Dulwich House Clearance — Health & Safety Policy

Purpose: This Health and Safety policy sets out the commitment of Dulwich House Clearance to protect employees, clients and the public during all house clearance and rubbish removal operations. The policy applies across the company’s rubbish company service area and to any contracted waste removal and disposal activities. It outlines responsibilities, risk controls and safe working standards for our team engaged in domestic and commercial house clearance work.

Scope and Objectives

Our objectives are to maintain a safe working environment, ensure compliance with applicable health and safety obligations and to deliver a reliable rubbish collection service that minimises harm. We commit to risk assessment, provision of appropriate equipment, training, and ongoing monitoring. This policy covers manual handling, hazardous materials, vehicle operations, and public safety management during removals.

Responsibilities

The employer is responsible for ensuring safe systems of work, adequate training and that risk assessments are current. Supervisors must enforce safe practice, provide PPE and ensure correct waste segregation for recycling and disposal. Employees are responsible for following instructions, reporting hazards and using correct lifting techniques and protective equipment. Clients and visitors should follow site instructions and maintain a safe distance during clearing activities.

Risk Assessment and Control Measures

Before any house clearance job the team completes a documented risk assessment tailored to the property and the scale of work. Key controls include safe access and egress, securing loose items, identifying and isolating hazardous waste, and planning vehicle placement to reduce public exposure. For bulky waste and heavy furniture we use mechanical aids and team lifts. The company operates a graded approach to risk: avoid, reduce, control, and monitor, ensuring that our rubbish removal service meets practical safety standards.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) All operatives are issued PPE appropriate to the task: gloves, steel-toe footwear, hi-vis jackets, dust masks and eye protection. PPE is inspected regularly and replaced as necessary. Training covers correct selection and use. PPE is a last line of defence and works alongside safe systems such as tool guards, dust suppression and hygiene procedures during waste handling and house clearance activities.

Safe Working Practices

• Pre-job briefing and dynamic risk assessment on arrival;
• Use of trolleys, lifting straps and team lift protocols for bulky items;
• Separation of recyclable materials from general refuse and correct containment of hazardous items;
• Clear signage and cordoning of work areas to protect the public and clients;
• Appropriate vehicle loading techniques to prevent shifting loads in transit.

These practices underpin our role as a trusted local rubbish company and ensure safety during collection, transit and disposal.

Training and Competency

Personnel engaged in home clearance and waste removal receive induction training and ongoing refresher courses. Topics include manual handling, hazardous waste identification, vehicle safety, emergency procedures and customer interaction for safety. Competency is assessed and recorded. Where specialist skills are required, such as asbestos awareness or electrical item isolation, only trained staff or accredited subcontractors are used to protect both operatives and the wider rubbish company service area community.

Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, near misses and injuries are reported promptly and investigated to identify root causes and prevent recurrence. The company maintains records of incidents and corrective actions and uses findings to improve systems and training. This transparent approach helps improve our waste removal processes and reduce operational risk across every job we undertake.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement The policy is reviewed annually or after significant incidents or changes to legislation. Regular site audits, vehicle inspections and toolbox talks ensure that the rubbish collection and removal services remain compliant and effective. We maintain insurance and maintain equipment to industry standards to sustain safe, reliable operations across our service area. This ongoing review cycle supports continual improvement in safety performance and operational resilience.

Emergency Preparedness

Emergency plans cover fire, medical incidents, chemical spills and vehicle collisions during removal work. Staff are trained in first aid and emergency communication protocols. Portable fire extinguishers and spill kits are carried on vehicles when appropriate. Quick, organised responses protect employees, clients and passersby, and ensure incidents are managed within our waste removal and rubbish collection service processes.

Policy Commitment

Dulwich House Clearance and its management commit to providing the resources necessary to implement this Health and Safety policy. Management will lead by example and empower employees to stop unsafe work. Every operative is expected to contribute to a safe working culture and to take personal responsibility for safety at every stage of a house clearance or rubbish removal operation.

Review and record-keeping: Records of risk assessments, training, incidents and maintenance are kept in line with best practice. This legal and administrative diligence supports accountability and demonstrates our commitment to safe, professional house clearance and waste removal services across the service area.