Health & Safety Policy — Feltham Skip Hire

Policy Statement: Feltham Skip Hire is committed to protecting the health and safety of employees, contractors, customers and the public while delivering skip hire and rubbish removal services across our service area. This policy sets out our objectives for waste clearance, rubbish collection and skip hire operations, and details how risks are managed to reduce harm, prevent incidents and maintain safe working practices.

Scope and application: This policy applies to all activities carried out by the skip hire company, including vehicle operations, on-site skip placement, loading and unloading of waste, and the handling of general and segregated waste streams. It covers staff, subcontractors and any authorised visitors who are engaged in or affected by our rubbish management and waste removal services.

Responsibilities: Senior management holds ultimate responsibility for health and safety performance and will allocate appropriate resources. Supervisors and operatives must follow safe systems of work and report hazards. The company requires that every person engaged in our skip hire and rubbish company operations takes reasonable care for their own safety and for that of others, and co-operates fully with safety arrangements.

Risk assessment and control

We carry out documented risk assessments for all activities related to skip hire, rubbish disposal and waste clearance. Controls will follow the hierarchy: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls and, where necessary, personal protective equipment. Assessment outcomes are communicated to those affected and reviewed after any change in process, incident or near-miss.

Key controls include clear site assessments before skip placement, safe loading procedures to prevent overloading, secure skip covering where required, and vehicle checks before departure. A representative list of hazards considered includes moving vehicles, manual handling, slipping/tripping, hazardous materials and public interface during roadside placements.

Training, competence and PPE

All personnel receive induction training that covers operational standards for the skip hire service area, manual handling techniques, use of lifting aids, and the correct selection and use of PPE. The company maintains training records and schedules refresher training. Mandatory PPE for operational staff includes hi-visibility clothing, safety footwear, gloves and eye protection as appropriate for rubbish clearance tasks.

Vehicle and roadside safety: Drivers and loading crews must ensure vehicles are roadworthy and loaded in accordance with legislation and company standards to prevent spillage and shifting loads. Safe access to customers' sites is assessed and traffic management measures are implemented where necessary to protect both staff and the public during skip placement and collection.

Manual handling procedures are in place to reduce the incidence of musculoskeletal injuries during loading and moving items into skips. Where mechanical aids are not practicable, team lifting protocols and limits on acceptable item weights are enforced. Staff are encouraged to report manual handling difficulties so tasks can be re-assessed.

Hazardous and controlled wastes: Waste streams that present particular risks — such as asbestos, sharps, chemicals or contaminated materials — are identified, segregated and handled only by authorised personnel following specific procedures. Where necessary, wastes are contained and labelled, and external specialist removal is arranged for items requiring specialised treatment.

Site safety and public protection: When operating in public areas, the company ensures skips are placed to minimise obstruction and risk, pavements are kept clear where possible, and appropriate signage and barriers are used. All site activities are planned to prevent harm to members of the public and to protect neighbouring properties from dust, debris or accidental damage.

Incident reporting and emergency response: Any accident, near miss or dangerous occurrence must be reported promptly and recorded. The company maintains first aid provisions and trained first-aiders. Emergency plans include procedures for spillage control, fire response and rapid notification of authorities when incidents involve environmental harm or hazardous substances.

Monitoring, audit and continual improvement: Health and safety performance is monitored through regular inspections, audits and review of incident data. Policies and procedures are revised in response to changing risks, operational experience and industry best practice. We promote a culture of continuous improvement so our rubbish company and skip hire services become ever safer and more effective.

Contractors and subcontractors engaged in waste removal or skip services must comply with this policy and demonstrate suitable health and safety arrangements before starting work. The company will assess the competence of subcontractors and require evidence of training, insurance and safe working procedures aligned with our standards for skip hire operations.

Communication and consultation are an integral part of our safety management. Staff briefings, toolbox talks and documented safety instructions are used to ensure everyone understands their role. Employee input on hazard identification and improvement suggestions is actively sought and acted upon where feasible.

Policy review: This Health & Safety Policy is reviewed at regular intervals and after significant incidents or changes in operations. The aim is to ensure that Feltham Skip Hire continues to provide a safe working environment, delivering waste clearance, skip hire and rubbish collection services with a persistent focus on protecting people, property and the environment.