Health and Safety Policy — Business Waste Removal Sudbury

Business Waste Removal Sudbury is committed to protecting the health, safety and welfare of our employees, contractors, visitors and the public while delivering professional rubbish removal and waste management services. This policy sets out our approach to risk control and safe practice across our rubbish company service area and related operations. It is designed to be practical, proportionate and aligned with recognised safety principles for waste collection, transfer and disposal.

Policy Objectives

Our objectives are to:

• Prevent work‑related injury and ill health in all business activities, including commercial and domestic rubbish collection.
• Provide safe systems of work for waste removal teams and drivers operating within our service area.
• Ensure compliance with relevant health and safety standards and good practice for waste handling and transport.

Scope and Application

This policy applies to all staff, apprentices, agency workers and authorised contractors engaged by this rubbish removal company. It covers activities such as manual handling of waste, loading and unloading, vehicle operation, site visits, skip placements, and handling of non‑hazardous and potentially hazardous materials. Contractors operating on our behalf must adopt equivalent or more stringent safety measures.

Responsibilities

The following responsibilities are established to ensure clear ownership of safety outcomes:

• Management: provide resources, leadership and monitoring to implement this health and safety policy effectively.
• Supervisors: ensure safe systems of work are followed, conduct site briefings and confirm competence of operatives.
• Employees: follow instructions, use PPE supplied, report hazards and participate in training.

Managers will also maintain records of risk assessments, vehicle inspections and training schedules.

Risk Assessment and Control

We will carry out and regularly review risk assessments for all typical tasks in our rubbish collection area. Controls include task-specific safe work procedures, elimination or segregation of hazardous items, use of mechanical aids and ensuring clearance around collection points. Where risks cannot be eliminated, they will be reduced by engineering measures, administrative controls and appropriate PPE.

Key control measures include:

• Pre‑shift vehicle checks and documented daily inspections.
• Clear guidance on manual handling and team lifting protocols.
• Segregation and labelling of potentially hazardous wastes.

Training, Competence and Communication

We will ensure all operatives receive induction training and refresher instruction relevant to their role, including manual handling, safe vehicle operation, spill response and the safe use of lifting equipment. Training will be documented and competence assessed periodically. Safety briefings and toolbox talks will be used to communicate seasonal risks and operational updates across our rubbish collection services.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Appropriate PPE will be supplied and maintained for all operatives, including high‑visibility clothing, gloves, safety boots and eye protection where required. PPE is a last line of defence and must be worn as directed. Supervisors will ensure compliance and remove from duty anyone refusing to use required protective equipment.

Vehicle, Traffic and Site Safety Vehicles used by the waste removal company will be maintained to industry standards and inspected regularly. Drivers must follow safe driving practices, observe speed limits, and apply safe reversing procedures. When working on sites, operatives must establish safe exclusion zones, use cones and signs where necessary, and coordinate with site managers to manage pedestrian and vehicular interaction.

Hazardous Materials and Spill Response

Some waste streams may contain hazardous components. Our policy requires identification, segregation and safe containment of hazardous materials. When hazardous items are found, operatives will stop work and follow the procedure for isolation and reporting. Spill kits and absorbents will be provided in vehicles, and staff trained in containment, clean‑up and notification.

Incident Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported immediately to a supervisor and recorded. Investigations will identify root causes and corrective actions to prevent recurrence. We will maintain a register of incidents and track trends to inform training and control improvements.

Monitoring, Review and Continual Improvement The effectiveness of this health and safety policy will be monitored through audits, inspections and performance metrics such as incident rates and compliance checks. The policy will be reviewed at least annually or when operational changes occur. We are committed to continual improvement and expect every member of the team to contribute suggestions for safer, more efficient waste removal operations.

Employee Wellbeing and Occupational Health

We recognise that physical and mental wellbeing affect safety. Our approach includes adequate rest breaks, health surveillance where identified as necessary, and support for workers returning from injury. Early reporting of health concerns is encouraged to manage adjustments and reduce risk.

Waste Handling Best Practices

To protect staff and the environment, the company promotes best practice for rubbish collection: ensure load stability, avoid overfilling containers, segregate recyclables and hazardous items, and secure loads during transit. These practices reduce manual handling strain, spillage and exposure to contaminants across our service area.

Commitment: By adhering to this policy, Business Waste Removal Sudbury will provide a safer workplace while delivering reliable rubbish removal and waste services. All employees and contractors are expected to support these aims and act responsibly to protect themselves and others.