Hammersmith Man with Van - Health & Safety Policy

Hammersmith Man with Van is committed to maintaining the highest standards of health and safety for all staff, contractors and members of the public affected by our removal and rubbish services. This policy applies to all activities involving our man and van operations, including household clearance, commercial waste collection and ad-hoc rubbish removal. Our aim is to prevent injury, reduce accidents and manage risks by applying practical controls across all services delivered by the team.

The purpose of this document is to define responsibilities, set out safe working procedures and identify arrangements for compliance and continual improvement. The policy covers drivers, loaders, warehouse assistants and office staff involved with van-based rubbish removal and related duties. It also addresses vehicle safety, manual handling, waste segregation and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Risk assessment is central to safe operations. We carry out formal assessments before work starts and review them regularly for repeat or high-risk tasks. Assessments cover: manual handling, lifting and carrying of bulky items, handling of mixed waste streams, driving and loading/unloading operations, and potential exposure to hazardous materials. Controls identified in assessments must be implemented and recorded.

Responsibilities and Duties

The responsibilities for implementing this policy are allocated as follows: the management team oversees policy enforcement and provides resources; supervisors ensure safe work methods are followed; drivers and crew follow safe systems of work and report incidents. All staff have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and to co-operate with safety measures. Employees must not undertake work for which they are not trained.

Operational Safety Measures

Vehicles used for rubbish removal and man with van work must be inspected daily. Checks include brakes, lights, securing straps, tail-lifts and load restraint devices. Pre-shift vehicle checks are mandatory and any defect that affects safety must be reported immediately. Loading plans should minimise manual handling and use mechanical aids where practical.

Personal protective equipment is provided for all crew and must be worn where assessed as necessary. Typical PPE includes gloves, hi-visibility clothing, safety footwear and, where required, dust masks or eye protection. For collections that involve building waste or contaminated materials, higher-grade respiratory protection and protective coveralls may be required. Staff are trained in the correct use and maintenance of PPE.

Safe manual handling processes and team lifting techniques are emphasised to reduce musculoskeletal injuries. Use mechanical aids such as trolleys and sack trucks for heavy or bulky items. When handling rubbish or bulky waste, the crew should identify awkward shapes and assess the load before lifting. Never rush a lift; plan the route and clear obstructions beforehand.

Waste segregation and hazardous materials — Our rubbish collection service follows clear segregation rules to limit environmental and health risks. Items that may contain hazardous components (batteries, aerosols, solvents, asbestos-suspect materials) are identified and handled according to the assessment and relevant controls. If a crew suspects asbestos or other dangerous substances, work is stopped and the item is managed by trained personnel following the referral procedure.

Incidents, near misses and occupational ill-health must be reported immediately through the company reporting system. All incidents are investigated to identify root causes and to implement corrective actions. Records of accidents, risk assessments, training and vehicle checks are maintained to demonstrate compliance and to support continuous improvement.

Training and competence are essential for safe rubbish removal and man with van operations. Staff receive induction training, regular refresher sessions and on-the-job coaching covering manual handling, safe driving, waste handling and emergency procedures. Training records are kept up to date to ensure everyone remains competent to carry out assigned tasks.

Emergency procedures are in place for fire, spillage, medical emergencies and traffic incidents. Crews are briefed on actions to take in the event of a road traffic accident or a hazardous material spill. A designated manager will coordinate emergency response, ensure injuries are treated and that incidents are notified to the appropriate enforcing bodies when required.

Monitoring, review and continuous improvement — This policy is reviewed at least annually and after any significant incident or operational change. Performance is monitored through safety audits, vehicle inspections and review of incident reports. Management supports a culture of safety where staff are encouraged to suggest improvements. The policy sets out our commitment to comply with statutory obligations and to adopt best practice in the waste removal and man and van sector.

Conclusion — Hammersmith man and van services will maintain safe operations by enforcing this policy, ensuring staff competence, and applying proportionate controls to mitigate risks associated with rubbish removal and van-based transport. All personnel are expected to support the policy and to contribute to a safe working environment.