Health & Safety Policy for Skip Hire Dulwich

This Health & Safety policy sets out the approach taken by Skip Hire Dulwich to protect staff, contractors, customers and the public during all skip hire and rubbish collection activities. It reflects the company's commitment to effective waste removal, safe vehicle operations and compliance with recognised safety standards. The policy applies to all aspects of skip hire services and on-site works, from delivery and loading to transportation and disposal. All employees and subcontractors must familiarise themselves with the expectations, report hazards and follow safe systems of work.

Management recognises that control of risk requires clear leadership, competent supervision and continued training. The senior management team is responsible for providing resources to ensure safe operations for rubbish removal and waste transfer activities. Supervisors and drivers must conduct site checks prior to attendance and ensure that loads are secure, vehicles are roadworthy and paperwork for any special waste is completed. Safe systems of work and method statements will be used where required to address unusual or high-risk tasks.

The policy covers physical hazards including manual handling, slips, trips and falls, vehicle movements, lifting equipment, and exposure to hazardous materials that can arise during skip hire, skip placement and rubbish collection. It also addresses non-physical risks such as stress, fatigue and working in inclement weather. A proactive risk assessment process will be maintained and updated as operations change, and control measures will be implemented using the hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment.

• Site risk assessments and pre-job planning
• PPE standards for drivers, loaders and site operatives
• Vehicle inspection and maintenance schedules

Policy Commitments and Roles

Our commitments include reducing incidents related to skip hire operations and maintaining safe rubbish collection procedures. The company will: provide appropriate training and supervision; maintain effective communication channels; ensure equipment is suitable and maintained; and investigate incidents to prevent recurrence. Directors hold ultimate responsibility, while line managers are accountable for day-to-day implementation. Employees are required to work safely, report hazards and participate in training. Contractors and third-party drivers engaged for Dulwich skip hire work are expected to comply with this policy as part of contractual obligations.

Specific responsibilities include ensuring that skips are sited to avoid pedestrian and traffic hazards, that customers are informed of safety requirements for placing and loading skips, and that any prohibited or hazardous wastes are identified and segregated prior to collection. For specialist or commercial rubbish collection, additional precautions will be taken to manage heavier or potentially hazardous loads safely. Waste removal that involves sharps, asbestos or chemical containers must only be handled by trained personnel with appropriate controls.

Training and competence form a core part of risk control measures. All staff engaged in skip hire services receive induction training and role-specific instruction on manual handling, vehicle safety, load securement, and emergency response. Refresher training is scheduled at regular intervals and after any incident or near miss. Records of training and qualifications are maintained to demonstrate that personnel involved in rubbish collection and waste transport are competent to perform assigned duties.

Operational Controls, Monitoring and Emergency Procedures

Operational controls include daily vehicle checks, correct use of lifting and restraint equipment, safe access for loading, and ensuring that skips are not overloaded or loaded with prohibited items. Drivers must adhere to securement procedures before departure and observe speed and routing protocols to minimise risk. Where mechanical lifting is used, certified lifting gear and competent operators are mandatory. Regular audits and spot checks will validate compliance with these controls across all skip hire and collection activities.

Incident reporting and investigation procedures enable continuous improvement. All accidents, dangerous occurrences and near misses will be reported promptly, recorded and investigated to identify root causes. Corrective actions will be tracked to completion and lessons shared internally. Emergency planning covers spill response, first aid arrangements, vehicle breakdowns that present safety risks and procedures for dealing with hazardous waste discoveries during collections.

The company will maintain records of risk assessments, safe operating procedures, training, vehicle maintenance and incident logs. Performance is measured using key safety indicators such as incident frequency, completion of toolbox talks and audit results. This Health & Safety policy will be reviewed at least annually or following significant operational changes to ensure it remains effective and appropriate for the scale of Dulwich skip hire and related rubbish collection services provided.

By adhering to this policy, Skip Hire Dulwich commits to continuous improvement in health and safety performance. Staff and partners are expected to cooperate with safety measures, challenge unsafe practices and uphold a culture where safety is a shared priority. Management will support these efforts through provision of resources, supervision and a transparent approach to monitoring and enforcement.