Health and Safety Policy — Dalston House Clearance

Dalston House Clearance is committed to maintaining the highest standards of health and safety in all operations relating to house clearance and waste removal. Our policy sets out the framework by which we manage risk, protect staff, contractors, clients and the public, and ensure compliance with applicable statutory obligations. This document applies to all activities carried out by the business, including domestic clearances, rubbish removal services and commercial junk removal tasks.

Scope and purpose: this policy defines responsibilities, safe systems of work and expected behaviours. The policy is designed to be accessible and practical, providing a clear structure for risk control across the service area of our rubbish company. It is applicable to every member of staff and to any temporary or contracted personnel engaged in clearance work.

Risk assessment and planning are central to safe operations. Before any job begins, a competent person must complete a documented assessment to identify hazards such as sharp objects, asbestos suspect materials, hazardous liquids, sharps and heavy or awkward items. Control measures will be established and recorded for each clearance task. The assessment process supports our rubbish collection service and aligns with best practice for waste removal and disposal.

Management responsibilities: managers and supervisors will ensure that adequate resources are available to achieve the aims of this policy. They will ensure that staff receive appropriate information, instruction and training and that safe systems of work are implemented and maintained. Managers are also responsible for monitoring compliance with the policy and for conducting periodic reviews.

Employee duties: every operative engaged in house clearance or rubbish collection must take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions. Staff must report hazards, near-misses and incidents promptly and cooperate with any investigations. Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be used where identified as necessary by the risk assessment.

Contractors and sub-contractors must work to the same standards as our in-house teams. Where external contractors perform tasks for our house clearance company, they must provide evidence of competency and their own health and safety arrangements prior to commencing work.

Training and competence: all staff will receive induction training and role-specific instruction that covers manual handling, use of equipment, hazardous materials awareness and emergency procedures. Refresher training will be provided periodically and whenever operational changes require it.

Manual handling and mechanical aids: manual handling risks are a common issue in clearance work. We prioritise the use of mechanical aids, trolleys and team lifts to reduce strain. Staff must follow safe lifting techniques and request assistance where loads are heavy or bulky. Our operational procedures for lifting contribute to safe rubbish removal operations.

Hazardous waste and segregation: where waste is classified as hazardous or potentially hazardous (chemicals, solvents, asbestos suspect materials, contaminated items), operations will be suspended until suitable controls and waste segregation arrangements are in place. The company operates a clear protocol for identification, containment and onward transfer of hazardous materials to authorised facilities.

Vehicle safety and site traffic: vehicles used for rubbish collection and clearance shall be maintained in a roadworthy condition and operated only by authorised personnel. Loading and unloading must be conducted with due regard to site safety, ensuring stable stacking, correct restraint and safe access for operatives.

Incident reporting and emergency response: any incident, injury or near-miss must be reported immediately according to the company’s reporting procedure. This enables prompt investigation, remedial action and continuous improvement of our risk controls. Emergency arrangements include first aid provision, fire procedures and access for emergency services where necessary.

Monitoring, audit and continuous improvement: the company will undertake regular monitoring and audits of safety performance. Findings will inform updates to policy and procedure. Performance metrics include incident frequency, training completion rates and outcomes of workplace inspections.

Communication and consultation: we commit to effective communication of health and safety information to all staff. This includes toolbox talks, written notices and briefings before complex or higher risk jobs. Staff are encouraged to raise safety concerns and to contribute ideas for safer working practices in the context of rubbish removal operations.

Review and legal compliance: the policy will be reviewed annually or following a significant incident, operational change or change in legislation. While this document is not a substitute for statutory guidance, it is intended to ensure compliance with relevant health and safety law and industry standards applicable to a house clearance and waste removal business.

Enforcement and discipline: failure to follow the procedures described in this policy may lead to disciplinary action. Conversely, positive safety contributions will be recognised. The overarching aim is to maintain a safe, healthy and legally compliant workplace for all involved in our clearance and rubbish removal services.