Health and Safety Policy — Flat Clearance Camden

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitment of Flat Clearance Camden to protect the health, safety and welfare of employees, contractors and members of the public while carrying out flat clearance and waste removal activities in our rubbish company service area. The policy applies to all operational tasks including rubbish removal services, bulky waste clearance, recycling separation and transport. It explains our approach to hazard identification, risk assessment, control measures and continual improvement. The aim is to maintain safe working conditions and to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and good industry practice without over-relying on locality-specific details.

We accept responsibility for ensuring a safe working environment and for providing the resources required to deliver safe flat clearance operations. Key duties include appointing competent staff and supervisors, providing appropriate personal protective equipment, and maintaining effective communication lines across the team. Our approach to safety is preventative: by anticipating operational hazards in the waste clearance process, we reduce incidents. All employees are expected to cooperate with the policy and to follow established procedures at all times to minimise risk.

Risk assessment is central to our safe systems of work. Prior to each job, a written or documented site assessment is carried out to identify potential hazards such as manual handling risks, sharp objects, hazardous materials, rodent infestations, unstable furniture and restricted access. Controls include task-specific method statements, mechanical aids for lifting, segregation of recyclable and hazardous items, and clear site access management for rubbish collection and vehicle operations. The following list summarises typical control measures used on site:

• Pre-job risk appraisal and written method statements
• Provision and use of suitable PPE for staff and contractors
• Segregation and correct labelling of hazardous waste

Management retains overall responsibility for implementing this policy and will ensure that trained supervisors are available for all flat clearance activities. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for enforcing safe working practices, conducting toolbox talks and ensuring that operatives are competent to carry out their assigned tasks. Training covers manual handling, use of trolleys and lifting aids, safe waste handling and correct use of PPE. Training records are maintained and updated regularly to reflect new equipment, procedures or regulatory changes within the rubbish removal and waste management service area.

Operational staff receive specific instruction on the segregation of waste streams, identifying potentially hazardous items (such as asbestos-containing materials, batteries and chemical containers), and procedures for safe disposal or handover to authorised hazardous waste carriers. Supervisors must ensure that operatives know who to contact in an emergency and how to safely secure a clearance site to protect the public and property. Regular refresher training and on-site coaching form part of our continuous competence assurance process.

To support competence, the company maintains written procedures and accessible documentation for all common operational scenarios. Records of training, risk assessments, incident reports and equipment maintenance logs are retained for audit and review. Employees are expected to report any unsafe conditions immediately, and the company commits to prompt investigation and remedial action. An open reporting culture helps identify systemic issues and contributes to safer practices.

Equipment used in flat clearance must be suitable, inspected and maintained. This includes waste sacks, sack trucks, dollies, hand tools and vehicles used in the rubbish collection process. Vehicles and trailers are subject to regular checks and servicing schedules to ensure roadworthiness and safe operation during collection and transport. Manual handling controls are emphasised: task rotation, two-person lifts for heavy items and the use of mechanical aids wherever practicable.

Contractors and subcontractors engaged to supplement our flat clearance operations are expected to comply with this policy and to demonstrate equivalent standards of health and safety management. Before appointing external providers we assess their competence, insurance and relevant permits. On-site controls for all personnel include clear exclusion zones, signage, supervised loading operations and documented handover procedures for hazardous materials. Typical contractor expectations include:

• Proof of competence and insurance
• Adherence to site method statements and PPE requirements
• Immediate reporting of near-misses and incidents

Monitoring, review and continuous improvement are integral to this policy. We undertake periodic audits of operational activities, review accident and incident records and implement corrective actions where needed. Senior management will review the policy at least annually or sooner if significant organisational or regulatory changes occur. The company maintains a commitment to reducing environmental impact through responsible waste segregation and recycling, aligning the flat clearance service with broader waste management objectives in the rubbish company service area. Responsibility for day-to-day compliance lies with managers and supervisors, while all employees share the duty to work safely and report hazards. This policy is endorsed at board level and is made available to all staff and relevant stakeholders to ensure shared understanding and accountability.