Health and Safety Policy — Shoreditch House Clearance

Policy Statement: Shoreditch House Clearance is committed to maintaining a safe working environment for employees, contractors and members of the public affected by our house clearance and rubbish removal operations. This health and safety policy sets out the standards, responsibilities and procedures that govern our day-to-day activities in rubbish removal services, house clearance projects and related waste management tasks.

Scope and Purpose

This policy applies to all activities carried out by the company for residential and commercial clearances, including bulky item removal, garden and household rubbish collection, and responsible disposal and recycling. The aim is to reduce harm, prevent accidents and ensure compliance with applicable health and safety obligations. We strive for continuous improvement through regular monitoring and review.

Commitment to Safe Operations

The company will provide adequate resources, training and equipment so that all workers can carry out rubbish clearance tasks safely. All personnel are required to follow safe systems of work and to use personal protective equipment where necessary. We will assess and control risks associated with manual handling, vehicle movements, dust, noise and contact with hazardous materials encountered during clearance jobs.

Responsibilities

Management is responsible for implementing this policy, ensuring that risk assessments are current and that safe methods are used. Supervisors and team leaders must ensure staff are competent and that tasks are planned to minimise exposure to hazards. Employees are required to take reasonable care for their own safety and the safety of others, to report hazards and to cooperate with management arrangements.

Risk Assessment and Controls

We conduct documented risk assessments before work begins on any clearance or rubbish removal project. Controls are applied according to the hierarchy of risk management: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls and personal protective equipment (PPE). Typical controls include:

• Safe manual handling techniques and use of mechanical aids for heavy items.
• PPE such as gloves, high-visibility clothing, steel-toe boots and dust masks where required.
• Segregation and correct containment of waste streams to minimise contamination and chemical exposure.

This approach ensures that our rubbish clearance teams operate with minimal risk while maintaining efficient service delivery across our service area.

Hazardous Materials and Waste Handling

Hazardous items, including batteries, solvents, asbestos-containing materials and sharps, are identified and handled according to safe handling procedures. If hazardous materials are suspected, work will be stopped and specialist disposal contractors engaged. Employees must not attempt to remove or transport hazardous waste without authorisation and appropriate training.

Vehicles, Plant and Traffic Management

Vehicles and equipment used for house clearance and rubbish collection are maintained to standard. Drivers and operators will be trained and assessed as competent. Traffic management plans will be used on sites where vehicle movements present a risk to operatives or the public. Loads will be secured to prevent spillage and to protect road users during rubbish removal runs.

Training, Competence and Supervision

The company provides induction and ongoing training that covers manual handling, COSHH awareness, safe driving for work, use of lifting equipment and emergency procedures. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring staff competence and for delivering on-the-job coaching. Records of training and competency will be maintained and reviewed.

Emergency Procedures and First Aid

Emergency plans are in place to deal with incidents such as injury, fire, or spillage. Adequate first aid provision and trained first aiders are available during working hours. Incidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported and recorded to ensure lessons are learned and improvements made to our rubbish clearance operations.

Monitoring and Performance The effectiveness of health and safety arrangements is monitored through inspections, audits and review of incident records. Key performance indicators include the number of incidents, compliance with risk assessments and completion of required training. Management will review this policy at least annually and whenever significant changes to operations occur.

Enforcement and Non-Compliance Management will take reasonable steps to enforce this policy. Failure to comply with health and safety procedures may lead to disciplinary action. Equally, positive safety behaviour is recognised and promoted to encourage a culture of responsibility across the team.

Record Keeping and Legal Compliance

The organisation keeps records of risk assessments, training, equipment maintenance and waste transfer documentation where appropriate. We comply with relevant statutory duties and industry standards that apply to house clearance and rubbish disposal services. This policy forms part of our commitment to safe, compliant and environmentally responsible operations across our service area.

Review

This health and safety policy will be reviewed regularly to reflect operational changes, new legislation and improvements identified through monitoring. The aim is to maintain a practical, live document that supports safe rubbish collection, clearance and disposal while protecting people and the environment.

Signed (company representative) — Policy effective from the date of issue. This statement provides the framework for safe delivery of house clearance and rubbish removal activities and should be read in conjunction with site-specific risk assessments and operational procedures.