Health and Safety Policy — Flat Clearance Sidcup

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the standards and procedures that govern safe working for our flat clearance and rubbish removal operations. It applies across our flat clearance services in Sidcup and broader rubbish company service area where we undertake apartment and residential clearance work. The purpose of this policy is to protect workers, residents, contractors and the general public by minimising hazards and ensuring compliance with applicable health and safety legislation.

We commit to a systematic approach to risk management. Responsibilities are allocated clearly: management must provide leadership, resources and training; supervisors must monitor site practices and ensure safe systems of work; operatives must follow instructions and report hazards. The policy is designed to be pragmatic for everyday flat clearance, including bulky waste removal, recycling and secure disposal of non-hazardous materials.

Risk assessment is central to our approach to flat removal and rubbish clearance tasks. Before any job begins we identify hazards such as manual handling risks, slips and trips, sharps and broken materials, asbestos risk indicators and potential fire hazards. Control measures include the use of mechanical aids, safe lifting techniques, PPE (including gloves, eye protection and high-visibility clothing), and clear exclusion zones where necessary.

We maintain written safe work procedures for common activities found in flat clearance and property clearance work. These procedures cover:

• Manual handling and lifting protocols for bulky items.
• Vehicle loading practices for rubbish removal and rubbish transfer to approved facilities.
• Safe handling and identification of potentially hazardous items (e.g., batteries, paint tins, electrical components).

Training and competence are priorities. All operatives receive induction training, with refresher sessions on manual handling, hazard recognition and control, and emergency procedures. Supervisors undertake additional training in risk assessment and the coordination of teams on complex clearances. We record training and review competence regularly as part of our safety management cycle.

Incident reporting and investigation procedures are established to ensure that accidents, near misses and unsafe conditions are reported promptly and investigated. Findings are used to update risk assessments and continuous improvement processes. We encourage a culture of reporting without blame to promote openness and hazard correction.

We emphasize safe transport and vehicle safety because rubbish removal tasks often require multiple loads and site-to-site movements. Vehicles are maintained to a documented schedule, loads are secured to prevent shifting, and drivers follow safe driving policies including correct seatbelt use and restrictions on mobile device use. Vehicle checks are completed before and after each shift.

Personal protective equipment is provided where required. This includes protective footwear, gloves suited to the task, eye protection, dust masks when necessary and hearing protection for noisy tasks. PPE use is enforced and replaced as required. We use appropriate signage to delineate hazards and instruct both operatives and members of the public in shared spaces.

Waste segregation and environmental controls are integrated into our safety procedure. Materials are separated for reuse, recycling or disposal at licensed facilities to reduce on-site hazards and environmental harm. Spill kits and containment measures are available for accidental releases, and we follow protocols for safe removal of potentially hazardous domestic waste items.

Contractor and subcontractor management is governed by this policy. All partners must demonstrate equivalent competence, insurance and safety standards prior to engagement. Contracts specify compliance requirements and we reserve the right to suspend works where serious breaches are identified. Periodic audits and site inspections are conducted to ensure consistent standards across the rubbish company service area.

Emergency preparedness includes clear evacuation procedures, first-aid provisions and access to trained first-aiders. We maintain a record of nearest emergency services and ensure teams know the fastest route to medical attention when required. Fire risk assessments are carried out for complex clearances and storage locations, and fire extinguishers are checked at regular intervals.

Monitoring and review underpin the policy: safety performance indicators, audits and regular management reviews drive improvements. We set measurable objectives such as reduction in manual handling incidents, timely completion of risk assessments and 100% completion of mandatory training. Results are communicated to teams and used to inform operational change.

Implementation of this policy is mandatory for all staff and contractors engaged in flat clearance, residential removal and related rubbish clearance activities. Non-compliance may result in disciplinary action or contract termination to protect the wider workforce and the public. The policy is maintained as a living document and updated in response to legislative change, incident learnings and operational developments.

Key Commitments

Leadership, Prevention and Continuous Improvement

We pledge to lead by example, prevent harm and seek continual improvement in safety outcomes across all flat clearance and rubbish removal operations. Our commitment extends beyond compliance: we aim to create a robust safety culture where every worker understands the value of safe practice and contributes to safer sites.

Policy Review: This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed at least annually or sooner following significant incidents, regulatory changes or business restructuring. Records of reviews and revisions are maintained in accordance with our document control procedures.

Signed and dated copies are held internally. The policy is available to staff and contractors to ensure awareness and consistent application across the service area.

Scope: Applies to all flat clearances, apartment clearouts, rubbish removal and associated activities carried out by our teams in the designated rubbish company service area and associated sites.