Health and Safety Policy — Skip Hire Greenwich

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitment of Skip Hire Greenwich to protect employees, contractors, clients and the public while delivering professional skip hire and rubbish removal services. The intention of this policy is to define responsibilities, outline safe systems of work and ensure compliance with applicable health and safety obligations. Our rubbish collection and waste disposal operations are managed to reduce risk, prevent harm and promote continuous improvement in safety standards.

All staff and subcontractors engaged in our skip hire service must familiarise themselves with this policy. The policy applies across the service area and to every stage of the waste management cycle — from booking and delivery through to uplift, transfer and disposal. Managers are responsible for implementing measures; employees are expected to work safely and report hazards. We emphasise safe behaviour, competent supervision and clear communication so that every load, vehicle and site operation meets our safety expectations.

Compliance with legal requirements and industry good practice is fundamental. The company will maintain policies and procedures aligned with regulatory standards for waste carriers and skip hire operators, and will ensure records of risk assessments, vehicle checks and staff training are kept up to date. Regular reviews will be completed to incorporate changes in law, technology or operational method that impact safety for rubbish removal and skip services.

Responsibilities, Training and Competence

Senior management will provide visible leadership, allocating resources to hazard control and staff training. Supervisors and drivers must carry valid qualifications where required and complete documented training in safe loading, securing of skips, manual handling and incident reporting. Employees should raise concerns and take reasonable care of their own safety and that of others. Contractors working with the company are expected to demonstrate equivalent safety arrangements before work commences.

Risk assessments will be carried out for routine and non-routine tasks. Where specific risks are identified — such as working near traffic, operating in confined spaces, or handling bulky or sharp waste — control measures will be implemented. These may include traffic management plans, use of banksmen for vehicle movements, exclusion zones around loading operations and limitations on manual handling to prevent musculoskeletal injury. The company will maintain a written record of significant risks and the measures used to control them.

Vehicle and plant safety is central to our operations. Regular pre-shift vehicle inspections, documented maintenance schedules and secure loading protocols ensure safe transit of skips and rubbish loads. Drivers must adhere to speed limits, maintain clear sightlines and use appropriate securing equipment. In the event of damage, spill or load shift, staff must stop work, isolate the area and follow the incident procedure described in this policy.

Operational Controls and Safe Systems of Work

PPE requirements are defined for each task and include high-visibility clothing, safety boots, gloves, eye protection and respiratory protection where dust or odours present a hazard. Manual handling is minimised by using mechanical lifting aids and correct loading techniques. Prohibited items are clearly listed and communicated to customers to prevent hazardous materials entering our skips. Examples include asbestos, certain chemicals, and pressurised gas cylinders.

Emergency procedures and first-aid arrangements are established at depots and for staff working on site. Crews carry communication devices to summon assistance quickly. In the event of a spill, fire or serious injury, immediate actions include isolating the area, providing first aid, and notifying emergency services where necessary. The company will conduct periodic emergency drills and ensure adequate first-aid trained personnel are available during operational hours.

Monitoring, reporting and continual improvement form the backbone of the policy. All accidents, near misses and safety observations must be reported and investigated to identify root causes and prevent recurrence. A programme of audits and inspections will assess compliance with safe systems of work for skip hire, rubbish collection and transfer operations. Performance indicators will measure training completion, vehicle checks, incident frequency and corrective actions implemented.

To support this policy, the company maintains a schedule of routine activities:

• Daily vehicle safety checks and records;
• Periodic site risk assessments and permit-to-work where required;
• Documented training and refresher sessions for drivers and operatives;
• Waste segregation and secure loading procedures to protect handlers and the public.

Managers will ensure these actions are completed and recorded.

The management team will review this Health and Safety Policy at regular intervals and following any significant incident, organisational change or legislative update. The review process will incorporate feedback from staff, audit findings and changes in industry practice to ensure our rubbish removal and waste disposal services remain safe, legal and effective. Continuous improvement will be pursued through corrective actions and the adoption of safer technologies or methods where they reduce risk.

This policy is available to staff and, where appropriate, to stakeholders involved in the waste management chain. Adoption of this policy demonstrates our commitment to operate a safe, professional skip hire and rubbish collection service that protects people, property and the environment while meeting our commercial obligations.