Health and Safety Policy — Skip Hire Parsons Green

Purpose: This policy sets out the commitment of Skip Hire Parsons Green to provide safe, legal and efficient skip hire and rubbish collection services. It applies to all employees, contractors and sub-contractors engaged in skip delivery, site servicing, waste removal and transfer activities. The aim is to reduce risk, prevent injury and ensure compliant handling of domestic and commercial rubbish and waste across our service area.

Scope: This policy covers all operational activity including yard operations, skip loading and unloading, roadside placement, vehicle movements and customer site visits. It includes procedures for hazardous waste segregation, secure containment, traffic management during roadside drop-offs and safe manual handling when conducting rubbish clearance and waste removal tasks. The document supports continuous improvement in the skip hire service and the wider rubbish management process.

Policy Statement: We are committed to protecting the health, safety and welfare of our workforce and members of the public who may be affected by our skip hire operations. This commitment to safety extends to environmental protection through safe waste transfer, minimising pollution risks and ensuring lawful disposal or recycling of collected rubbish.

Roles and Responsibilities

Management must ensure that adequate resources are provided to implement this health and safety policy, including training, personal protective equipment and documented procedures. Supervisors must enforce safe systems of work during skip placement and pick-ups. Employees are required to follow instructions and report hazards immediately.

Key responsibilities include:

• Risk Assessments: Carry out and record workplace and site-specific risk assessments for skip deliveries and rubbish collection tasks.
• Safe Work Procedures: Maintain written procedures for vehicle movements, traffic control, manual handling, and hazardous material segregation.
• Training and Competency: Provide induction and refresher training for all staff on safe skip handling, lifting techniques and incident reporting.

All employees must cooperate with safety measures and participate in training. Contractors and subcontractors engaged by the skip hire company must demonstrate suitable competence and follow the same safety expectations while on site.

Operational Controls and Safe Systems of Work

Prior to any skip delivery or rubbish collection, a site assessment will be carried out to identify vehicle access, overhead obstructions, underground services and pedestrian flow. Traffic management plans will be used where the placement affects public highways. The company operates a permit-to-work approach for activities identified as high risk.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Workers must wear appropriate PPE for the task such as hi-visibility clothing, gloves, safety boots and eye protection. Respiratory protection may be required for dusty loads or when handling certain waste types. Equipment will be supplied, maintained and replaced as necessary.

Manual handling guidance is issued to reduce musculoskeletal injury during skip loading and rubbish clearance. Use of mechanical aids, team lifts and safe positioning is promoted. Drivers receive vehicle-specific training to secure loads properly to prevent spillage during transport and to comply with carriage regulations for waste.

Hazardous Waste and Containment

Hazardous or classified wastes must not be placed in general skips. When such materials are discovered, operations will cease and the load will be segregated. The skip hire service maintains clear instructions for customers and operatives on the identification and handling of asbestos, chemicals, oils and similar hazardous items. Specialised disposal routes will be used where necessary.

Incident Reporting, Monitoring and Review

All incidents, near misses and unsafe conditions must be reported promptly through the company’s reporting system. Investigations will identify root causes and corrective actions. Health and safety performance will be monitored through regular audits, toolbox talks and management reviews to ensure the policy remains effective and up-to-date for rubbish clearance and skip hire operations.

Continuous improvement is central to our approach: findings from audits, legislative updates or operational changes will be integrated into procedures and training. We encourage a safety-first culture where every member of staff feels empowered to stop unsafe work and contribute to safer rubbish management practices.

Legal and Compliance Framework: The company will comply with applicable health and safety legislation and waste management regulations. This includes obligations for duty holders, proper documentation for waste transfers and adherence to vehicle safety standards. Records of risk assessments, training and incident reports will be maintained to demonstrate compliance without relying on local specifics.

Communication and Consultation: Health and safety information is communicated to staff through briefings, written procedures and signage. Employees are consulted on safety changes and are invited to raise concerns. Regular meetings will review operational risks in rubbish collection, skip placement and yard operations.

Policy Review: This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are significant changes to operations, legislation or following a major incident. The objective is to protect people, property and the environment while delivering reliable and responsible skip hire and rubbish removal services.

Approval: This health and safety policy has been approved by senior management and is effective immediately. All staff, contractors and partners engaged in waste removal and skip hire activities are required to comply. Regular training, clear procedures and proactive risk management will promote a safe working environment for everyone affected by our rubbish services.