Health and Safety Policy — Skip Hire Downham

This Health and Safety policy describes the commitment of Skip Hire Downham to maintain safe working practices across all skip hire and rubbish removal operations. The policy applies to every employee, subcontractor and temporary worker involved in skip hire services, waste collection, transfer and disposal work. It sets out the practical steps the company will take to reduce risk, prevent accidents and protect health, while ensuring compliance with relevant health and safety standards. This document is intended as a legal policy statement rather than a how-to guide, and it should be read alongside more detailed operational procedures that govern site activities and vehicle movements.

Policy Statement

We are committed to providing a safe environment for our staff and the public during all skip deliveries, collection and rubbish clearance work. Our objectives include preventing injury and ill health, eliminating or controlling hazards associated with manual handling, traffic management, hazardous waste segregation and asbestos risk, and minimising environmental impact. All operations will be planned, assessed and monitored. Managers will ensure that risk assessments are undertaken for every skip hire job and that control measures are implemented and reviewed.

Responsibilities and Duties

The following responsibilities are established to ensure the policy is effective: management must allocate sufficient resources, supervisors must enforce safe systems of work and staff must follow instructions and report hazards promptly. Key duties include:

• Carrying out and recording risk assessments for skip placement, loading and transport.
• Ensuring vehicles and lifts are inspected and maintained according to schedules.
• Providing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and training.

Risk Assessment and Control Measures

Risk assessments will identify physical, chemical, biological and ergonomic hazards associated with rubbish removal and skip hire operations. Control measures include use of mechanical lifting aids for heavy items, exclusion zones around skip placement, clear signage, and safe stacking practices inside skips. Traffic management plans will be implemented when operating on highways or in high-traffic areas to protect pedestrians and drivers. Subcontractors engaged to provide skip hire services must demonstrate comparable risk management and adhere to our safety standards.

Training and competence form the backbone of our approach. All employees involved in skip hire operations receive training in manual handling, vehicle loading limits, securement of loads and hazardous waste identification. Training is regularly refreshed and records are retained. Supervisors are trained in spot checking and coaching, and all staff have the right and duty to refuse unsafe work. The company will ensure that first aid provision, fire safety and emergency procedures are in place and maintained at every operational location.

Operational controls for site work and vehicle safety include periodic maintenance of collection vehicles, checks of tail lifts and hydraulic equipment, and use of high-visibility clothing. Safe loading protocols ensure that mixed waste, bulky items and recyclables are segregated where required and that hazardous materials are managed under separate procedures. Staff will follow defined procedures for identifying and isolating hazardous waste streams, including asbestos suspects, chemicals and sharps. Regular toolbox talks and pre-shift briefings support consistent implementation.

Monitoring, Reporting and Incident Management

We operate a structured incident reporting process to capture accidents, near misses and safety observations. All incidents are investigated to identify root causes and to implement remedial actions. Corrective actions will be tracked to completion, and lessons learned will be communicated across teams. Insurance and legal obligations are respected; however, this policy emphasises prevention through proactive risk management and continuous improvement.

Audits and performance reviews are conducted periodically to verify compliance with this policy and with applicable statutory requirements. These reviews include vehicle fleet audits, site safety inspections and checks of training records. Performance indicators such as accident frequency, near-miss reporting rates and completion of corrective actions are used to measure effectiveness. Senior management reviews safety performance at defined intervals and takes corrective actions to improve outcomes where necessary.

Commitment, Review and Continuous Improvement

The company pledges to maintain a positive safety culture in all aspects of skip hire and rubbish collection services. This policy will be reviewed at least annually, or sooner following a significant incident or organisational change. All employees are expected to take an active role in health and safety by raising concerns, participating in safety activities and complying with risk controls. By embedding strong health and safety practices throughout our operations, we will minimise harm, protect the public and maintain reliable waste management services. This policy applies company-wide and will be made available to staff and regulatory bodies on request.