Health and Safety Policy for Putney Skip Hire

This document sets out the standards and commitments of Putney Skip Hire and affiliated teams to maintain safe working environments across our rubbish collection and skip hire operations. The policy applies to all employees, contractors and temporary staff engaged in skip delivery, collection and site-based waste handling for our rubbish removal and skip services. Our aim is to prevent accidents, control risks and comply with applicable health and safety principles for a professional skip hire provider.

Policy Statement and Scope

Putney skip hire is committed to the prevention of injury and ill health and the minimisation of hazards across our service area. This policy covers operational activities including loading, unloading, vehicle movement, site placement of skips and handling of general waste and recyclable materials. The policy does not provide legal advice but outlines binding internal standards for our skip hire company and rubbish removal workforce.

Responsibilities and Leadership

Senior management will provide visible leadership and ensure that resources are available for effective safety management. Line managers are responsible for day-to-day supervision, ensuring risk assessments are current and that safe systems of work are implemented. Employees and crews must follow instructions, use provided personal protective equipment, and report hazards or near-misses promptly to enable continuous improvement in the rubbish company service area.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems

A formal risk assessment process identifies hazards associated with skip placement, manual handling, vehicle operations and waste segregation. Controls include clear exclusion zones during deliveries and collections, methods for safe lifting and two-person procedures for heavy items. The skip hire Putney teams will document risk assessments and review them when work patterns or locations change.

Vehicles, Traffic and Site Safety

Vehicles must be maintained in line with statutory requirements and daily pre-use checks completed. Drivers operating in densely populated or busy areas must use banksman assistance when reversing or manoeuvring. All site activities involving vehicle movement must use signage, cones and where required, traffic marshals to protect operatives and the public. The rubbish removal and skip delivery operations will implement safe loading limits and secure loads to prevent shifting during transit.

Manual Handling and Ergonomics: Tasks that involve lifting, carrying or handling materials from skips must follow manual handling controls. Mechanical aids should be used where reasonably practicable to reduce strain and risk. Everyone involved in skip handling must be trained in safer lifting techniques and encouraged to ask for assistance, ensuring muscle and back injuries are avoided in the rubbish collection process.

Hazardous Waste and Contamination Controls

Certain wastes are classified as hazardous and must never be placed in standard skips. Our teams will segregate hazardous materials such as asbestos, solvents, combustible liquids and pressurised containers for specialist disposal. If contamination is suspected during a collection, operations cease until the material is assessed and controlled. The skip hire company will keep procedures for identifying and managing contaminated loads to protect staff health.

Personal Protective Equipment and Training

All operatives are issued with appropriate PPE including high-visibility clothing, gloves, safety boots and eye protection where required. Training programmes cover safe loading, traffic management, hazardous material awareness and emergency procedures. Regular refresher training and toolbox talks will be scheduled to reflect operational changes and seasonal risks within the rubbish removal and skip hire environment.

Incident Reporting and Investigation: All accidents, incidents and near-misses must be reported without delay. Investigations will identify root causes and corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Records will be maintained and reviewed by management to monitor trends and ensure the health and safety policy remains effective across the service area.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

Putney Skip Hire will monitor performance through audits, site inspections and safety observations. Key performance indicators will include near-miss reporting rates, training completion and equipment inspection records. The policy will be reviewed at least annually or sooner when significant incidents occur, ensuring the skip hire Putney procedures evolve with operational needs and best practice.

Communication and Worker Consultation

Effective communication ensures that everyone understands hazards and controls. Safety briefings, written instructions and accessible risk assessments will be provided. Worker involvement is encouraged through consultation on changes to working arrangements, the introduction of new equipment and proposed revisions to operational procedures within the rubbish company service area.

Policy Implementation: The success of this health and safety policy depends on commitment at every level. Management will ensure resources, training and supervision are available. Employees, contractors and partners engaged in skip hire, rubbish collection and waste handling must cooperate and follow the controls set out here. Together we will maintain a safe, compliant and professional skip hire operation that protects people, property and the environment.