Health & Safety Policy for House Clearance Dulwich

This Health & Safety Policy sets out the commitments and practical measures adopted by our team for House Clearance Dulwich and associated rubbish collection services. It covers operational standards for the safe removal, transport and lawful disposal of waste from residential properties. The policy applies to all staff, contractors and any individuals engaged in the collection, sorting or transfer of domestic items and rubbish within our service area. Our aim is to deliver a professional house clearing service while minimising risk to people, property and the environment.

Everyone involved in the clearance operation has responsibilities. Senior management will provide leadership and resources, supervisors will ensure compliance on-site and crew members must follow safe systems of work. We adopt a proactive approach to hazard identification and risk control: hazards are assessed before work begins and controls are implemented to eliminate or reduce risks to acceptable levels. This includes planning access, using appropriate equipment and ensuring each job is staffed according to its complexity.

Risk assessment is central to our approach. Before any house clearance, the responsible operative completes a documented assessment that identifies physical hazards, potential sharps, asbestos risks, electrical items, and biohazardous waste. Where necessary, work will be paused and specialist contractors called in. The assessment process informs the choice of personal protective equipment (PPE), manual handling techniques and vehicle loading methods to reduce the chance of injury and damage.

Our operational controls are designed for safe rubbish removal and house clearance activities. Crews are trained in correct lifting and carrying procedures and in the safe use of trolleys, sack trucks and mechanical aids. Drivers are briefed on safe loading to prevent shifting during transit. We enforce speed limits, secure loads and maintain vehicles to a high standard to protect staff and other road users during rubbish transport.

Personal protective equipment is provided for all tasks and must be worn as required. Typical PPE includes steel-toe boots, high-visibility clothing, gloves appropriate to the task, eye protection and where necessary dust masks or respirators. We maintain an inventory of PPE and replace items that are damaged or beyond serviceable condition. PPE use is supplemented by training so that all operatives understand when and why specific protection is necessary.

Waste segregation and handling protocols ensure materials are processed correctly and recyclable items diverted from landfill where feasible. Our crews separate metals, cardboard, general rubbish and any regulated waste. For potentially hazardous items such as asbestos-containing materials, chemicals, batteries and medical waste, we follow strict containment and transfer procedures and use licensed facilities for disposal. A zero tolerance position is adopted regarding unsafe handling or improper disposal.

Training and competence form a continuous thread through our safety policy. New staff receive induction training that covers operational risks, PPE, vehicle safety and the company’s reporting procedures. Regular refresher training, toolbox talks and practical demonstrations are scheduled to maintain awareness and competence. Supervisors carry out frequent safety observations to reinforce best practice and identify areas for development.

In the event of an incident, near miss or accident, staff must report promptly using the company’s reporting system. Investigations seek the root cause and result in corrective actions such as changes to procedures, additional training or equipment updates. Records of incidents and actions are maintained and reviewed to track patterns and inform improvements. We also conduct periodic audits of job sites, vehicle checks and waste documentation to verify compliance.

The company supports a culture where safety is everyone’s responsibility. Key elements of our approach include:

• Regular risk assessments before each job to identify specific site hazards;
• Clear role definitions so every team member understands their duties;
• Appropriate PPE and equipment supplied, maintained and used correctly;
• Safe waste segregation and correct routing of recyclable or hazardous materials;
• Maintenance and vehicle safety checks to protect staff and the public.

We also emphasise manual handling controls. Teams plan lifts together, use mechanical aids for heavy loads and break down bulky items where possible. When specialised handling is required, such as moving bulky furniture from staircases or dealing with fragile items, additional manpower and protective measures are deployed so the task remains safe for everyone involved.

Management review this policy at regular intervals and whenever there is a significant change to operations, equipment or applicable standards. Reviews use data from incident logs, audit findings and workforce feedback to ensure the policy remains effective and up to date. The review process drives continuous improvement, ensuring our rubbish clearance services and house clearance work maintain high standards of safety and environmental responsibility.

By following this policy, the organisation demonstrates its commitment to protecting employees, customers and the wider community while delivering reliable house clearance and rubbish removal services. The policy is an active document and all staff are expected to contribute to its success through adherence, reporting and constructive suggestions for safer working methods.