Health and Safety Policy for Bethnal Green House Clearance

Policy statement and purpose

This Health and Safety policy sets out the commitment of Bethnal Green House Clearance to protect employees, contractors, clients and the public while delivering house clearance and rubbish removal services. The policy applies across our service area for rubbish collection, waste clearance and property clearance work, and is designed to prevent injury, illness and environmental harm. Our aim is to maintain safe working systems and ensure that all site operations are performed to the highest safety standards.

Team conducting site risk assessment at a clearance location

Principles and legal compliance

We recognise our duties under relevant health and safety law and the need to apply suitable controls for manual handling, hazardous materials, and vehicle operations. This policy emphasises the importance of risk assessment, clear communication, and continuous improvement. All staff, including subcontractors engaged in house clearance in Bethnal Green and surrounding areas, must follow documented safe working procedures. Adherence to regulation and best practice reduces risk to people and property.

Scope and responsibilities

The policy covers routine rubbish company tasks such as waste segregation, bulky item removal, garden and loft clearances, and hazardous waste handling when encountered. Responsibilities are assigned as follows: senior management retains overall accountability for health and safety; supervisors implement controls on-site; and operatives are responsible for following safe systems of work. Everyone is required to report hazards and cooperate with safety instructions.

Workers using lifting aids during rubbish removal

Risk assessment and safe systems

Prior to every job, a documented risk assessment will be carried out to identify hazards specific to the property and the rubbish removal task. Controls will include task sequencing, cordoning off work areas, using suitable lifting aids, and ensuring safe vehicle loading. Records of assessments and method statements will be kept and reviewed when conditions change. Risk control measures will be proportionate to the level of risk and will aim to eliminate hazards where feasible.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory where risk assessments indicate its need. Standard PPE includes gloves, safety boots, high-visibility clothing, eye protection and respiratory protection for dust or potential hazardous dusts. Training on correct PPE selection and use will be provided. Supervisors will check compliance and replace damaged equipment promptly.

Handling hazardous materials and waste

When encountering potentially hazardous materials (for example asbestos, solvents, paints, contaminated waste), operatives must stop work and notify a supervisor. Our policy prohibits the removal of identified asbestos-containing materials by general operatives; such items will be managed by authorised specialists. Waste clearance Bethnal Green procedures include segregating recyclable materials, secure containment of hazardous items, and safe transport to licensed disposal sites.

First aid response and incident investigation at a clearance site

Vehicles, loading and traffic management

Vehicles used for rubbish removal and house clearances must be maintained in safe condition with documented inspections. Loading areas will be organised to prevent overloading and shifting of loads. Drivers and loaders will follow traffic management plans on-site to protect pedestrians and third parties. Drivers are required to undertake daily vehicle checks and report defects immediately.

Safety briefing before a house clearance operation

Training, incident reporting and review

All staff will receive induction training covering manual handling, tool and equipment use, PPE, and the company’s emergency procedures. Regular refresher sessions, toolbox talks and practical training in safe lifting techniques are mandatory. Incidents, near misses and hazardous findings must be reported through the company reporting system; investigations will identify root causes and corrective actions. Performance will be monitored through audits and regular reviews of risk assessments.

Emergency procedures and first aid

Clear procedures are in place for first aid, fire response and evacuation during house clearance and rubbish collection activities. First aid kits and trained first-aiders will be available on larger jobs; emergency services must be contacted where a serious injury occurs. Evacuation routes and muster points will be defined in the pre-job plan and communicated to all personnel.

Operational safety controls are reinforced by specific safe working practices, including:

Pre-job site surveys and method statements
Correct use of lifting aids, trolleys and mechanical help for bulky items
Appropriate PPE for dust, sharps and chemical exposure
Secure storage and labelling of hazardous materials until disposal
Vehicle checks and secure load containment prior to transit

Management will ensure adequate resources for implementation, including appointed safety officers and access to specialist contractors for regulated waste. Policies and procedures will be reviewed at least annually or following any significant incident, regulatory change, or change in operational scope. The company will keep records of training, inspections, incident reports and corrective actions.

Commitment and continuous improvement

Through regular monitoring, audits and staff engagement, Bethnal Green house clearance services will strive to reduce harm and improve safety performance across the rubbish company service area. Management pledges to support measures that protect health and safety, and to provide the resources required to implement this policy effectively. Continuous improvement is a core tenet of our approach to safe waste clearance operations.

Signed on behalf of management: The policy is authorised by senior management and is communicated to all employees, temporary workers and subcontractors who perform house clearances and waste removal tasks. Compliance is mandatory and will be enforced through supervision and performance management.

This document represents the formal health and safety policy for our clearance services and is available for inspection on request. It applies to all operational teams engaged in property clearance, rubbish removal, and waste clearance in our service area and will be updated to reflect changes in legislation, best practice and operational experience.