Health and Safety Policy — House Clearance Seven Kings
This Health and Safety policy sets out the commitments of House Clearance Seven Kings to maintain a safe working environment for employees, contractors and members of the public while delivering house clearance and waste removal services across our rubbish company service area. The policy is intended to be clear, proportionate and practical, aligning day-to-day operational safety with statutory responsibilities and industry best practice for waste management and clearances.
Scope and purpose: This policy applies to all staff, sub-contractors and visitors who engage with our Seven Kings house clearance operations and related waste removal activities. It covers manual handling, vehicle operations, hazardous materials, personal protective equipment (PPE), site security and the reporting of incidents and near-misses within the broader rubbish removal Seven Kings and waste removal service area.
Responsibilities
Management will ensure that adequate resources, supervision and oversight are provided. Line managers and team leaders are responsible for ensuring staff are competent to carry out assigned tasks and that safe systems of work are in place. Employees must follow instructions, wear required PPE, report hazards promptly and cooperate with all safety measures. Under this policy, everyone has a role in hazard recognition and risk reduction to protect people, property and the environment.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems
Prior to any clearance or removal work, a documented risk assessment will be carried out covering site access, structural risks, hygiene concerns, sharps, asbestos suspicion, and vehicular movement. Control measures will be implemented to eliminate or reduce risk, with higher risk tasks subject to method statements and supervisor sign-off. Safe systems are reviewed regularly and after any incident or near-miss to ensure continuous improvement across our rubbish company coverage.
Manual handling protocols and mechanical aids are used where practicable to reduce physical strain. Staff receive training in lifting techniques, team lifting, use of trolleys and powered handling aids. Where manual handling cannot be avoided, tasks are assessed and controls applied. The business will ensure that lifting equipment is inspected and maintained in accordance with manufacturers' guidance.
PPE and Hygiene: Appropriate PPE including gloves, high-visibility clothing, sturdy footwear and respiratory protection where required will be provided and maintained. Handwashing facilities, sanitiser and decontamination procedures are available to protect staff from biological and chemical hazards frequently encountered during house clearances and rubbish removal operations.
Vehicles and plant used in clearance and waste transport are subject to routine safety inspections, load security checks and maintenance schedules to prevent road incidents and on-site harm. Drivers and machine operators will be trained and authorised. Traffic management plans and exclusion zones will be implemented for complex or congested sites within the broader waste removal service area.
Hazardous and Controlled Waste: Any material suspected of being hazardous — including chemicals, asbestos, sharps, or contaminated wastes — will be managed under specific procedures. Such items will be identified, segregated and handled by trained personnel following current waste regulations. Disposal will be arranged through authorised facilities and documented appropriately within the operational records.
Staff training and competence are critical: induction, practical training and periodic refresher sessions address safe working practices, emergency procedures, manual handling, hazardous material awareness and vehicle safety. Records of training and competence assessments will be maintained centrally as part of our duty to ensure workers are capable and confident to deliver clearing and rubbish removal services safely.
Incident Reporting, Investigation and Continuous Improvement: All accidents, incidents and near-misses must be reported without delay. Investigations will identify root causes and corrective actions, and lessons learned will be communicated to the workforce. Performance is monitored through audits, toolbox talks and regular review of safety metrics to drive continuous improvement across the service area.
Communication and consultation with staff and contractors is ongoing. Safety notices, briefings and accessible policy documentation ensure that everyone understands their obligations. Where contractors are engaged, they must demonstrate compatible health and safety arrangements before starting work on any clearance or disposal contract in the rubbish company service area.
Policy review: This policy is subject to periodic review and will be updated to reflect changes in legislation, operational practices and the lessons learned from incident investigations and inspections. The objective is to maintain a safe, lawful and responsible approach to house clearance, waste removal and rubbish collection activities across the areas we serve.