Woodgreen House Clearance - Health and Safety Policy

Woodgreen House Clearance is committed to protecting the health, safety and welfare of all employees, contractors, clients and members of the public affected by our house clearance and rubbish removal service area operations. This policy outlines responsibilities, safe working practices and the controls we apply across our waste clearance, rubbish collection and clearance service areas. It is designed to be clear, practical and proportionate to the nature of the work undertaken by our rubbish removal company and waste clearance teams.

Scope and commitment: This policy applies to all house clearance and rubbish collection activities undertaken by the company, including residential clearances, estate clear-outs and the transport and disposal of waste. All staff, subcontractors and visitors must follow the procedures and risk controls set out here. Management will ensure the provision of resources to implement this policy, including training, equipment and supervision. We will review this policy periodically to ensure it remains effective and aligned with current regulatory expectations.

Health & safety objectives

Our objectives are to maintain a safe service area and to minimise risks associated with waste handling, debris removal and vehicle operations. We aim to:

• Prevent work-related injury and ill health
• Ensure safe handling, segregation and transport of refuse and recyclable materials
• Provide appropriate training and personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Respond promptly to incidents and near-misses, and take corrective action

All objectives are supported by clear responsibilities and documented procedures to promote consistent, safe performance across our rubbish clearance service areas.

Risk assessment and safe systems of work

We conduct regular risk assessments for all house clearance activities and for each service area task. Assessments identify hazards such as manual handling, sharps, asbestos risk, chemical exposure, trip and fall hazards and vehicle movements. Control measures are recorded in method statements and communicated before work starts. Supervisors must ensure the documented safe systems of work are followed on every job.

Training, competence and PPE

All operatives will receive induction training covering manual handling techniques, hazard recognition, vehicle safety and correct use of PPE. Training is refreshed periodically and whenever work activities change. The company provides appropriate PPE including gloves, hi-visibility clothing, eye protection, and respiratory protection where necessary. Competence is assessed and only those deemed competent will operate powered equipment or drive company vehicles.

Safe handling and segregation of waste streams are essential. Staff must separate recyclables from residual waste and follow disposal routes that reduce environmental impact. Household hazardous waste is isolated and handled according to statutory guidance to prevent contamination and exposure. Where specialist disposal or licensed contractors are required, the company will arrange compliant removal and treatment.

Vehicle, site and manual handling safety

Vehicles used in our rubbish removal and clearance service area are maintained to a high standard and are inspected before use. Drivers are required to perform daily checks, secure loads correctly and follow safe loading/unloading procedures. Site access and egress are assessed before work begins to ensure pedestrian safety and minimise the risk of collisions or accidental damage.

Incident reporting, monitoring and continual improvement: All incidents, injuries and near-misses must be reported immediately. Reports are investigated to identify root causes and to implement corrective actions. Health and safety performance is monitored through routine site audits, toolbox talks and management reviews. Findings and improvements are communicated across the team to raise standards and reduce avoidable harm.

Supervision, roles and responsibilities: Senior management retains overall accountability for health and safety. Supervisors are responsible for day-to-day enforcement of this policy, ensuring staff follow safe systems of work and that risk assessments remain current. Employees and subcontractors have a duty to take reasonable care of their own safety and to cooperate with management in implementing safe working practices. Failure to follow safety procedures may result in disciplinary action.

Emergency procedures and first aid: Emergency arrangements are in place for all operations. Staff must know location of first aid kits, emergency contacts and the nearest medical facilities. In the event of a significant incident, the priority is to secure the scene, provide first aid and contact emergency services if required. All emergency responses are reviewed to improve readiness.

Contractor and third-party management: When engaging subcontractors for clearance, specialised removals or disposal, the company ensures they meet our safety standards and hold appropriate insurance and licences. Contractors are required to comply with this health and safety policy and to provide evidence of competence and relevant risk assessments before beginning work.

Policy review and legal compliance: Woodgreen House Clearance will review this policy at least annually and whenever there are significant changes to operations, personnel or applicable law. The policy is maintained in accordance with statutory health and safety requirements and industry best practice for waste and rubbish clearance operations. By following the principles set out here, we aim to deliver a safe, compliant and sustainable house clearance and rubbish removal service area for clients and staff alike.