Health & Safety Policy — Stockwell Man with Van

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitment of Stockwell Man with Van to provide a safe working environment for employees, contractors and members of the public while delivering man with van rubbish removal and related waste services. The objective is to reduce risk, prevent injury and ensure compliance with relevant statutory duties. This policy applies to all operational activities performed by our team, including collection, loading, transportation and disposal of household and commercial rubbish, bulky waste removal and clearance tasks. All team members are expected to work in a manner consistent with this statement and the procedures it references.

Management is responsible for allocating resources, implementing controls and maintaining records to support safe operations. Employees and operatives must follow safe systems of work, report hazards and participate in training programmes. The company will provide appropriate supervision and ensure that risk assessments are current and documented. Supervisors shall monitor compliance and take corrective action where standards fall below expectations. Everyone has a role in safety: leadership sets policy, managers implement it and employees apply it during daily rubbish collection and clearance tasks.

Risk assessment underpins our approach to safety in the rubbish removal service. We carry out dynamic and scheduled assessments to identify hazards such as manual handling, slips, trips, falls, vehicle movements and hazardous waste. Controls include use of mechanical aids, clear segregation of waste streams, secure loading procedures and safe stacking within vehicles. The following key controls are implemented across operations:

• Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) issued and maintained
• Vehicle checks and secure load procedures before departure
• Segregation and labelling of potentially hazardous items

These measures are reviewed when circumstances change and after any incident.

Accidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences involving our man-and-van waste service are recorded and investigated to prevent recurrence. Immediate priorities are to preserve life, prevent further harm and secure the scene. First aid provision and a nominated first aider are maintained at operational hubs. In the event of a vehicle collision or significant spill, emergency services will be contacted as required and the site secured. A formal incident report is completed for all events that result in injury, environmental release or property damage and is reviewed by management.

All employees are trained to report incidents promptly. Reporting triggers include injuries, exposures to hazardous substances, fuel or chemical spills, and any damage to third-party property during rubbish collection or transportation. Reports feed into our continuous improvement programme: corrective actions are assigned, timescales agreed and completion verified. We maintain a log of corrective actions and lessons learned, ensuring that similar risks are reduced at source. Prompt reporting and transparent investigation support safer outcomes for both staff and customers.

Fire safety and emergency evacuation arrangements are documented for operational premises and vehicles. Fire extinguishers, suitable escape routes and vehicle fire prevention measures are maintained and inspected. Operators are trained in basic fire response and evacuation procedures. Where a hazardous material is identified, sealed containment and specialist removal arrangements are initiated to protect operatives and the public until the material can be lawfully and safely disposed of.

Competence is central to safe rubbish clearance work. All staff receive induction training covering manual handling, PPE use, vehicle loading and traffic safety. Ongoing toolbox talks and refresher courses reinforce safe working practices. We ensure that equipment—trolleys, straps, lifting aids and vehicles—is maintained and inspected in line with manufacturer guidance and statutory requirements. Operators must report defective equipment and take it out of service until repaired. Safe driving standards and secure load checks are mandatory for every journey.

Hazardous and controlled wastes are identified and managed in accordance with relevant waste and environmental regulations. Employees are trained to recognise items that require specialist handling such as asbestos-containing materials, solvents, batteries, and contaminated soils. If such items are encountered during a removal, operations are halted and authorised procedures followed to arrange specialist collection and disposal via licensed facilities. Waste documentation and transfer notes are completed accurately and retained as required.

Monitoring, audit and policy review ensure the policy remains effective and proportionate to our operations. Regular site inspections, vehicle checks and management reviews are conducted to measure conformance. External audits may be commissioned where appropriate. This Health & Safety Policy is reviewed at least annually or following significant operational changes, incidents or legislative updates. Commitment to continuous improvement ensures we adapt controls, training and procedures to reduce risk for our workforce and communities served by our rubbish removal and clearance services.