Health and Safety Policy — Knightsbridge House Clearance

This Health and Safety policy sets out the commitment of Knightsbridge House Clearance to protect the health, safety and welfare of employees, contractors and the public while delivering house clearance and rubbish removal services. The policy applies across our rubbish company service area and covers all activities from initial site assessment to final disposal or recycling. Our aim is to minimise risk, prevent injury and manage waste in ways that meet legal obligations and industry best practice.

Scope and Objectives

The policy covers operational procedures, vehicle movements, manual handling, hazardous material handling, and site safety for every clearance assignment. Responsibilities are assigned clearly: senior management will provide leadership and resources, supervisors will ensure safe systems of work, and all staff are required to work safely and report hazards. We seek continuous improvement through routine monitoring, training and risk assessment across the rubbish removal service area.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Before any house clearance or rubbish collection, a documented risk assessment will be completed. Assessments will identify hazards such as sharp objects, asbestos-containing materials, sharps, chemicals and unstable loads. Control measures include safe lifting techniques, appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), exclusion zones, and safe stacking of materials. Key controls are listed below:

• Site survey on arrival to confirm access, obstructions and hazards
• Segregation of recyclable items and hazardous waste for compliant disposal
• Safe vehicle loading and securement to prevent shifting in transit

Training and Competency

All operatives receive training appropriate to their roles. Training covers manual handling, use of PPE, fire safety, first aid awareness and driving for work. We maintain records demonstrating competence and provide refresher training at scheduled intervals. Contractors and temporary staff must meet our competency standards before undertaking work in our house clearance rubbish service area.

Vehicle and Site Safety

Vehicles are maintained, inspected and licensed to ensure they are safe for use in clearing homes and transporting waste. Drivers follow safe loading procedures and operate within permitted weight limits. Work sites are assessed for pedestrian movement, fall risks and environmental hazards. Where necessary we implement traffic management measures, use warning signage and maintain clear exclusion areas to protect the public and workforce.

Hazardous Waste and Environmental Controls

Hazardous materials encountered during house clearances—such as asbestos fragments, solvents, batteries, and electrical items—are handled only by trained personnel. We follow legal requirements for identification, containment and transfer to authorised waste facilities. The company promotes recycling and re-use to reduce landfill and operates a documented waste segregation process in all rubbish company territories.

Incident Reporting, Investigation and Monitoring

Incidents, near misses and unsafe conditions must be reported immediately. We carry out prompt investigations to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Regular audits, toolbox talks and safety inspections are undertaken to monitor compliance. Records of incidents and corrective actions are maintained and used to influence training and operational changes.

Responsibilities

Management responsibilities include providing resources, ensuring legal compliance and keeping this policy under review. Supervisors and team leaders must ensure safe systems of work are followed and that staff are competent. Every employee has a duty to act responsibly, use provided PPE (including gloves, hi-vis clothing and steel-toe footwear), and to stop work if an unaddressed risk is identified. Contractors must follow our methods and report hazards immediately.

Review, Continuous Improvement and Commitment

This policy is reviewed at least annually or after significant incidents or operational changes. We commit to meeting or exceeding statutory obligations and to promoting a culture where safety is a core value. Through proactive risk management, staff training and clear procedures for waste handling and site safety, Knightsbridge House Clearance strives to deliver reliable, compliant house clearance and rubbish removal services across the service area whilst protecting people and the environment.

Key Safety Principles

• Prevention: eliminate or control risks before work starts.
• Proportionate response: apply controls according to the level of risk.
• Transparency: report and record incidents and actions taken.
• Training: ensure staff competence and awareness.

Signed on behalf of Knightsbridge House Clearance: The executive team endorses this policy and expects full cooperation from all staff. Compliance is a condition of employment and a cornerstone of our operational standards in the house clearance and rubbish company service area.

Policy review date: This document will be reviewed periodically to reflect changes in legislation, industry guidance and operational lessons learned. Continued adherence ensures safe, lawful and efficient delivery of our rubbish removal and house clearance duties.