Health and Safety Policy for Commercial Waste Barbican

Purpose: This Health and Safety policy sets out the commitment of our commercial waste operation to protect people, property and the environment while delivering professional commercial waste and rubbish removal services. The aim is to maintain a safe working environment across the service area, reduce incidents, and ensure that staff, contractors and premises clients understand their roles. This policy applies to all activities performed by the rubbish collection and commercial refuse teams operating in the Barbican area and surrounding service zones.

Scope and commitment: The organisation recognises the importance of consistent safety standards for all waste handling, transfer and disposal activities. Our obligation covers collection crews, vehicle operators, site operatives and office staff who plan waste routes and schedules. We commit to providing adequate training, appropriate PPE, safe equipment and clear procedures for both routine and non-routine tasks. Health and safety is embedded into operational planning and continuous improvement cycles to minimise risk.

Responsibilities: Key responsibilities are assigned to ensure accountability throughout the company. Line managers are responsible for implementing the policy, conducting risk assessments and ensuring controls are followed. Employees are required to cooperate, follow instructions and report hazards. Contractors engaged for specialised waste handling must demonstrate compliance with our safety standards. The following core responsibilities are emphasised:

• Management: set policy, provide resources and monitor performance;
• Supervisors: ensure day-to-day safe systems of work;
• Staff and drivers: follow procedures, use PPE and report incidents.

Hazard identification and risk assessment underpin our safety approach. Regular site and vehicle inspections are carried out to identify hazards such as manual handling risks, vehicle movement, sharps, and potential exposure to harmful substances. Control measures include mechanical aids, safe lifting techniques, segregation of hazardous material, and vehicle safety systems. We apply a hierarchy of controls and use engineering and administrative measures before personal protective equipment where practical.

Training and competence: Staff receive induction training and role-specific refresher courses covering manual handling, vehicle safety, spill response and safe operation of compactors, balers and lifting equipment. The policy requires documented competence checks and ongoing assessments. Training records are maintained to ensure every operative in the rubbish collection and commercial refuse teams has verified skills to work safely and handle commercial waste streams.

Personal protective equipment and hygiene: The company supplies and enforces the use of suitable PPE including gloves, high-visibility clothing, protective boots and eye protection where required. Procedures include safe donning and doffing of PPE and hygiene measures to reduce risk of contamination. Handwashing facilities and cleaning supplies are provided in depots and on vehicles where practicable.

Operational monitoring: Performance is tracked through scheduled audits, vehicle checks and incident trend analysis. We use observations and toolbox talks to reinforce safe working. All incidents, near misses and hazards are recorded and reviewed to extract learning and prevent recurrence. Lessons from audits and event reviews feed into procedure updates for the rubbish company service area.

Emergency preparedness: Clear procedures exist for responding to accidents, spills and other emergencies. Staff are trained in first aid, spill containment and safe evacuation. Emergency equipment is maintained and readily accessible on sites and vehicles. In an incident, the priority is the safety of people, followed by containment of the hazard and notification to relevant internal teams for coordinated response.

Contractor and third-party management: Subcontractors and service providers working with our commercial waste operation must comply with this policy. They are required to demonstrate safe systems, provide evidence of training and insurance, and participate in joint risk assessments where tasks are shared. The procurement and onboarding process includes evaluation of safety performance and ongoing supervision to ensure consistency across the service network.

Manual handling and vehicle safety: Specific controls apply to lifting, pushing and loading tasks commonly associated with commercial rubbish and refuse collection. Mechanical aids and correct lifting techniques reduce musculoskeletal injuries. Vehicles are equipped with warning systems, secure containment for loads and are maintained according to a structured program to prevent breakdowns and reduce roadside hazards.

Communication and worker involvement: We encourage an open safety culture where staff can raise concerns without fear of reprisal. Regular meetings, briefings and suggestion channels support worker participation. Performance targets include reduction in incidents and improved compliance with safe work procedures across the commercial waste and rubbish disposal teams.

Policy review and responsibility: This Health and Safety policy is reviewed at regular intervals to reflect operational changes, feedback from audits and emerging risks. Senior management retains ultimate responsibility for health and safety leadership and resource allocation, while all employees share responsibility for safe behaviour. Strong commitment and visible leadership are essential to deliver safe, reliable and sustainable waste collection services.

Implementation: The policy is supported by documented procedures, training modules and inspection regimes to ensure consistent application. Records of assessments, training and incidents are maintained to support transparency and continual improvement. By following the principles outlined here, our commercial waste and rubbish collection services aim to protect people, preserve assets and maintain public confidence in safe waste management.

Endorsement: This policy represents the company’s formal commitment to health and safety for all commercial refuse activities in the Barbican service area and beyond. Everyone involved in delivery of commercial waste services is expected to be familiar with and adhere to the standards it sets.

Signed on behalf of management — policy ownership is retained by senior leadership and delegated through operational managers to ensure effective implementation.