Health and Safety Policy — Flat Clearance Fitzrovia

Purpose: This policy sets out the commitment of our flat clearance and rubbish removal operations to maintain a safe working environment for staff, clients, contractors and visitors. It applies across our service area and to all activities associated with flat clearance, apartment clearance and general rubbish disposal. We emphasise prevention of injury, minimising health risks and ensuring compliance with applicable safety expectations without over-specifying local legal text.

Scope and commitments

Our waste removal and clearance service covers domestic and small commercial clearances, furniture removal, hazardous item identification and responsible disposal. All employees and contractors must follow this policy and related safe working procedures. The organisation will provide resources, training and supervision to support safe operations. The management team will ensure regular reviews of safety performance and continuous improvement.

Key responsibilities: The following roles are accountable for implementation and oversight:

• Management — set policy, provide resources, perform risk oversight and ensure lawful waste handling.
• Supervisors — carry out site-specific risk assessments, supervise teams, and ensure correct equipment is used.
• Operatives and drivers — follow safe systems, wear required PPE and report hazards or incidents immediately.

Risk assessment and safe systems of work

All clearance jobs require a documented assessment before work begins. Hazard identification must include manual handling risks, sharps, asbestos-suspect materials, hazardous liquids, slips/trips, and traffic or parking hazards during rubbish collection. Control measures should be proportionate and recorded. Where risks are significant, work must be paused until adequate controls are in place.

PPE, training and qualifications: Every operative must have access to and use appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety boots, high-visibility clothing and eye protection where needed. Manual handling training, vehicle loading protocols and safe stairway procedures are mandatory. The company will maintain training records and verify competency for tasks such as operating lifting aids or compactors.

Equipment and vehicle safety: Vehicles and mechanical aids used in flat clearance and rubbish transportation will be inspected and maintained at scheduled intervals. Loads must be secured, and weight limits observed. Drivers and operatives will follow safe loading and unloading protocols to prevent tip-over, falling objects, or vehicle-related incidents. Any defects must be reported and equipment withdrawn until repaired.

Waste handling, segregation and disposal: Waste will be categorised and segregated on site to reduce contamination and environmental harm. Items identified as hazardous (e.g., solvents, batteries, certain electrical items) are to be isolated and handled in line with specialist disposal requirements. Clear labelling and containment reduce exposure risks to staff and waste transport teams.

Emergency procedures, first aid and incident reporting: The organisation maintains clear emergency arrangements including access to first aid, evacuation routes and communication protocols. All incidents, near misses and health concerns must be recorded without delay. A formal investigation will follow to identify root causes and corrective actions. Prompt reporting helps prevent recurrence and demonstrates our commitment to safety.

Contractors and subcontractors: When external labour is engaged for flat clearance or rubbish collection tasks, they must comply with this policy and provide proof of their own safety arrangements. The company will verify insurance, training and relevant permits where required. Coordination between teams must be managed to avoid overlapping hazards.

Health and wellbeing: The physical nature of flat clearance work requires measures to protect operative wellbeing. Scheduled breaks, hydration, ergonomic working practices and access to welfare facilities are provided. Mental health awareness and support channels are promoted to ensure staff resilience in challenging job scenarios.

Monitoring, audit and continuous improvement: Safety performance will be monitored through inspections, toolbox talks and audits. Key performance indicators include incident rates, near-miss reports and completion of safety training. Outcomes will be reviewed with staff input and used to refine procedures for our clearance and rubbish management services.

Policy review and commitment: The company commits to reviewing this Health and Safety Policy regularly and whenever there is a change in operation, equipment or legal expectation. All personnel are expected to work cooperatively to maintain safe, professional and responsible flat removal and rubbish clearance services across the service area. This policy represents our organisational commitment to safety, environmental stewardship and the welfare of people involved in our operations.