Health and Safety Policy — Garden Clearance Stockwell

This Health and Safety policy sets out the commitments and procedures of Garden Clearance Stockwell for safe, efficient garden rubbish removal and landscape waste clearance operations. The policy applies to all employees, operatives and contractors engaged in yard waste clearance, green waste removal and general rubbish collection tasks. It is designed to protect people, property and the environment while providing a reliable garden waste disposal service across our service area. Safety is an integral part of every job and everyone on site has a role to play in hazard control.

Our objectives are to implement proportionate, risk-based controls that reduce incidents and to ensure that lawful standards of waste handling and rubbish clearance are met. Key responsibilities include appointed management oversight, site supervisors, and operatives who must follow safe systems of work. The company will provide appropriate training, personal protective equipment and supervision, and will maintain records of risk assessments and method statements. Health and safety is a continuous process, reviewed and improved as operations evolve.

Risk Assessment and Training

Identifying and managing hazards

The organisation requires that every job is preceded by a documented risk assessment. Typical hazards associated with garden clearance and rubbish removal include manual handling strains, sharp objects, biological contamination (mould, faeces, plant irritants), asbestos suspicion, traffic and vehicle movement, and uneven ground. Controls will include:

• Site-specific risk assessments and method statements
• Provision and compulsory use of appropriate PPE, such as gloves, boots, eye protection and hi-vis clothing
• Clear exclusion of potentially hazardous materials until suitably assessed and removed by qualified handlers

Safe Working Procedures

All garden clearance tasks will follow written safe systems of work. Operatives must not attempt to move heavy or awkward items alone; mechanical aids such as trolleys, sack trucks and lifting equipment will be used where reasonable. Traffic management measures will be put in place for any roadside collections or vehicle loading, and banked waste will be secured to prevent spillage during transit. Waste segregation protocols ensure recyclable materials are separated from general rubbish and green waste.

Personal protective equipment and hygiene standards are mandatory. Team members must regularly inspect PPE, report defects and replace items as needed. Manual handling training is provided on induction and refreshed periodically. Standard operating procedures cover cutting tools, hedge trimmers, chainsaws (where used), and other powered equipment — only trained staff may operate such tools. All operatives are briefed on safe lifting techniques and on avoiding hand and foot injuries while handling garden debris.

Incident Reporting, First Aid and Emergencies

Incidents, near misses and injuries must be reported immediately to a supervisor and recorded in the company's incident log. First aid provision is maintained according to the scale of operations and includes trained first aiders and stocked kits. In the event of a more serious incident the emergency services will be contacted without delay. The company commits to investigating incidents, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Waste handling, transport and vehicle safety protocols recognise the risks associated with loading and unloading bulky rubbish. Drivers and loaders must ensure loads are secure, weight limits are respected and vehicles are maintained. Daily vehicle checks are required before leaving the depot, with prompt reporting of defects. Safe reversing and parking practices are enforced to reduce vehicle-related accidents at client properties and public spaces.

Contractor management ensures that any subcontracted teams adhere to the same standards and policies. All third parties engaged to assist with garden rubbish clearance must provide evidence of competence, insurance and their own health and safety arrangements. The company will carry out periodic inspections of subcontractor performance and compliance with environmental controls such as avoiding damage to soft landscaping, trees and drainage systems.

Environmental protection measures are embedded within our operations. Where waste may include hazardous or controlled items (e.g., asbestos, chemicals, contaminated soils), work will stop and specialists engaged to manage removal in accordance with statutory requirements. We promote recycling of wood, green waste and metal, and adopt best practice to minimise pollution from spillage, dust and runoff during clearance activities.

Monitoring and continuous improvement are core to the policy. Regular audits, toolbox talks and performance reviews check that rubbish removal activities meet legal standards and company expectations. Training records, risk assessments and operational records are maintained and reviewed at least annually or following a significant event. Management will ensure adequate resources are available to implement the policy and will update procedures in line with changes to legislation or industry practice.

The company requires full cooperation from staff to create a safe working culture. Non-compliance with safety rules and procedures may lead to disciplinary action. This policy is supported by documented procedures that define roles, responsibilities and measures for accident prevention, emergency response and environmental protection during garden clearance, waste removal and landscaping operations. Garden Clearance Stockwell is committed to protecting the health, safety and well-being of its workforce and the public while delivering efficient, responsible rubbish and garden waste clearance services across its service area.