Health and Safety Policy — Walthamstow House Clearance

Walthamstow House Clearance is committed to maintaining the highest standards of health and safety for staff, clients and the public while delivering professional house clearance and rubbish removal services. This policy sets out our approach to risk reduction, training, safe working methods and compliance for all domestic waste removal and rubbish company service area activities. It applies to every employee, contractor and representative working on behalf of the organisation.

Our core objective is to provide a safe, efficient and responsible house clearance service that protects people and the environment. We will identify hazards associated with clearance, debris handling, vehicle movements and waste disposal, and put in place controls to reduce the likelihood and impact of incidents. The policy reflects recognised good practice for removal services, general waste collection and rubbish clearance across our service area, without relying on detailed local legal references.

All staff must follow the procedures in this policy. Line managers have specific responsibilities to ensure risk assessments are current, that safe systems of work are implemented, and that personal protective equipment is provided and used. The policy is reviewed periodically and updated following incidents, legislative changes affecting waste handling, or changes in operational practice.

Responsibilities and Organisation

The senior management team retains ultimate responsibility for health and safety. Day-to-day responsibilities are delegated to supervisors who will monitor compliance during house clearances, rubbish collection jobs and waste removal operations. Employees are expected to report hazards, participate in training and cooperate in maintaining a safe working environment.

Key elements of our safety management include thorough risk assessment, clear communication of control measures, and regular training. We use written risk assessments for common tasks such as manual handling of bulky loads, working at height, vehicle loading and the safe segregation of recyclable and non-recyclable waste. Controls are designed to eliminate hazards where possible or, where elimination is not feasible, to reduce risk to an acceptable level.

• Risk Assessments: Conducted before tasks commence and reviewed when conditions change.
• PPE: Appropriate gloves, boots, hi-vis clothing, eye and respiratory protection supplied and maintained.
• Training: Manual handling, hazardous materials awareness and vehicle safety instruction provided to staff.

Safe Working Procedures

All house clearance and waste removal activities must follow established safe working procedures. Manual handling techniques must be used to minimise strain and musculoskeletal injury. Employees must assess each lift, use mechanical aids where possible and work in teams for heavier or awkward items. Regular practice and refresher training reinforce correct methods.

When dealing with potentially hazardous materials — such as asbestos-containing items, sharps, chemicals, or electrical appliances — staff must stop work and seek specialist handling instructions. These items will be segregated and transported following appropriate controls. Our rubbish collection and clearance service area routines ensure that hazardous waste is not mixed with general household refuse.

Vehicles and loading areas must be kept tidy and secure. Loads should be evenly distributed and restrained to prevent movement during transit. Drivers are responsible for vehicle checks, including brakes, lights and securing equipment prior to travel. Incident reporting procedures are to be followed promptly after any near miss or accident.

Training and competence are essential. All operatives receive induction training that covers risk awareness, emergency procedures, correct use of tools and PPE, and the company’s reporting requirements. Supervisors will record competencies and provide on-the-job coaching. A programme of periodic refresher training is maintained to ensure ongoing competence for rubbish clearance and house clearance services.

Contractors working on behalf of the company must demonstrate equivalent standards. Before engagement they are required to provide evidence of training, safe working methods and adequate insurance cover. The company will monitor contractor performance to ensure consistent compliance with safety expectations across the service area.

In the event of an emergency, such as injury at a clearance site, fire or spill, staff must follow the emergency response plan: secure the area, call for medical or emergency services if required and report the incident to management. Investigation and corrective action follow each incident to prevent recurrence. Records of training, incidents and risk assessments are retained for audit and continual improvement.

Our commitment to health and safety extends to the protection of the environment and the local community. Waste is handled to minimise dust, noise and visual impact. Where possible, items are sorted for reuse or recycling in line with sustainable waste management principles. Staff are encouraged to promote responsible disposal in all interactions with clients.

Monitoring and review: Safety performance is monitored through site inspections, toolbox talks and regular reviews of risk assessments. We set measurable targets to reduce incidents and improve safe practices within the rubbish removal and domestic waste collection sectors of our service area. Continuous improvement is core to our approach.

Policy enforcement: Non-compliance with this policy may result in disciplinary action. Conversely, positive safety behaviour is recognised and supported. By fostering a culture that values safety, professionalism and environmental responsibility, the company provides reliable house clearance and rubbish removal services that protect people and property.

All employees, contractors and stakeholders are expected to read and understand this health and safety policy. The company will make the policy available to anyone working on its behalf and will provide explanations where necessary. Employees should raise concerns through the appropriate channels to help maintain safe operations across the entire rubbish company service area.

By adhering to the measures described in this policy — robust risk assessment, competent staff, proper equipment and thorough procedures — Walthamstow House Clearance demonstrates its strong commitment to safety, quality and responsible waste management. This approach ensures that our house clearance services remain safe for people and sustainable for the environment.

This policy is reviewed at regular intervals and revised when necessary to reflect operational changes, lessons learned and improvements in best practice for waste removal and rubbish clearance services.