Health & Safety Policy for Colliers Wood Man with Van

This policy sets out the approach of Colliers Wood Man with Van to managing health and safety for all removal, rubbish clearance and waste collection activities. It applies to every member of staff, contractors and sub-contractors engaged in providing man-and-van services, removal van work and domestic or commercial rubbish removal. Our aim is to deliver a safe, reliable rubbish collection and waste removal service while protecting people, property and the environment. This document outlines duties, risk management and operational controls that form the backbone of our safety culture.

Scope and Responsibilities

The policy covers vehicle operations, manual handling during clearances, segregation of waste, safe lifting techniques, and the management of hazardous items encountered during rubbish removal. The company director holds ultimate responsibility for health and safety; managers and team leaders are responsible for implementing controls and ensuring compliance. All operatives are expected to follow safe systems of work, report hazards promptly and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as specified.

Our rubbish clearance teams and man-with-a-van crews must understand their roles. Key responsibilities include:

• Risk identification before any job starts
• Following safe vehicle loading and securing procedures
• Recording near misses and incidents immediately
• Using PPE such as gloves, high-visibility clothing and safety boots

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems

All jobs require a suitable and sufficient risk assessment. Before each collection or removal we undertake a dynamic assessment of the site, the access, the quantity and type of waste, and any potential hazardous materials. Where appropriate, a written method statement will be produced. We emphasise prevention: planning lifts, using mechanical aids where available, and ensuring our van loads are secure to prevent shifting during transit.

Personal protective equipment is mandatory for rubbish handling and debris removal operations. Our PPE policy includes gloves rated for sharps, eye protection when necessary, and respiratory protection where dust or mould may be present. Training covers correct use of PPE, inspection routines and disposable protocols for contaminated items. Operatives are trained in manual handling, and where heavy items require two-person lifts or mechanical assistance, those procedures must be followed without exception.

We maintain a schedule of vehicle checks and maintenance to ensure our removal vans and rubbish collection vehicles are safe, roadworthy and equipped for the tasks they perform. This includes load restraint, signage, functioning tail lifts where fitted, and secure compartments. Vehicle safety is supported by driver checks and daily walk-around inspections recorded in logbooks.

Waste Handling, Segregation and Hazardous Materials

Waste handling procedures promote segregation of recyclables, general rubbish and controlled waste. Teams must identify potentially hazardous items — batteries, solvents, asbestos-type materials, sharps and electrical equipment — and follow statutory controls for transportation and disposal. Where hazardous items are identified, work will halt and an authorised procedure followed, including consultation with appropriate disposal facilities. We do not accept liability for unlawful disposal by third parties; our crews are provided with guidance to safely manage and isolate dangerous materials encountered during clearances.

Incident reporting and first aid are integral to our safety management. All injuries, near misses and damage to property must be reported immediately and recorded. We maintain trained first aiders among staff and ensure first aid kits are available in vans. Emergency procedures are clearly communicated; drivers carry communication devices to summon assistance where required. We conduct regular drills and reviews to keep response plans current.

Training, Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

Training underpins our safety approach: new staff receive induction training covering rubbish removal techniques, vehicle safety and waste segregation. Ongoing refresher sessions address manual handling, driver hours, fatigue management and environmental responsibilities. Performance is monitored through safety audits, toolbox talks, and routine supervision. We use a combination of internal checks and external review to ensure standards are maintained and improved.

Environmental and Community Considerations: our rubbish collection and removal activities are managed to minimize environmental impact. Loads are secured to prevent litter, and spills are dealt with immediately using approved containment methods. We encourage recycling and responsible disposal, and our teams are briefed on minimizing noise and disruption during collections.

Policy review and legal compliance: this policy will be reviewed annually or sooner when there are significant changes to equipment, legislation or work activities. The company commits to complying with applicable health and safety and waste management laws and to cooperating with enforcing authorities where necessary. Senior management will ensure resources are available to maintain and improve health and safety performance across all man with van and rubbish removal operations.

Conclusion: Colliers Wood Man with Van is committed to operating a safe, efficient and compliant rubbish and waste removal service. Through clear responsibilities, training, robust procedures and ongoing monitoring, we aim to protect our staff, clients and the environment while delivering high-quality removal van services. Every member of the team must take ownership of safety and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.