Health & Safety Policy — Queens Park Skip Hire

Queens Park Skip Hire is committed to protecting the health, safety and welfare of all employees, contractors and members of the public affected by our operations. This policy sets out the principles we apply across our skip hire and rubbish removal service area to manage hazards, reduce risk and comply with statutory duties. The purpose of this document is to provide a clear, pragmatic framework for safe working across the waste collection, skip delivery and debris removal activities that form the core of our rubbish company services. Commitment to safety is integrated into everyday operations and decision-making.

Our policy applies to all personnel engaged in skip hire, waste transfer, site-based loading and curbside rubbish collection. It sets expectations for safe behaviours, defines responsibilities and describes the controls we employ to protect people and the environment. The policy also emphasises continuous improvement through training, risk assessment and incident investigation. Prevention is prioritised through planning and routine supervision.

Risk assessment is the foundation of safe service delivery. For every job type — from domestic skip hire to commercial rubbish removal — we identify hazards such as manual handling, vehicle movements, sharp or hazardous wastes and site-specific constraints. Controls are proportionate to the risk and may include segregation of waste, specialist handling for hazardous materials, traffic management at delivery locations and the use of mechanical aids. Managers must keep records of assessments and review them when conditions change.

Roles, Responsibilities and Training

Company leadership has ultimate responsibility for this health and safety policy and will ensure adequate resources are provided for safe operation of the skip hire service. Supervisors and managers will implement policy on the ground, offering supervision and coaching to drivers, loaders and operatives. Each worker has a duty to work safely, follow instructions and report hazards or near misses. Employees are encouraged to participate in safety briefings and to raise concerns without fear of reprisal.

Training is tailored to job function and includes safe loading techniques, manual handling, vehicle safety, correct use of PPE and awareness of hazardous waste segregation requirements. Drivers and operative teams receive periodic refreshers and competency checks. We use toolbox talks and on-site inductions to reinforce controls; new staff must complete induction before undertaking operational tasks for the rubbish removal or skip hire service.

Supervisors maintain training logs and assess competency through observation. Contractors and temporary staff must meet the same training and competency standards as permanent employees and are briefed on site-specific risks before work starts. Where specialist waste types are involved, certified training or external competence evidence is required.

Operational Controls and Safe Systems

Operational safety measures address the main risks associated with delivery, collection and on-site handling. Key controls include comprehensive vehicle checks, secure load practices, effective communication during loading, and the use of appropriate PPE such as steel-toe boots, hi-vis clothing and gloves. We operate a permit-to-work approach for unusual or high-risk tasks and apply exclusion zones when mechanical lifting or heavy plant are used.

Procedures and Safe Working Practices

• Vehicle safety: Daily inspections, documented maintenance and safe reversing procedures.
• Manual handling: Use of two-person lift techniques, trolleys and mechanical aids where practicable.
• Waste segregation: Clear signage and controls to prevent hazardous mixing and ensure compliant disposal.
• Site safety: Risk briefings, traffic management plans and pedestrian segregation when working on public or private sites.

Where hazardous wastes are identified, work ceases until a safe handling plan is in place. The rubbish company maintains relationships with authorised disposal facilities and follows regulatory guidance for packaging and transporting hazardous materials. Emergency procedures, including spills response and first aid arrangements, are documented and tested.

Incident Reporting, Monitoring and Review

Accidents and near misses must be reported immediately through the company reporting system. Investigations focus on root causes and on implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Performance is monitored through safety audits, spot checks and review of incident trends. Senior management reviews performance against targets at scheduled intervals and revises the policy as needed to reflect lessons learned.

This policy is supported by active monitoring of operational compliance and health surveillance where required by the nature of work. We conduct periodic audits of site practices, vehicle safety, and training records. Safety objectives are set annually with measurable targets for reduction of incidents, improved training completion rates and audit results.

Queens Park Skip Hire recognises that safety is a shared responsibility. All staff, contractors and stakeholders play a part in maintaining safe, lawful waste and skip hire operations across the rubbish collection service area. This policy will be made available to employees and relevant stakeholders, and will be reviewed at least annually or after significant incidents or organisational changes. By following these principles we aim to protect people, property and the environment while delivering reliable skip hire and rubbish removal services.