Health and Safety Policy — House Clearance Garston

House Clearance Garston operates a Health and Safety policy designed to protect customers, operatives and the public during all house clearance, rubbish removal and waste collection activities. This policy sets out the principles and practical controls that guide safe working across our clearance service area. Our commitment is to reduce risk through planned work, competent staff, and appropriate equipment. We recognise that effective safety management is essential for a responsible clearance company and rubbish removal provider.

Scope and applicability: This policy applies to all employees, contractors and temporary staff engaged in house clearances, rubbish clearance Garston operations, skip loading, van-based collections and any ancillary tasks. It covers domestic and commercial clearances, hazardous item handling, vehicle operations and disposal arrangements. The aim is to maintain a safe environment while delivering an efficient rubbish collection service across our operating area.

Legal compliance and standards: We will comply with relevant health and safety legislation, approved codes of practice and industry guidance that apply to the clearance sector. The management team will ensure risk assessments are completed and that procedures are updated to reflect changes in legislation or operational practice. All staff must understand and follow the processes set out in this policy.

Responsibilities and Roles

Management: Senior managers are responsible for providing resources, defining safe systems of work and ensuring risk control measures are implemented. Supervisors must monitor work, schedule training and ensure equipment is maintained. Operatives: Employees and subcontractors must follow instructions, report unsafe conditions and use personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly. Everyone has a duty to stop work if an activity is unsafe.

Risk assessment and method statements: Before each clearance job a dynamic risk assessment must be carried out to identify hazards such as sharp objects, asbestos risks, electrical items, sharps, chemical containers and manual handling loads. Method statements will describe how a task will be carried out safely, including segregation of waste, safe lifting techniques and vehicle loading procedures.

Controls include engineering measures, procedural controls and PPE. Key PPE items include:

• High-visibility clothing and safety boots
• Cut-resistant gloves and eye protection
• Respiratory protection where dust or contaminants are present

Operational Controls and Waste Management

Safe handling: Manual handling training will be provided and job plans will minimise manual handling where possible through mechanical aids and team lifts. All heavy items will be assessed for suitable lifting techniques. Vehicles will be loaded to maintain stability and safe road use during rubbish removal runs.

Hazardous materials: Items suspected of containing asbestos, chemical containers, oils, batteries and electrical waste will be segregated and managed in line with hazardous waste regulations. Our clearance teams will follow safe isolation, labelling and transfer protocols to authorised facilities. Waste segregation is central to reducing environmental harm and ensuring compliant disposal.

Training, Competence and Communication

Training: All staff will receive induction training covering site safety, manual handling, use of PPE and vehicle safety. Regular refresher sessions, toolbox talks and on-the-job coaching will maintain competence for house clearances, trash clearance and rubbish collection tasks. A record of training and competence assessments will be kept and reviewed periodically.

Incident reporting and investigation: All accidents, near-misses and hazardous occurrences must be reported immediately to a manager. Incidents will be investigated to identify root causes and preventive actions. Records of incidents, corrective measures and lessons learned will be maintained to support continuous improvement in safety performance.

Monitoring, audit and review: Managers will conduct regular site inspections, vehicle checks and performance audits to ensure compliance with this policy. Safety performance indicators will be monitored, including incident frequency, training completion and equipment maintenance records. Audits will inform updates to procedures and drive improvements in how the clearance company manages risk across its service area.

Emergency procedures and first aid: Emergency response plans will be in place for fire, spillage, injury and other foreseeable emergencies. First aid provision, contact with emergency services and evacuation arrangements will be clearly communicated. Employees must be aware of emergency contacts and assembly points for each work location.

Contractors and third parties: Where work is subcontracted, the clearance firm will ensure contractors meet our safety standards and provide evidence of competence. Site-specific hazards will be communicated and joint responsibilities agreed before work commences. Regular coordination and supervision are required to maintain safe operations during multi-party jobs.

Records and documentation: This policy, risk assessments, method statements, training logs and incident records will be retained and made available for inspection. Documentation supports legal compliance and provides a transparent basis for demonstrating the house clearance provider's commitment to health and safety.

Policy review: This Health and Safety policy will be reviewed at least annually or following significant changes to operations, legislation or after a serious incident. By maintaining active oversight and promoting a safety-first culture, the company aims to deliver safe, reliable and environmentally responsible house clearances and rubbish removal services across its operating area.