Belsize Park Man with Van Health & Safety Policy

This Health and Safety policy sets out the responsibilities, procedures and commitments of Belsize Park Man with Van to protect employees, clients and the public while providing rubbish removal and man-and-van services. The policy applies to all operational activities including loading, transport, delivery and disposal of waste materials. It outlines our approach to risk assessment, training, safe working practices and continuous improvement. The aim is to ensure that every job is completed with the highest possible standard of safety while maintaining efficient rubbish collection and clearance services across our service area.

We recognise that effective health and safety management is integral to service delivery for a small removal and rubbish company. Our management team will ensure that risk control measures are proportionate and maintained, including the provision of adequate resources and competent supervision. This policy should be read in conjunction with the operational procedures for vehicle maintenance, manual handling, hazardous waste segregation and site access arrangements. All staff and subcontractors engaged by the company are required to comply with these standards and to report any concerns immediately to management.

All staff have a duty to take reasonable care for their own safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Employees must follow safe systems of work, use issued personal protective equipment (PPE) and participate in training activities. Supervisors will conduct pre-job briefings on-site, emphasising key risks associated with bulky waste removal, fragile fixtures and confined space access. We actively encourage a culture where safety observations and near-miss reports are used constructively to prevent incidents and improve routines.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Procedures

Risk assessments are carried out prior to each assignment and are recorded using standard templates. Assessments consider manual handling loads, ground and access conditions, lifting distances, traffic interaction and potential hazardous materials. Where a task is classified as high risk, a written method statement will be prepared and communicated before work begins. The company promotes the use of mechanical aids, trolleys and teamwork to reduce manual handling injuries and to ensure safe, efficient rubbish clearance.

Vehicles and equipment are maintained to a documented schedule to ensure roadworthiness and operational safety. Drivers must complete vehicle checks before departure and report defects immediately. Loading and securement procedures are mandatory: loads must be safely packed, tied down and covered where necessary to prevent spillage and to meet legal carriage requirements. The company enforces a strict non-overloading policy to protect employees and other road users.

Personal Protective Equipment and Hygiene

PPE, including hi-vis clothing, gloves, safety boots and eye protection, is provided and must be worn where appropriate. Staff are instructed on the correct selection, use and maintenance of PPE. Good hygiene practices are promoted to reduce infection risk from contaminated waste materials: this includes handwashing facilities, hand sanitiser provision and procedures for dealing with biohazardous items. When potentially hazardous waste is identified, work will stop until it is assessed and handled according to the appropriate regulations.

Training and competence are central to our approach. All new employees undergo an induction that covers core safety topics, safe lifting techniques and vehicle operation. Periodic refresher training and toolbox talks are scheduled to update staff on procedural changes and to reinforce safe behaviours. The company keeps records of qualifications, driver licences and training events to ensure that personnel remain competent to perform assigned duties.

• Incident Reporting: All incidents, injuries and near misses must be reported promptly and recorded for investigation.
• Emergency Procedures: Clear instructions are provided for first aid, fire response and vehicle breakdowns.
• Health Monitoring: Where work activities present health risks, appropriate monitoring or health surveillance will be arranged.

To manage risks associated with rubbish collection specifically, our teams are trained to segregate waste streams, identify hazardous items and follow proper disposal routes. We prohibit the carriage of unidentified chemicals, asbestos or clinical waste in general vans unless special permits and containment systems are in place. Where specialist removal is required, jobs will be referred to licensed contractors to ensure compliance and safety.

Responsibilities and Review: Senior management retains overall responsibility for health and safety policy implementation. Line managers and supervisors are accountable for ensuring that safe working practices are followed on-site. Employees have a responsibility to co-operate with safety measures and to highlight hazards. The policy will be reviewed at least annually or following a significant incident, change in operations or legal update. Records of risk assessments, training, vehicle checks and incident investigations will be maintained to support continuous improvement.

In summary, our man with van and rubbish removal teams operate under a framework designed to minimise harm and protect everyone involved in or affected by our services. By combining clear leadership, effective risk management, proper equipment and ongoing training, we aim to deliver safe, reliable removal and rubbish clearance services throughout our operating area. Compliance with this policy is mandatory, and its principles are embedded in everyday work to ensure safety remains a core value of our business.