Redbridge Skip Hire maintains a comprehensive Health and Safety Policy designed to protect employees, contractors, customers and the public across our rubbish company service area. This policy sets out the standards we follow for safe operation of skip hire, waste handling and rubbish collection activities. It reflects our commitment to reduce risk, prevent injury and ensure compliant waste removal and skip hire operations. All personnel must familiarise themselves with these measures and apply them consistently during day-to-day work.

Health & Safety Policy — Redbridge Skip Hire

Scope: This policy applies to everyone working for or on behalf of Redbridge Skip Hire within our rubbish removal service area and associated sites where skips are placed, loaded or stored. It covers skip delivery and collection, manual handling, vehicle movements, site set-up, hazardous waste segregation, and interactions with third parties and members of the public. The policy is intended to be practical, enforceable and updated as business activities evolve.

Responsibility for implementation rests with management and is supported by line supervisors and all staff. Managers are required to ensure adequate resources, training and supervision are provided so that risk controls are effective. Supervisors must check that safe systems of work are followed and report any shortfalls. Employees are expected to follow procedures, wear required personal protective equipment and report hazards or incidents promptly. A clear chain of command and documented responsibilities will ensure accountability across the rubbish collection area and skip hire operations.

Roles, Training and Competence

To maintain safe operations we emphasise the importance of competence. Training will be provided for: vehicle operation, safe loading and unloading of skips, manual handling and correct use of lifting aids, hazardous materials handling, and site traffic management. Training will be recorded and refreshed periodically. Contractors working within our waste management or waste removal service area must present evidence of suitable qualifications and insurance prior to engagement.

Risk assessment underpins all activity. Regular site risk assessments identify hazards such as uneven surfaces, overhead obstructions, contaminated waste, traffic interaction, and adverse weather. Controls include exclusion zones when placing or removing skips, use of banksmen for vehicle movements, mechanical aids to reduce manual handling, and clear segregation of hazardous items. Findings from assessments will be used to revise safe working procedures and to prioritise remedial actions.

Safe Working Procedures include, but are not limited to:

• Pre-shift vehicle and equipment checks to ensure roadworthiness and safe operation.
• Ensuring skips are sited legally and safely, away from footpaths and utilities where possible.
• Immediate isolation and specialist handling for suspected hazardous waste, with disposal through authorised channels.

These measures apply across our skip hire service area and aim to reduce the potential for injury, environmental harm and property damage.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements are mandatory. Staff must wear hi-vis clothing, safety boots, gloves and eye protection as required by task assessments. Respiratory protection and specialised PPE will be provided for tasks involving dust, fumes or dangerous substances. All PPE must be maintained, stored securely and replaced when damaged. The company will enforce PPE use and provide accessible replacements.

Vehicle, Loading and Traffic Management

Vehicle operations are a principal safety focus for any rubbish company. Drivers must adhere to safe loading limits, secure loads to prevent spillage during transit and comply with relevant road regulations. Site traffic management plans will minimise interactions between pedestrians and vehicles. Banksmen and spotters are used where visibility is restricted. Regular maintenance schedules and logging of defects will support safe vehicle deployment across the rubbish collection area.

Emergency preparedness and incident response are essential. Procedures cover first aid, fire response, spill control and procedures for reporting and recording incidents. Near-misses are treated seriously and investigated to prevent recurrence. The company will maintain appropriate first aid facilities, fire extinguishers and spill kits on vehicles and at operational hubs. All incidents are documented, reviewed and used to inform training and procedural updates.

Monitoring, audits and continual improvement: We will conduct regular health and safety audits, toolbox talks and site inspections to verify compliance and identify opportunities for improvement. Performance indicators include training completion, incident frequency, audit findings and corrective action closure rates. Feedback from staff is encouraged via formal channels to improve safety culture across the rubbish removal service area.

Legal and regulatory compliance: Redbridge Skip Hire will comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and waste management regulations. This includes appropriate waste classification, handling and storage, correct disposal routes for hazardous materials and adherence to duty of care principles. We will maintain necessary records, permits and inspections to demonstrate compliance without over-emphasising specific local details.

Communication and consultation are central to effective safety performance. Staff will be consulted on changes that affect health and safety and provided with accessible copies of policies and procedures. Regular briefings and safety updates ensure everyone remains informed of risks and controls relevant to our skip hire and rubbish clearance operations. Management will review this policy annually, or sooner if there are significant operational changes, incidents or regulatory updates.

By following this policy, Redbridge Skip Hire aims to deliver reliable and safe skip hire, rubbish collection and waste removal services while protecting people and the environment. All employees share responsibility for safety; management will provide leadership and resources, and employees will follow safe systems of work and report concerns. Together we promote a robust safety culture across our service area.

Signed for and on behalf of Redbridge Skip Hire: this policy is issued as a formal statement of intent and will be implemented through documented procedures, training and active management oversight to ensure ongoing compliance and improvement in health and safety performance.