Health & Safety Policy — Commercial Waste Blackheath Operations

This Health and Safety policy sets out the overarching approach for safe management of commercial waste Blackheath activities and associated rubbish collection services across our operational service area. It applies to all employees, contractors and visitors involved in commercial refuse handling, transfer and transport. The aim is to prevent harm, reduce operational risk and ensure safe, compliant delivery of commercial rubbish services while protecting the environment and public spaces. This statement is a clear commitment that safety and responsible waste removal are core business priorities.

Scope: The policy covers all aspects of Blackheath commercial waste operations including containerised waste collection, on-site commercial bin servicing, bulk removal, vehicle loading and off-site transfer to licensed facilities. The scope intentionally avoids prescribing specific statutory text; instead it focuses on practical controls and management systems for everyday operations in a professional rubbish company service area. Management will ensure adequate resources are available to meet the requirements of this policy.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities

Senior management have ultimate responsibility for health and safety performance and for ensuring that appropriate systems are implemented, monitored and reviewed. Supervisors and team leads are responsible for day-to-day risk control and ensuring workers are competent and equipped. Employees, drivers and waste operatives must follow safe working procedures, wear required personal protective equipment and report hazards or incidents promptly. Contractors and third-party partners providing commercial waste removal in Blackheath must comply with site rules and confirm competence before commencing work.

Training and Competence: All staff will receive induction training, job-specific instruction and refresher briefings to maintain competence in safe handling of commercial refuse, lifting techniques, traffic safety and hazardous materials awareness. Training covers the correct use of PPE, mechanical lifting aids, vehicle safe systems of work and emergency response. Records of training and certificate verification will be maintained and reviewed periodically to ensure the workforce remains capable of delivering safe rubbish collection and disposal services.

Risk assessments will be performed for routine and non-routine tasks, and control measures will be implemented using the hierarchy of controls. Identified hazards include manual handling, vehicle movements, slips and trips, sharps and contaminated waste, fire and hazardous substance exposure. Controls include mechanical aids, segregation of waste types, designated loading zones, exclusion zones during lifting, high-visibility clothing and safe traffic management. Regular site inspections and toolbox talks ensure that risk controls remain effective.

Operational Procedures and Safe Systems of Work

Collection and Transfer: Operational procedures define the safe sequence for commercial bin servicing, bin exchange, container lifting and vehicle loading. Drivers and crew will confirm load security, perform routine vehicle checks and follow specified segregation procedures for recyclable, non-recyclable and potentially hazardous commercial waste. Mechanical equipment is inspected before use and defects are reported immediately.

Key procedures include:

• Pre-start checks: vehicle, lifting gear and PPE inspections prior to shifts;
• Manual handling controls: correct lifting posture, two-person lifts where required and use of trolleys or lifters;
• Traffic and vehicle safety: routes planned to minimise reversing, use of banksmen where necessary and adherence to road safety rules;
• Hazardous waste segregation: identification, containment and safe removal of potentially hazardous commercial refuse;
• Spill and contamination response: immediate containment, reporting and cleanup procedures to protect staff and environment.

Incident reporting and investigation is mandatory for every injury, near miss or environmental release. Incidents will be documented, root cause analysed and corrective actions tracked to completion. Shared learning is communicated across the workforce so that similar events are prevented in future.

Performance Monitoring and Continuous Improvement — Performance metrics, audits and scheduled inspections will measure compliance with this policy and operational standards for commercial rubbish services. Audits include vehicle checks, depot housekeeping, PPE use and adherence to lifting and segregation procedures. Findings are used to update procedures and training. External audits or third-party reviews may be commissioned where appropriate to verify performance and identify improvement opportunities.

Emergency preparedness and response: Emergency procedures cover medical emergencies, fire, fuel spills and hazardous waste incidents. Designated emergency coordinators are trained in incident control, communication and liaison with emergency services. Evacuation routes and assembly points are maintained and drilled periodically. Recovery plans aim to restore safe operations quickly while protecting staff and public safety.

Commitment: Management and staff are committed to maintaining a safe working environment for all involved in providing commercial waste and rubbish removal services. This policy will be reviewed at planned intervals and updated to reflect operational changes, lessons learned from incidents and evolving best practice. By embedding these safety principles into daily routines, the organisation aims to deliver reliable, safe and responsible commercial waste management across the service area.