Health & Safety Policy — Flat Clearance Canary Wharf

Purpose: This Health and Safety policy sets out the commitments and procedures for Flat Clearance Canary Wharf operations and related flat clearance services. It applies across all rubbish removal and waste clearance tasks undertaken by the company, ensuring a consistent approach to reducing risk, protecting staff, residents and the public, and promoting safe working practices. The policy aims to balance efficient flat rubbish clearance with robust safety controls, training and supervision.

Our approach to housekeeping and site safety for rubbish removal Canary Wharf is pragmatic and risk-focused. We operate on the principle that every clearance job, whether a single-room declutter or a full flat clearance, requires a documented risk assessment and a clear action plan. Managers and crew are required to identify hazards and ensure controls are in place prior to starting work. Personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety boots and hi-vis must be worn where appropriate, and manual handling techniques are emphasised to reduce injury.

Scope and responsibilities

The policy covers routine flat clearance, house waste removal and commercial rubbish clearance operations in the service area. Responsibility is distributed as follows: senior management sets policy and resources; supervisors ensure compliance and job-specific risk assessments; operatives follow safe systems of work and report any incidents. Contractors and temporary staff must follow the same procedures and present evidence of competence before working on any site.

Risk assessment and safe systems

Every clearance job requires a pre-start risk assessment tailored to the location, type of waste and access constraints. The assessment identifies manual handling risks, slip and trip hazards, potential sharps or hazardous materials and traffic or vehicle risks when moving items to collection vehicles. Control measures include mechanical aids, two-person lifts for heavy items, clear walkways and the use of containment for loose debris. These measures support safe flat clearance in Canary Wharf and reduce the likelihood of injury or property damage.

Training and competence: All staff receive induction training covering core procedures for rubbish removal and waste clearance. Refresher sessions focus on manual handling, PPE use, segregation of materials and emergency response. Supervisors are trained in completion of risk assessments and permit-to-work procedures where relevant. Records of training and competence are maintained to ensure that every team member is suitably qualified for the tasks assigned.

Vehicle and transport safety is integral to our waste collection operations. Drivers and loaders must ensure loads are secured, vehicles are not overloaded and routine vehicle checks are completed. Loading and unloading is conducted away from public thoroughfares where possible, and traffic management measures are used for larger clearances. Environmental considerations such as spill prevention and correct disposal routes are incorporated to minimise impact while ensuring compliant rubbish removal practice.

Hazardous materials and controlled wastes are treated with particular care. If asbestos, chemicals, paint, solvents or other hazardous items are identified, work stops and the item is isolated until a trained specialist or authorised disposal route is arranged. For minor hazardous items found during flat waste removal, operatives follow a clear segregation and containment procedure to protect the crew and residents.

Operational checks and monitoring: Regular site inspections, toolbox talks and performance audits monitor adherence to this policy. Incidents, near misses and unsafe conditions are reported, investigated and used to improve procedures. The company maintains a culture of continuous improvement, using lessons learned to update risk assessments and operational guidance for flat clearance and related rubbish collection services.

Emergency procedures include first aid provision, clear arrangements for evacuation and prompt reporting to relevant emergency services where required. First aid kits are available on vehicles and at central depots, and at least one operative with first aid training is assigned to larger jobs. In the event of a spill, fire or injury, staff are trained to prioritise safety, secure the area and follow documented incident response steps until help arrives.

Key controls and commitments: the company will

• Conduct risk assessments for every job and implement appropriate controls;
• Provide adequate training and PPE for all operatives involved in flat clearance operations;
• Maintain vehicles, tools and equipment to a safe standard and ensure secure waste transport;
• Segregate and dispose of waste responsibly, using approved facilities for hazardous items;
• Investigate incidents and adopt corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Commitment to welfare: The policy includes measures to support operative welfare, including suitable rest breaks, hydration and access to welfare facilities during longer clearance projects. Psychological wellbeing is considered through workload management and support for staff who experience distressing material during clearances.

This Health & Safety policy is reviewed periodically and updated following incidents, regulatory changes or operational improvements. It underpins all flat clearance, rubbish removal and waste clearance activities to ensure safe, responsible and professional service delivery across the service area.