Health and Safety Policy — Flat Clearance Hammersmith

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitment of Flat Clearance Hammersmith to protect the health, safety and welfare of staff, contractors, clients and the public while delivering flat clearance and rubbish removal services. The policy applies to all waste removal operations, including apartment clearance, bulky item collection, and mixed domestic waste handling. Our aim is to maintain safe working systems, reduce risk, and ensure legal compliance across every clearance service we provide.

The scope of this policy includes site risk assessment, safe manual handling, vehicle safety, control of hazardous materials and correct segregation of recyclable items. Responsibility for implementation sits with senior management supported by supervisors and operational staff. All employees are required to follow the procedures set out here and to report hazards or unsafe practices immediately. This document outlines roles, training expectations and the processes for monitoring and improvement for the rubbish company’s operational area.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our principal objectives are to: ensure a safe workplace for everyone involved in flat removal and clearance service activities; prevent work-related injuries and ill health; comply with relevant health and safety legislation; and continually improve health and safety performance. We will allocate resources for training, personal protective equipment and safe vehicles, and maintain a culture where safety is integral to all planning and execution.

Responsibilities

Management will: provide a safe system of work; make sure risk assessments are carried out; provide adequate information, instruction and training; and ensure suitable equipment and PPE are available. Supervisors must enforce safe practices and ensure staff adhere to procedure. Employees must use PPE, follow instructions, and report concerns. Everyone has a role in preventing incidents and maintaining safety standards across our clearance operations.

Risk Assessment and Control Measures

Risk assessments will be carried out for all tasks typical to flat clearance and rubbish collection. Identified hazards — such as manual handling, sharps, asbestos suspicion, and hazardous liquids — will be controlled by eliminating risk where possible, substituting safer methods, using engineering controls, and applying administrative controls including safe systems of work. Control measures include clear exclusion zones, signage, and buddy systems for heavy or awkward lifts. Specific procedures will be in place for suspect hazardous materials and for when specialist disposal is required.

Manual handling guidance will be enforced to reduce musculoskeletal injuries during house clearance and removal of bulky items. Mechanical aids, team lifts and correct lifting techniques will be used. Vehicle loading procedures will prevent shifting loads and ensure drivers operate safely, with regular vehicle checks and securement of waste loads before transit.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Training

The company will provide appropriate PPE such as gloves, high-visibility clothing, steel-toe footwear, eye protection and respiratory protection when required. Staff must be trained in correct use and maintenance of PPE. Training programmes include induction, task-specific instruction, manual handling practice and regular refresher courses. Competence will be assessed and recorded to ensure staff are safe and confident in delivering clearance and rubbish removal services.

Contractors and temporary staff engaged in any clearance or waste work will be required to demonstrate equivalent standards of health and safety competence. Before work starts, contractor safety files and method statements will be reviewed, and relevant procedures communicated. Subcontracted teams must adhere to the same safe working standards as company employees.

Hazardous Waste, Segregation and Disposal

Hazardous items such as batteries, solvents, paints, asbestos fragments and certain electrical components will be identified, segregated and handled according to legal and best-practice requirements. Where waste is classified as hazardous or requires specialised disposal, operations will be stopped and a competent hazardous waste handler engaged. The clearance service emphasizes recycling and reuse where feasible and lawful, minimizing landfill use and ensuring traceable disposal chains.

Incident Reporting, Emergency Procedures and Monitoring

All incidents, near misses and unsafe conditions must be reported through the company’s incident reporting process. Investigations will determine root causes and corrective actions. Emergency procedures, including first aid arrangements and fire response plans, are in place and communicated to staff. Regular safety inspections, audits and health surveillance where applicable will monitor compliance and effectiveness of the policy.

We will maintain records of risk assessments, training, PPE issuance, vehicle maintenance and incident reports. Performance indicators and periodic reviews will drive continuous improvement. This policy will be reviewed at least annually, or following significant change, incident or legislative update, to ensure it remains relevant to the operational needs of the clearance service.

Commitment: Flat Clearance Hammersmith is committed to maintaining high standards of health and safety across all waste removal, flat and house clearance activities. By embedding safe systems of work, promoting responsible behaviour and ensuring ongoing training and monitoring, we aim to protect people, property and the environment while delivering professional rubbish removal and clearance services.