Health and Safety Policy — Leyton House Clearance
Purpose: This policy sets out the commitment of Leyton House Clearance to provide a safe and healthy working environment for staff, contractors and members of the public during all house clearance, waste clearance and rubbish removal activities. The policy applies across our service area for residential and commercial clearance and establishes responsibilities, arrangements and standards for safe operations. Safety is integral to every clearance task and will be treated as a core business requirement.Scope and Responsibilities
This policy covers all aspects of our rubbish collection, junk removal and waste management operations. The company director has overall accountability, while managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing procedures. All employees and contractors have a duty to work safely, report hazards and follow instructions. Employees must take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others affected by their acts or omissions.
Risk assessments are carried out for each site and clearance type to identify hazards and determine control measures. Typical risks include manual handling injuries, slips and trips, sharps and contaminated waste, vehicle movements and hazardous materials. Controls include safe lifting techniques, team lifts, use of mechanical aids and strict segregation of hazardous items. Key risk control measures:
- Pre‑task assessment and site inspection
- Use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Clear exclusion zones and traffic management
Safe Working Procedures
Work is planned and supervised to reduce risk. Procedures for rubbish removal, house clearance and bulky waste handling specify the correct use of tools and equipment, secure loading practices and the stacking and transportation of items. PPE such as gloves, steel toe boots, high visibility clothing and eye protection must be worn where hazards are present. Equipment is checked before use and faults are reported immediately.Waste segregation and disposal are carried out in accordance with environmental best practice. Non‑hazardous waste is separated from hazardous streams and recyclables where possible. Items that may contain hazardous components (asbestos, solvents, pesticides, certain batteries) are identified and isolated. We only transfer hazardous wastes to authorised facilities and maintain documentation for tracking and legal compliance.
Training, Competence and Health
Staff receive induction training and periodic refresher courses covering manual handling, safe use of equipment, hazard recognition and emergency procedures. Training records are maintained and competence is assessed. Health surveillance is provided as appropriate. Employees are encouraged to report health concerns and to participate in toolbox talks and safety briefings.Incident Reporting and Emergency Response: All incidents, near misses and property damage are reported and investigated to prevent recurrence. First aid provision and emergency arrangements are in place for every site. Fire precautions, clear means of escape and emergency contact protocols are maintained. A formal investigation process identifies root causes and corrective actions are tracked to completion.
Vehicle and site safety is essential for effective rubbish removal operations. Drivers are required to follow safe loading limits, secure loads and comply with road safety regulations. On‑site vehicle movement is controlled by designated banksmen when necessary. Site access and egress points are managed to protect the public and to ensure safe working zones for teams.
Contractor management and permits-to-work are used where specialist services are engaged. Contractors must demonstrate competence, carry appropriate insurance and comply with this health and safety policy. Insurance, licenses and qualifications are verified prior to mobilisation.
Monitoring, Audit and Review: The company monitors safety performance through inspections, audits and reviews of incident trends. Performance indicators include accident frequency, near misses reported and completion of corrective actions. Regular internal audits evaluate compliance with procedures and identify opportunities for improvement. Findings are reported to senior management and used to update risk assessments and procedures.
Legal compliance is a minimum requirement. We comply with applicable health, safety and environmental legislation and maintain records to demonstrate due diligence. Periodic policy reviews ensure that the policy remains relevant and effective in light of operational changes and updated standards. Continuous improvement is pursued through training, feedback and implementation of industry best practice.
