Health and Safety Policy - Cricklewood Skip Hire

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitment of Cricklewood Skip Hire to protect the health, safety and welfare of its employees, contractors and members of the public who may be affected by the operations of a rubbish removal service and skip hire company across the service area. The policy applies to all activities related to skip hire, waste collection and rubbish removal, including delivery, loading, transport and disposal. It is the aim of the company to prevent incidents, injuries and pollution through robust management and continuous improvement.

The scope includes day-to-day operational tasks, vehicle movements, site work when placing or collecting skips, and interactions with clients and third-party sites. Responsibilities are assigned at all levels: senior management provide leadership and resources; supervisors implement controls and ensure compliance; every employee has a duty to work safely and report hazards. Strong emphasis is placed on training, supervision and competence for all roles, including drivers and operative staff.

The company will comply with applicable health and safety legislation and industry best practice applicable to a rubbish company service area. Policy statement: Cricklewood Skip Hire will provide sufficient resources to control the risks arising from our activities. We will ensure that risk assessments are carried out and that measures are put in place to eliminate hazards or reduce them to an acceptable level. This policy is endorsed by senior management and is subject to regular review.

Risk assessments and documented safe systems of work underpin safe skip hire operations. Identified hazards include manual handling, vehicle operations, moving and unstable loads, hazardous waste, and public interaction at roadside locations. Control measures include mechanical aids for loading, clear exclusion zones, vehicle safety checks and load restraint, and permitted waste acceptance procedures. Risk controls will be monitored and updated following changes to processes or incidents.

Training and competence are essential. All operatives will receive induction training for the skip hire service, periodic refresher instruction, and role-specific training such as safe lifting techniques, hazardous waste identification, and vehicle-mounted equipment operation. Personal protective equipment (PPE) including high-visibility clothing, gloves and safety footwear is provided and must be used. Drivers must hold the appropriate licences and complete daily vehicle safety inspections.

Vehicle and transport safety are a central focus of the waste removal service. Vehicles must be maintained to statutory standards, loads secured, and routing planned to minimise risk. Drivers should use permitted routes, avoid unsafe parking, and cooperate with site rules when accessing private or commercial premises. Where loading operations occur on public highways, appropriate traffic management and signage will be used to protect both staff and the public.

Waste segregation and hazardous waste handling must follow regulatory requirements. Only accepted materials may be placed in skips; hazardous items such as asbestos, certain chemicals, or contaminated soils require specialist handling and cannot be mixed with general waste. Staff will be trained to recognise prohibited items and instructed to refuse or isolate such loads and report them for correct disposal. Documentation for controlled waste transfers will be maintained.

Site safety considerations include correct placement of skips to avoid obstruction and ground damage, assessment of underground services before siting a skip on private property, and measures to prevent unauthorised access to skips that could create hazards. When working at or near water, on slopes, or in confined spaces, extra precautions and permits may be required. The company will set out clear site rules and ensure they are followed.

Incidents, near misses and hazards must be reported and investigated promptly. Reporting supports learning and prevents recurrence. Investigations will identify root causes and lead to corrective actions, with outcomes communicated to the workforce. The organisation will keep records of incidents and health surveillance where required and will review trends as part of continuous improvement.

Contractors and subcontractors engaged for the skip hire service area must demonstrate competence and comply with this policy. Before work commences, contractors will be assessed for health and safety arrangements and provided with relevant site information. Work scheduling will consider risks from concurrent activities, and the company will ensure appropriate supervision, coordination and communication between all parties.

Emergency preparedness and first aid are in place to manage accidents, spills and fire. Emergency procedures include clearly defined alarm and evacuation arrangements, availability of first aid trained personnel and equipment, and spill response kits for fuel or chemical escapes. All operatives must understand the emergency arrangements for each site and be able to take immediate action to protect life and limit harm.

This policy will be reviewed at least annually or following significant changes in operations, incidents, legislation or organisational structure. The review process includes consultation with employees and representation where appropriate. Communication of the policy and any changes will be made to all staff and contractors. Non-compliance with this policy may lead to disciplinary action, and adherence is a condition of employment. By following these principles, Cricklewood Skip Hire aims to deliver a safe, reliable and compliant skip hire and rubbish removal service across its service area.