Skip Hire Havering - Health & Safety Policy

This Health & Safety Policy sets out the commitment of Skip Hire Havering to maintain a safe working environment for all employees, contractors and members of the public affected by our operations. The policy is designed for a skip hire and rubbish removal service operating across its service area and emphasises practical measures to manage waste, transport skips and operate plant safely. It is intended to be read alongside operational procedures and risk assessments for specific tasks.

Scope and Purpose

This policy covers all activities relating to skip hire, waste collection and site-based rubbish management. It applies to drivers, load teams, depot staff, subcontractors and any third parties engaged in the delivery, siting and collection of waste containers. The purpose is to define responsibilities, outline key safety controls and ensure the organisation meets legal and industry expectations without excessive local detail.

Responsibilities and Duties

Managers, supervisors and employees share responsibility for health and safety. Key responsibilities include:

• Senior management — maintain the policy, provide resources and review performance.
• Supervisors — ensure safe systems of work and carry out spot checks.
• Drivers and operatives — follow procedures, use PPE and report hazards.
• Contractors — comply with the company safety standards before commencing work.

Everyone is empowered to stop unsafe work and report near misses or incidents promptly.

Risk Assessment and Control Measures

All tasks involving skip loading, lifting operations, vehicle movements and waste handling are subject to documented risk assessments. Control measures include traffic management plans, exclusion zones during loading/unloading, mechanical aids for heavy or bulky materials and procedures for handling hazardous waste. The company maintains a permit-to-work approach for non-routine tasks and enforces safe loading limits for every skip to prevent overloaded containers becoming a hazard in transit.

Training, Competence and Supervision

Adequate instruction and training are provided to employees and subcontractors to ensure competence in their roles. Training covers safe use of lifting gear, manual handling techniques, safe driving awareness for delivery vehicles, and the correct segregation of recyclable and non-recyclable materials. Records of training and qualifications are retained and monitored; refresher training is scheduled periodically to maintain standards across the rubbish collection and skip hire operations.

Personal protective equipment is supplied where risk assessments identify a need. This includes high-visibility clothing, gloves, protective footwear and eye protection. Supervisors must check compliance daily and replace damaged or worn PPE without delay. Equipment maintenance schedules are in place for lifting equipment, vehicle checks, tail lifts and any powered plant used in the waste management and skip hire service.

Incident Reporting, Investigation and Emergency Response

All accidents, incidents and near misses are reported in accordance with company procedures. An investigation is conducted proportionate to the severity with lessons learned implemented to prevent recurrence. Emergency response arrangements cover spill control, fire procedures, first aid provision and coordination with emergency services. Regular drills and reviews ensure readiness and effective on-site response for both depot and on-street operations.

Monitoring, Compliance and Audits

The company carries out regular site inspections, vehicle checks and routine audits to monitor compliance with this policy. Performance indicators include incident rates, audit findings and completion of corrective actions. External audits and periodic reviews ensure the health and safety management system remains effective and aligned with industry best practice. Non-compliances are addressed promptly and escalated when necessary to senior management.

Waste Handling, Environmental Considerations and Continuous Improvement

Waste segregation, correct disposal methods and minimising environmental impact are integral to safe operations. The firm adheres to permitted waste carrier requirements and implements procedures for handling hazardous materials safely. Continuous improvement is driven by regular review of safety performance, stakeholder input and updates to procedures. This approach supports a sustainable and safe skip hire and rubbish removal service area while reducing risk and operational disruption.

Policy Review and Commitment

This policy is reviewed at least annually and updated as required by changes in operations, legislation or following significant incidents. The company is committed to providing resources necessary to implement and maintain the policy, and to consult with employees on safety matters. All staff are required to familiarise themselves with this policy and apply it in daily activities. Breaches may result in disciplinary action to protect the workforce and the public.

Final Statement

Skip Hire Havering is committed to maintaining a robust health and safety culture across its skip hire, waste collection and rubbish removal operations. By enforcing clear responsibilities, practical controls and continuous monitoring, the company aims to protect people, property and the environment while delivering reliable waste management services throughout its service area.

Acceptance

Management and employees are expected to uphold the standards set out in this policy. Regular communication, training and engagement are pivotal to its success. The policy is an active document and is supported by procedures, risk assessments and safe systems of work that together form the core of our safety management arrangements for skip hire and waste collection activities.