Health and Safety Policy — Stockwell Skip Hire

Stockwell Skip Hire is committed to delivering safe, reliable skip hire and waste services across our rubbish company service area. This policy sets out the standards and expectations that ensure the safety of our people, contractors, customers and the public while delivering skip hire, waste collection and clearance work. The objective is to prevent injury, protect property and maintain compliance with accepted industry practice for a reputable rubbish company and waste management provider.

Our policy applies to all operations including skip loading, transport, site delivery and collection, manual handling of waste, segregation and temporary storage. It covers employees, drivers, subcontractors and anyone who may be affected by our activities in the rubbish removal service area. The company will provide adequate resources to implement, monitor and continuously improve health, safety and environmental controls.

Roles and responsibilities are clearly defined: senior management is responsible for policy leadership and resource allocation; supervisors are accountable for daily safe systems of work; staff and contractors must follow procedures, use provided equipment and report hazards. Managers will ensure that every team member understands the expectations for safety when working for a skip hire company operating in multi-site rubbish clearance zones and broader waste management operations.

Risk assessment, controls and safe systems

Risk assessments are the foundation of our approach. We identify hazards associated with vehicle movements, loading/unloading skips, hazardous waste, manual handling and interaction with members of the public. Controls include vehicle exclusion zones, clear signage, traffic management plans, and the use of banksmen where appropriate. Where risks cannot be eliminated, we apply engineering and administrative controls to reduce exposure.

Training, competence and supervision are central to maintaining safe operations. All drivers and operatives receive induction training on safe loading, waste segregation, spill response and fire prevention. Ongoing competency checks and refresher sessions are provided, with documented records maintained. New employees are supervised until competence is demonstrated. Safe behaviour is reinforced through toolbox talks and on-site briefings for every project in the skip hire service area.

Equipment and vehicle maintenance programs are strictly followed. All plant and vehicles used for rubbish removal and skip transport are inspected daily and scheduled for regular servicing. The use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) — hi-vis, gloves, steel-toe boots and eye protection — is mandatory. The company will supply and replace PPE as required to meet workplace demands.

Operational procedures and safe work practices

Operational procedures document safe methods for common tasks such as skip placement, load checks, containment of hazardous materials and dealing with sharps or asbestos suspects. Staff must not attempt to handle materials suspected of being asbestos or other hazardous substances; such items are to be isolated and reported for specialist removal. Clear segregation of recyclables, general waste and hazardous loads is enforced to protect employees and support sustainable waste management.

Standard safe work practices include but are not limited to:

• Pre-shift vehicle and equipment checks
• Use of spotters for vehicle manoeuvring in high-traffic areas
• Secure loading to prevent spillage during transit
• Immediate containment and reporting of spills or leaks
• Prohibition of lifting beyond safe limits and use of mechanical aids when necessary

Incident reporting, investigation and performance monitoring ensure lessons are learned. All incidents, near-misses and unsafe conditions must be reported without delay. Investigations are conducted to identify root causes and implement corrective actions. Key performance indicators for safety are reviewed regularly by management to drive continuous improvement across the rubbish clearance and skip hire operations.

Environmental responsibility and waste segregation form an integral part of our health and safety ethos. Minimising cross-contamination, preventing pollution and reducing potential harm to communities are vital. Our teams follow procedures for handling liquids, contaminated soils and mixed loads in the waste collection service area. Emergency response plans for spills and fire are maintained and practised to reduce environmental impact.

Communication and consultation with staff and contractors is ongoing. We encourage reporting of hazards, suggestions for improvement and participation in safety meetings. Everyone engaged in our rubbish company activities is empowered to stop work where there is an imminent risk to life or safety until a safe system is established.

Policy review and commitment: this Health and Safety Policy is reviewed at least annually and updated as required to reflect operational changes, technology improvements and lessons from incidents. The leadership of Stockwell Skip Hire is committed to sustaining a safe workplace and a proactive culture that values prevention. All employees and contractors are expected to cooperate fully with this policy to ensure safe, efficient and responsible skip hire and waste services across the service area.