Health and Safety Policy for Earls Court Man with Van Services

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitment of Earls Court Man with Van (and associated trading names such as Earls Court removals and man and van Earls Court) to provide a safe working environment for staff, contractors and the public. The policy applies to all operations including household and commercial rubbish collection, waste clearance and light removal activities across our service area. Our approach is preventative: hazards are identified, risks are assessed and appropriate controls are implemented and reviewed.

The objectives of this policy are to ensure compliance with relevant health and safety obligations, to minimise incidents, and to promote a culture where safety and responsible waste handling are integral to everyday work. Responsibilities are allocated at all levels: senior management retains overall accountability, supervisors ensure implementation and employees must follow safe systems of work. Everyone is expected to report hazards, near misses and to participate in safety briefings.

This policy covers key operational areas such as vehicle safety, manual handling, hazardous and non-hazardous rubbish disposal, and site-specific risk assessments. We require that all jobs have a documented risk assessment for tasks that present a foreseeable risk and that control measures are recorded. Training, supervision and the provision of suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) are fundamental controls. Practical measures include regular vehicle checks, secure load restraint, and mandatory use of gloves, hi-vis clothing and appropriate footwear.

All staff will receive induction training on this Health and Safety Policy and ongoing refresher training relevant to their role. Job-specific instruction covers safe loading and unloading, segregation of recyclable materials from general rubbish, and procedures for handling bulky or contaminated items. Managers will monitor competence and maintain training records to ensure the team remains able to manage risks effectively.

Vehicles used for rubbish removal and man-with-van services are subject to daily checks and scheduled maintenance. Drivers must complete a pre-shift checklist and report defects immediately. Vehicles are fitted and used in accordance with safe loading practices and legal limits. When working near public thoroughfares or on-street parking, additional controls such as cones, warning signs and a nominated banksman will be used to manage traffic risks and protect pedestrians.

Emergency response procedures are in place for incidents such as spills, road collisions, manual handling injuries and exposure to hazardous materials. First-aid provision, accident reporting and investigation protocols are maintained and regularly reviewed. The company will ensure that any reportable incidents are notified to the appropriate enforcement body as required by law.

Risk Management and Safe Systems of Work

Risk management follows a hierarchy of control: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls and PPE. For waste and rubbish services, this means avoiding manual lifting where mechanical aids are available, segregating hazardous items, and using appropriate containment for sharp or contaminated waste. Safe systems of work are documented for recurring activities and include permit-to-work principles for non-routine tasks.

Roles, Responsibilities and Consultation

Senior management will review this policy annually and allocate sufficient resources to meet its objectives. Line managers are responsible for implementing risk assessments, ensuring safe working practices and supporting return-to-work procedures following injury. Employees must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and cooperate with control measures. Consultation with workers, including toolbox talks and safety meetings, is used to capture frontline insights and address practical safety improvements.

The following are examples of controls used across our rubbish collection and removal operations:

• Pre-shift vehicle and equipment inspections and maintenance schedules
• Manual handling training and lifting aids such as trolleys and ramps
• Clear segregation of recyclable materials, controlled handling of hazardous waste and safe disposal routes
• Use of PPE: gloves, eye protection, hi-vis garments and suitable footwear
• Traffic management on roadside collections and safe access arrangements at properties

Measurement of performance includes monitoring incident rates, near-miss reports, audit outcomes and corrective actions implemented. Key performance indicators are reviewed by management to ensure continuous improvement. Regular on-the-job supervision and formal audits identify areas for additional training or process change.

Health surveillance and wellbeing support are available where employees are exposed to specific occupational risks. Substance misuse policies, fatigue management and fitness-to-work assessments contribute to safer operations. Contractors and subcontractors must demonstrate suitable competence and safety arrangements before they are engaged.

Policy Review: This Health and Safety Policy is a live document. It will be reviewed at least annually and whenever there is a significant change to operations, legislation, or following a serious incident. The policy should be read alongside procedural documents and risk assessments that provide the practical detail for safe execution of rubbish clearance, man with van tasks and related removal services. Commitment to safe, compliant and responsible waste handling underpins all aspects of our work.