Health and Safety Policy — Putney House Clearance

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitment of Putney House Clearance to maintain safe working practices across our rubbish company and house clearance operations. Our aim is to protect employees, clients, visitors and the wider community by preventing injury, ill health and environmental harm while delivering professional rubbish removal services. This policy applies to all activities carried out by the clearance company, including domestic and commercial clearances, waste handling and the coordination of subcontractors within our rubbish removal service area.

We will ensure that health and safety is a prime consideration in planning and everyday operations. The company will comply with applicable statutory requirements, industry codes and recognised best practice for waste removal and clearance work. Responsibilities are clearly allocated: management retains overall accountability for health and safety, supervisors are responsible for implementing safe systems of work, and every team member must follow procedures and report hazards. The policy underlines our approach to risk-based management, continual improvement and transparent governance across the rubbish services we provide.

The directors of Putney House Clearance require that all staff complete relevant induction and ongoing training, including manual handling, safe vehicle operation, hazardous waste awareness and site-specific procedures. Employees are expected to use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and adhere to safe work instructions. Supervisors will ensure that operatives working on properties, in communal areas or on public highways are briefed on access, segregation of materials and traffic management. The company fosters a culture where concerns can be raised without reprisal and where everyone plays an active role in maintaining safe rubbish collection and clearance practices.

Risk Management and Operational Controls

Putney House Clearance adopts a systematic approach to risk management for rubbish removal and clearance tasks. This includes regular risk assessments, method statements for complex jobs, and dynamic risk evaluation on site. Controls will address manual handling, the use of tools and equipment, working at height, vehicle loading, segregation of recyclable materials and the safe handling of potentially hazardous items such as asbestos suspect materials, solvents, sharps and electrical appliances. Our waste management measures ensure compliant disposal and recycling through authorised facilities and contractors.

Operational controls are supported by maintenance schedules for vehicles and equipment, secure storage for collected items awaiting disposal, and clear labeling of hazardous waste where required. The company enforces vehicle safety checks and driver documentation as part of our commitment to safe transportation of rubbish and bulky household items. When planning clearances we also consider environmental protection, preventing fly-tipping, spill response, and the minimisation of nuisance to neighbours and the public. The emphasis is on practical, proportionate measures that secure a safe work environment across our service area.

Controls and routine measures include:

• Pre-job assessments and client briefings to identify hazards;
• Mandatory PPE such as gloves, high-visibility clothing and protective footwear;
• Supervised use of lifting aids and trolleys to reduce manual handling injuries;
• Secure vehicle loading and appropriate restraint systems to protect road users;
• Segregation of recyclables and controlled disposal of hazardous items.

Implementation, Monitoring and Review

To implement this policy, Putney House Clearance will maintain documented procedures, training records and a programme of workplace inspections and audits. Incidents, near misses and health concerns must be reported immediately so that corrective actions can be taken and lessons shared across the rubbish removal teams. The company operates a clear incident investigation process designed to identify root causes and prevent recurrence. Contractors and temporary staff are required to meet our standards and will be assessed before engagement.

Employee involvement is a core component of our safety management. We encourage active participation through toolbox talks, risk briefing sessions and regular review meetings. Training and competence are documented and periodically reviewed to ensure that personnel remain suitable for their assigned duties. Health surveillance will be provided where workplace risks warrant it; welfare facilities are made available to support team well-being during clearance operations.

This policy will be reviewed at regular intervals and when there are significant changes to operations, legislation or after major incidents. The review process ensures that the policy remains effective and aligned with the evolving needs of our rubbish collection and house clearance services. All employees are required to familiarise themselves with this policy and the related procedures. The management of Putney House Clearance is committed to providing the resources necessary to implement this policy and expects all staff to support its aims by working safely and responsibly. Signed on behalf of Putney House Clearance.