Health and Safety Policy — Skip Hire Highbury

Skip Hire Highbury maintains a clear and comprehensive Health and Safety policy that governs all aspects of its skip hire and rubbish removal operations. This policy applies to all staff, contractors and visitors engaged in waste clearance and skip delivery services. The purpose is to reduce harm, protect the environment and ensure safe, lawful handling of waste across the service area. Our commitment is to a proactive safety culture where everyone understands their role in preventing accidents and controlling hazards.

We aim to make safety integral to everyday work. Risk reduction is achieved through systematic hazard identification, documented procedures and routine training for drivers, loaders and site personnel. The policy covers manual handling for bulky rubbish, secure loading of skips, traffic management at collection points and measures to control exposure to hazardous substances. Skip hire safety is addressed by combining operational controls with regular review.

Risk assessments are performed before new work activities commence and are reviewed whenever conditions change, such as different access arrangements, unusual waste types or adverse weather. Controls include safe systems of work, permit-to-work for complex removals, segregation of recyclable and non-recyclable materials and protocols for dealing with asbestos or other dangerous contaminants. Employees are instructed to stop work and seek advice if a perceived risk is not adequately controlled.

Organisation, Responsibilities and Training

Clear responsibilities are allocated: management commits to providing resources for safe operations; supervisors ensure instructions and checks are followed; employees must work safely and report hazards. The policy establishes competency requirements and an ongoing training programme for safe skip handling, vehicle operations and the safe use of lifting equipment. Training records are maintained and updated to reflect role changes and performance reviews.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is supplied where risks cannot be eliminated, and its use is mandatory. PPE for rubbish collection includes hi‑vis clothing, gloves, eye protection, safety footwear and respiratory protection where dust or fumes are present. Practical toolbox talks, emergency drills and accredited training for vehicle operators form part of the competence assurance process for the waste removal business.

Site safety extends to customers’ premises and public areas. Teams plan deliveries and collections to minimise obstruction and ensure safe pedestrian and vehicle segregation. We promote good housekeeping of skip hire sites, correct placement of signage and secure positioning of containers to prevent overturning or spillage.

Operational Controls and Environmental Protection

Vehicle and equipment maintenance is managed through scheduled checks and defect reporting.

Vehicle safety

procedures require pre-shift inspections, safe loading limits, correct use of restraints and secure coupling of skip wagons. Fuel and chemical storage for equipment is controlled to prevent contamination and ignition risks. The company maintains records of servicing and remedial actions to support reliable and safe waste collection services.

Incident reporting and investigation are essential components of continual improvement. All injuries, near misses and environmental releases are reported, recorded and investigated to determine root causes and implement corrective actions. Documentation from these reviews is used to update risk assessments and revise safe systems of work. A strong emphasis is placed on learning lessons and preventing recurrence.

Monitoring and audit processes check compliance with the policy and identify opportunities for improvement. Regular site inspections, performance audits and management reviews evaluate the effectiveness of safety controls and waste management practices. A list of core measures used to verify ongoing performance includes:

• Completion of risk assessments and method statements
• Training and competence records for operational staff
• Vehicle inspection and maintenance logs
• Incident and near‑miss reports with corrective actions
• Waste segregation and environmental control records

Management will periodically review this policy to ensure it remains relevant and effective for the evolving needs of the waste removal and skip hire operations. The review process considers changes in legislation, best practice, new equipment and the outcomes of audits and incident investigations. Updates are communicated to all staff and incorporated into training and operational documents.

The policy reinforces that safety is everyone’s responsibility. Supervisors and managers are tasked with ensuring that health and safety arrangements are implemented and that workers are empowered to report unsafe conditions without fear of reprisal. Safe behaviour and adherence to procedures are promoted through positive recognition and ongoing engagement.

Skip hire and rubbish collection activities are conducted in a way that protects people and the environment while delivering reliable service. This policy is the foundation for all operational decisions and seeks continual improvement in safety and environmental performance across the service area.