Tower Hamlets House Clearance - Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitment of Tower Hamlets House Clearance to protect the health, safety and welfare of staff, contractors and the public across our rubbish removal and clearance operations. It applies to all work carried out within our rubbish company service area and related activity, including domestic and commercial clearances, bulky waste removal and site preparation. The policy establishes clear objectives for safe working, compliance with relevant legislation and continuous improvement in safe rubbish collection and waste handling practices.

Responsibility for safety lies with everyone engaged in our waste removal service area. Senior management retain overall accountability for implementing policy, while supervisors and team leaders are tasked with ensuring safe systems of work are followed on each job. Employees and subcontractors are required to comply with safe working instructions and to report hazards promptly. The policy covers work scheduling, equipment provision, training and competency, and the management of third-party risks that arise during house clearance operations.

All tasks must be supported by a proportionate risk assessment and, where necessary, a written method statement before work begins. Risk identification considers manual handling, traffic management, slips, trips and falls, working at height, and interactions with members of the public. Job planning for the rubbish clearance coverage area includes pre-visit surveys, identification of contained or hazardous waste, and any access or lifting constraints. Control measures are selected to reduce risks to as low as reasonably practicable.

We require appropriate training and competency for all personnel involved in clearance and removal. Mandatory programs include manual handling, COSHH awareness, vehicle loading and tyre/vehicle checks, and safe use of equipment such as sack trucks and compact loaders. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided and its use is mandatory where controls do not eliminate hazards. Supervisors will ensure PPE is suitable, maintained and replaced as necessary. Training records are maintained and reviewed at regular intervals.

Key operational controls include:

• segregation of recyclable materials from general waste;
• secure containment and labelling of hazardous items;
• controlled loading procedures to prevent shifts of material during transit;
• adequate signage and barriers for roadside clearances.

These measures will be routinely audited to ensure they remain effective across our rubbish collection area and broader waste logistics activities.

Handling hazardous items is treated with particular care. Substances subject to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations are identified, assessed and handled according to safe operating procedures. Contractors will not move suspected asbestos or unknown chemical containers; such items are isolated and reported for specialist removal. Sharps and clinical waste are placed in approved containers and are excluded from general rubbish collection unless specifically authorised and managed under separate arrangements.

Vehicle safety is fundamental to our operations across the rubbish collection service area. Vehicles are inspected daily and maintained in line with manufacturer guidance. Load plans are prepared to ensure vehicles are not overloaded and that weight distribution is safe. Drivers and loaders receive instruction in safe loading techniques and in controlling shifting loads. Traffic management plans are developed for each site to protect operatives and the public when working on or near highways.

Incidents, near-misses and adverse events must be reported immediately through the company reporting system. An incident investigation will identify root causes and corrective actions. First aid provisions and trained first responders are present or accessible for all scheduled activities. Emergency procedures include arrangements for fire, spillage containment, and coordination with emergency services. Records of accidents, first aid treatment and RIDDOR-reportable incidents are retained and reviewed.

This policy will be reviewed at least annually or when significant changes to operations, legislation or equipment occur. Regular audits, site inspections and performance monitoring are carried out to ensure compliance and to drive continual improvement in health and safety outcomes across our rubbish clearance and waste removal coverage. Everyone is encouraged to contribute to a safety culture by raising concerns and suggesting improvements. The policy underpins our commitment to safe, legal and professional house clearance services across the areas we serve.