Health and Safety Policy — Commercial Waste Leatherhead

Our health and safety policy sets out the framework by which Commercial Waste Leatherhead and its contractors deliver safe, compliant rubbish collection and commercial refuse services across our service area. This policy is applicable to all staff, subcontractors and anyone working on our behalf. It reflects our commitment to the highest standards of occupational health and safety while providing reliable waste collection, removal and disposal solutions. Safety first underpins every operation, and we emphasise continual improvement through regular review and documented procedures.

Responsibilities and Leadership

The company's leadership team retains overall responsibility for implementing and maintaining this policy. Line managers are responsible for day-to-day health and safety management in their teams. Employees and contractors must follow safe systems of work, report hazards and participate in training. Everyone is empowered to stop work if they believe it is unsafe. Our commitment includes ensuring adequate resources, competent supervision and risk-informed decision-making for commercial waste operations, site visits, and vehicle-based collections.

Key Duties and Safe Work Practices

• Risk assessment: Carry out site-specific assessments for all collections and disposals.
• PPE and controls: Ensure provision and correct use of protective equipment.
• Training: Maintain records of induction, manual handling and vehicle safety training.
• Equipment checks: Daily checks on vehicles and lifting equipment.

These duties form the essential controls for our rubbish company operations and help manage hazards associated with commercial refuse handling.

Risk Management and Operational Controls

We identify and manage hazards across all commercial waste activities, including collection, loading, vehicle movement and transfer station operations. Controls are documented and include segregation of hazardous materials, secure containment of sharp or infectious items and safe traffic management on sites where waste is handled. Regular audits and spot checks verify that controls are effective for commercial refuse and waste collection tasks. Pre-start checks and toolbox talks ensure teams are briefed on the specific risks each day.

Training, Competence and Health

We maintain an ongoing training programme to ensure staff are competent to perform tasks safely. Training covers manual handling, COSHH awareness for contaminated loads, operatives’ welfare, driving safety and defensive driving for waste collection vehicles, and safe use of lifting appliances. Health surveillance is available where roles expose workers to noise, dust or biological hazards. Contractors engaged in rubbish removal must demonstrate equivalent training and compliance before mobilisation.

Vehicle, Plant and Equipment Safety

All vehicles and plant used for waste collection receive scheduled maintenance, pre-use checks and defect reporting procedures. Secure loading and correct use of tail-lifts and compactors are mandatory. Drivers must adhere to road safety rules and company vehicle standards while conducting collection rounds and commercial refuse transfers. Permit-to-work systems and lock-out procedures are used where maintenance, repair or confined space access is required, reducing exposure to mechanical and environmental hazards.

Incident Reporting, Investigation and Continuous Improvement

We require prompt reporting of all incidents, near misses and hazards. Investigations identify root causes and corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Lessons learned are shared across teams and incorporated into training and procedures. Performance metrics, including incident rates and audit outcomes, are reviewed at management meetings to ensure the safety management system aligns with operational realities of a commercial rubbish collection service.

Emergency Preparedness and Welfare

Emergency arrangements are in place for spill response, fire, medical emergencies and vehicle incidents. Designated first aiders and trained responders are available on-site or within operational teams. Welfare provisions and rest breaks are planned to reduce fatigue for operatives undertaking intensive rubbish clearance rounds. Clear communication protocols ensure rapid mobilisation in an emergency and consistent application of remedial measures across the service area.

Policy Review and Commitment

This policy is reviewed at least annually and after any significant incident or change in operations affecting our commercial waste service. We are committed to meeting relevant statutory obligations and industry best practice for waste management and refuse collection. By embedding risk management, competence and robust processes into daily routines, Commercial Waste Leatherhead aims to protect people, assets and the environment while delivering dependable rubbish collection and waste removal services within our operating area. Signed on behalf of management — continuous commitment to health and safety.