Health & Safety Policy — Battersea House Clearance

This Health and Safety policy sets out the commitment of Battersea House Clearance to maintain a safe working environment for staff, clients and the public during all house clearance, domestic rubbish removal and waste collection activities. Our aim is to ensure that every operation, whether it is a full property clearance, single-room declutter or commercial rubbish service, is carried out with risk control, compliance and continuous improvement at the forefront. The policy applies to all employees, subcontractors and visitors engaged in house clearance and rubbish removal services provided by the company.

Policy Statement and Objectives

We recognise our legal and moral responsibilities to prevent injury and ill health. The principal objectives are to: reduce risks associated with waste removal operations; ensure safe manual handling during furniture and bulky waste lifts; and promote safe driving and vehicle loading for rubbish collection. The organisation is committed to preventing accidents, incidents and uncontrolled environmental releases while delivering efficient property clearance and rubbish disposal services.

Our approach includes proactive risk assessments, clear procedures and adequate resources for safe working. All employees will be trained in safe working practices, the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and emergency procedures. Safety leadership at all levels is expected: managers must demonstrate visible commitment while frontline staff must follow controls and report hazards promptly. The company will maintain written risk assessments and method statements for routine and non-routine clearance tasks to support safe operations.

Responsibilities and Roles

Accountability is defined as follows:

• Directors are responsible for setting policy, allocating resources and ensuring legal compliance across all rubbish company service areas.
• Managers and supervisors must monitor work, conduct site checks, review risk assessments and arrange relevant training for house clearance teams and rubbish removal crews.
• Employees and operatives must follow method statements, use PPE, participate in training and report unsafe conditions immediately.

Risk Assessment, Control Measures and Safe Systems

Comprehensive risk assessments are performed for each site and task type, covering manual handling of heavy items, asbestos and hazardous materials awareness, sharps and contaminated waste handling, vehicle loading and unloading, relevant traffic management, and potential structural hazards in properties. Control measures include safe lifting techniques, mechanical aids for bulky waste, designated hazardous waste segregation, secure vehicle stowage and clear access/egress routes. A permit-to-work or isolation procedure will be used where activities pose additional hazards.

PPE and Equipment

We provide appropriate PPE including gloves, safety footwear, eye protection and high-visibility clothing for all clearance tasks. Employees must ensure PPE is maintained and fit for purpose. Equipment such as trolleys, sack trucks, lifting straps and compactors must be inspected before use. Faulty tools or vehicles must be taken out of service and reported via established channels.

Training, Competence and Communication

Training is core to delivering safe removals and rubbish collection. Induction training, task-specific instruction, and periodic refresher courses will be provided to maintain competence. Topics include manual handling, hazardous waste awareness, lone working, infection control measures, and vehicle safety. Communication of safety information is achieved through toolbox talks, site briefings and documented procedures to ensure everyone understands their obligations during a clearance.

Incident Reporting, Investigation and Review

All accidents, near misses and unsafe conditions must be reported without delay. Incidents are investigated to identify root causes and to implement corrective actions that prevent recurrence. Records of incidents, training, risk assessments and equipment inspections are maintained and reviewed regularly. The company aims for a continuous improvement cycle by learning from events and adjusting procedures accordingly for all clearance and rubbish removal services.

Monitoring, Compliance and Policy Review

Performance is monitored through site inspections, safety audits and key performance indicators related to incident frequency, training completion and equipment maintenance. This policy will be reviewed at least annually or sooner to reflect changes in legislation, operations or following significant incidents. Battersea House Clearance commits to being responsive to new risks in the waste management and property clearance sector and will adapt controls to maintain safety and service quality.

In delivering safe and reliable house clearance and rubbish removal services, we emphasise teamwork, competence and adherence to the controls set out in this policy. Employees, contractors and stakeholders share responsibility for safety; compliance is mandatory and non-negotiable. Strong leadership, practical training and robust controls will ensure work is completed efficiently without compromising health and safety standards.