Health and Safety Policy — Flat Clearance Crouch End

Flat Clearance Crouch End operates a clear, risk-based health and safety policy for all rubbish removal and flat clearance operations. This document sets out our commitments to protect staff, contractors, residents and the general public during house clearance, flat removals and waste collection activities. The following policy applies to every site activity and service area covered by our waste and clearance teams and is reviewed regularly to reflect changing risks and best practice.

Our core objectives are to prevent accidents, reduce exposure to hazards and ensure compliance with applicable safety standards. We require all personnel to follow safe systems of work, to wear appropriate personal protective equipment and to participate in training. Managers are responsible for implementing controls and for ensuring that risk assessments are current. Supervisors must monitor day-to-day operations, and every operative has a duty to report hazards and incidents promptly.

Risk assessment and method statements are maintained for every clearance job, including bulky rubbish removal, hazardous item handling and vehicle loading. Key controls include:

• Site risk assessments before work begins
• Safe manual handling procedures for bulky items
• Segregation of recyclable materials and hazardous waste

Training, Competence and Supervision

Staff competence is essential for safe flat clearance, house clearance and rubbish collection services. All operatives undertake induction training that covers manual handling, sharps awareness, hazardous materials recognition and safe use of equipment. Refresher training and toolbox talks are provided routinely. Supervisors are trained to assess competence for specific tasks and to provide on-site instruction when unusual hazards arise.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided and maintained for every operative. This includes gloves, steel-toe boots, hi-visibility clothing and respiratory protection where dust or mould is present. PPE is a last line of defence and must be used alongside engineering and administrative controls. Any defects in PPE or equipment must be reported immediately and the item taken out of service until repaired or replaced.

Safe Systems and Operational Controls

Our clearance teams use planned systems of work to manage lifting, vehicle loading and disposal of waste. This policy enforces safe stacking, use of trolleys and mechanical aids where feasible. Vehicles and lifting equipment are inspected and serviced at regular intervals. Contractors working with us must demonstrate equivalent safety arrangements before being permitted on site.

Emergency procedures are in place for fire, medical emergency and hazardous material spills. All operatives shall be familiar with nearest emergency exits, first aid arrangements and the procedure for contacting emergency services. Accidents, near misses and environmental incidents are recorded, investigated and used to improve controls and training. Reporting is mandatory for all safety events so we can learn and adapt our processes.

Vehicle safety and traffic management form an essential part of our rubbish collection and flat removal operations. Drivers are required to follow safe loading limits, ensure securement of items in transit and observe all road safety obligations. Where on-street operations are needed, appropriate signage, cones and, when required, banksman support are provided to protect operatives and members of the public.

Environmental responsibility is integrated into our safety policy: waste is segregated to maximise recycling and minimise landfill. Hazardous items are identified, contained and disposed of through authorised channels. The policy emphasises reuse and material recovery where possible and requires documentation of waste transfers and disposal methods to ensure traceability and regulatory compliance.

Health monitoring is available where work activities might expose staff to dust, damp, mould or chemical agents. We maintain records of relevant health checks and support employees to seek medical attention when needed. Wellbeing initiatives, including safe working hours and rest periods, reduce fatigue-related incidents during heavy clearances and repetitive tasks.

Contractors and subcontractors are expected to follow this health and safety policy when working on our behalf. Before any engagement, we assess their safety performance, insurance and competence. We also reserve the right to suspend activities if unsafe conditions are identified until remedial measures are implemented.

Monitoring and continual improvement underpin this policy. Regular site audits, weekly safety briefings and periodic review cycles ensure that the policy remains effective and relevant to evolving operational risks. This policy is endorsed by senior management and is available to all staff to support consistent delivery of safe, compliant flat clearance, house clearance and rubbish removal services across our service area.

Approval: The documented health and safety measures are maintained as part of our operational procedures and are subject to regular review and amendment to ensure the ongoing protection of people, property and the environment during clearance and waste removal activities.