Health & Safety Policy — Enfield Man with Van Rubbish Services

Enfield Man with Van is committed to maintaining the highest standards of health, safety and welfare for all employees, contractors and members of the public affected by our rubbish collection and man-and-van operations. This policy sets out how the company manages health and safety risks associated with domestic and commercial waste removal, van-based transport, and on-site handling in the service area. The intent is to prevent injury, reduce exposures, and ensure safe systems of work across all removal and clearance activities.

The responsibility for implementing this policy lies with the management team, who will ensure adequate resources and oversight are provided. All staff engaged in van removal, waste clearance and related tasks must understand and comply with the policy. Every operative has the right and duty to stop work if they reasonably believe a task cannot be carried out safely. This commitment applies to general rubbish removal, specialised clearance, and any ancillary services offered by the team.

A formal risk assessment process is in place for each job type and location. Assessments identify hazards such as manual handling risks, traffic and loading hazards, sharps and hazardous materials, slips/trips, and vehicle stability during loading. Control measures are implemented following the hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls and personal protective equipment (PPE). The company conducts dynamic risk assessments on arrival to adjust controls where site conditions differ from initial plans.

Training and competency form a core element of safe operations. All new staff receive induction covering safe loading, vehicle checks, spill response and waste segregation. Ongoing training includes manual handling refreshers, driver safety for small and large vans, and safe use of loading equipment. Records of training and competence checks are maintained and reviewed periodically to ensure continuing suitability.

PPE and vehicle safety measures are mandatory on every job. Required PPE may include high-visibility clothing, gloves suitable for waste handling, safety boots, eye protection and masks where dust or biological contamination is possible. Vehicles undergo pre-shift checks, load securement inspections, and routine maintenance to prevent mechanical failure. Drivers follow safe loading plans and use appropriate restraints and coverings to prevent spillage during transit.

Manual handling is controlled through safe systems, mechanical aids where available, and team lifts for bulky items. Staff are trained in proper lifting techniques and encouraged to plan lifts, use trolleys or lifting straps, and seek assistance for heavy or awkward loads. The company emphasizes ergonomics to reduce cumulative strain and promotes regular breaks to limit fatigue during extended rubbish clearance tasks.

Handling of hazardous or contaminated waste is subject to specific controls. Where potentially hazardous materials are identified, items are segregated, labelled and contained. Staff are trained to recognise asbestos risk indicators, chemical containers, and medical waste, and to adopt avoidance and reporting procedures. Waste destined for recycling or disposal is sorted according to category to support environmental compliance and reduce landfill contribution.

Incident reporting and investigation procedures ensure that any accident, near-miss or unsafe condition is recorded promptly and reviewed. Reports trigger corrective actions, updates to risk assessments and additional training where needed. First aid provision and access to emergency services are maintained for all operations, and designated first-aiders are identified for each shift.

Emergency Planning and Site Controls

Emergency procedures are defined for vehicle incidents, fire, major spills and medical emergencies. Evacuation routes, assembly points and contact protocols are communicated to staff. Where work near roads is necessary, traffic management and safe access arrangements are implemented to protect operatives and the public.

Monitoring, audit and continual improvement underpin the policy. Regular workplace inspections, vehicle checks and review meetings evaluate performance against safety objectives. Non-conformances prompt timely remedial work and lessons learned are shared across the team. The company aims for transparent monitoring and sets measurable targets to reduce incidents and improve compliance.

Compliance with legal and regulatory obligations is maintained, including waste handling requirements and transport regulations. While this policy does not substitute for statutory guidance, it supports legal compliance through documented procedures, record-keeping and staff training. The business also seeks to reduce environmental impact through waste minimisation, recycling initiatives and responsible disposal practices in all man-and-van rubbish services.

Responsibilities and Review

Key responsibilities are summarised below:

• Management: Provide leadership, resources, risk assessments and policy review.
• Supervisors: Ensure safe systems are followed, conduct checks and support training.
• Operatives: Follow procedures, use PPE, report hazards and participate in training.

Policy review will take place at least annually or following any significant incident, change in operations, or regulatory update. The review process considers operational feedback, audit findings and performance metrics. Where improvements are identified, the policy and associated procedures will be revised and communicated to all staff without delay.

Acceptance: This document represents the company's formal health and safety policy for man-and-van and rubbish removal services. All personnel are required to read and comply with the policy as part of their contractual obligations. Together we commit to a safe, responsible and professional service focused on protecting people, property and the environment.