems of work for personnel and contractors involved in flat clearance, waste collection and disposal within our general service area. This policy applies to all staff, temporary workers and sub-contractors engaged in rubbish company service area activities and is designed to reduce health risks, prevent accidents and ensure compliance with current statutory requirements.

Policy Statement

We are committed to maintaining a safe working environment for everyone affected by our rubbish removal service area activities. The organisation will provide appropriate resources to implement this policy, including training, safe equipment and clear procedures. Managers will ensure that risk assessments are conducted and that safe working practices are enforced. Employees are expected to co-operate with safety arrangements and to report hazards, near-misses and incidents without delay. This policy is subject to regular review and will be updated to reflect changes in operations, legislation or lessons learned from incidents.

All personnel engaged in waste clearance, flat contents removal or bulky rubbish collection must familiarise themselves with the standards described here. Breaches of the policy may result in disciplinary action where negligence or wilful disregard for safety is confirmed. The organisation will not tolerate practices that compromise the safety of operatives, residents or the public in any part of the waste handling and clear-out process.

Responsibilities and Duties

The following roles have specific duties under this policy: the operations manager will oversee compliance and record keeping; team leaders will ensure safe systems are followed on-site; operatives are responsible for using PPE and following instructions; and contractors must demonstrate equivalent health and safety standards. Risk assessments and method statements shall be prepared for non-routine or high-risk clearances and made available to those carrying out the work.

Risk Assessment and Control Measures

All tasks must start with a documented risk assessment covering manual handling, biological hazards, sharps, hazardous substances, fire and traffic. Controls will include the provision of:

• PPE such as gloves, eye protection and safety boots;
• handling equipment including trolleys and lifting aids;
• segregation for recyclable, hazardous and general waste;
• clear access and egress routes to prevent slips, trips and falls.

Engineers and supervisors must ensure all mechanical lifting aids are inspected and maintained in accordance with manufacturer guidance.

Special attention must be paid to preventing musculoskeletal injury during flat clearance operations: safe lifting techniques, team lifting and mechanical aids are mandatory when lifting heavy or awkward items. Where dwellings contain potentially hazardous materials, such as asbestos-containing items, electrical appliances or chemicals, a competent person must assess and manage removal or isolation in line with legal obligations.

Training, Supervision and Competency

Training is central to this policy. All operatives will receive induction training covering emergency procedures, PPE use, manual handling and hazard recognition specific to the waste clearance sector. Refresher courses and competency checks will be provided at intervals determined by operational risk. Supervisors must ensure appropriate levels of supervision for trainees and temporary staff.

Safe Equipment and Maintenance

Equipment issued for rubbish handling and flat clearance must be suitable for its intended purpose and maintained in a safe condition. Routine maintenance records should be retained and available for inspection. Faulty tools or vehicles must be removed from service until repaired. Storage of items awaiting disposal must not impede escape routes or create fall hazards.

Emergency procedures include first aid provision, clear reporting lines for incidents and arrangements for medical attention. All incidents and near-misses will be recorded, investigated and reviewed to prevent recurrence. The organisation will cooperate with relevant enforcing authorities and implement corrective actions identified during investigations.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

Compliance with this policy will be monitored through routine site inspections, audits and performance indicators such as incident rates and training completion. Findings will inform improvements to processes, equipment and training. Management will review this Health and Safety Policy at least annually or following significant changes to operations, legislation or after an incident that exposes a gap in controls.

Key commitments:

• Maintain a safe working environment for flat clearance and rubbish collection activities;
• Provide training, supervision and suitable equipment for all staff;
• Carry out risk assessments and implement proportionate controls across our waste clearance area;
• Investigate incidents and promote a culture of continuous improvement.

By adopting and enforcing this policy, the organisation aims to minimise harm, protect employees and the public, and maintain high standards in all aspects of flat clearance and rubbish company service area operations.