
Health & Safety Policy for Croydon Man with Van
This policy sets out the commitment of Croydon Man with Van and associated teams to maintain a safe working environment for staff, contractors and members of the public while delivering rubbish and waste removal services. The aims are to prevent accidents and occupational ill health, to ensure safe handling of waste, and to promote continuous improvement in health and safety performance. This document applies across our service area for rubbish collection, man and van operations, furniture removal and small-scale clearance jobs and is intended for operational use by all crew members and supervisors.
Responsibilities and Organisation
Managers are responsible for ensuring risk assessments are completed and that control measures are implemented, monitored and reviewed. Employees and subcontractors must follow safe systems of work, report hazards and use provided personal protective equipment. All personnel will receive induction training and periodic refreshers tailored to the specific hazards of waste and rubbish removal. Line managers will ensure that staff are competent for their roles and that records of training and equipment checks are maintained.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems
We conduct dynamic and formal risk assessments for each site and job, identifying hazards such as manual handling, sharps, hazardous materials, traffic, and unstable loads. Controls include pre-job surveys, using mechanical aids and trolleys, segregation of waste, clear exclusion zones and traffic management where required. All works involving potentially hazardous waste will follow a control of risks process and be escalated to a competent manager if further mitigation is needed.
Training, Competence and Supervision
Training covers safe lifting techniques, correct use of PPE, vehicle loading and unloading, and recognising hazardous items commonly encountered in rubbish clearances. Supervisors provide on-the-job coaching and ensure that less experienced staff are accompanied until competent. Training records are kept for audit and review and refresher sessions take place at regular intervals or when operational changes occur.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Clothing
We supply suitable PPE including gloves, high-visibility clothing, safety boots, eye protection and respiratory protection where necessary. PPE selection is based on the risk assessment and must be used at all times when handling waste. Staff are instructed in the care, inspection and correct disposal or replacement of PPE to avoid contamination and maintain effectiveness. PPE is a last line of defence and must be used alongside other controls.
Vehicle and Equipment Safety
All vans and removal vehicles used by the man with van service are subject to pre-shift checks and routine maintenance. Vehicles are fitted with appropriate load restraints and securement points to ensure rubbish and bulky items are transported safely. Drivers are trained in safe load distribution and in the use of equipment such as tail lifts, ramps and secure straps. Mobile equipment is inspected before use and defects reported immediately.
Waste Segregation and Hazardous Materials
We operate strict procedures for identifying and segregating waste streams, including recyclable materials, general rubbish and potentially hazardous items. Staff are trained to recognise electronic waste, batteries, solvents, paints, asbestos-suspected materials and sharps. Items suspected to be hazardous are isolated, documented and handled only by trained personnel using appropriate controls. Where specialist disposal is required, waste will be transferred to authorised facilities by licensed carriers.
- Manual handling: Use two-person lifts for heavy or awkward items, mechanical aids where possible.
- Sharps and biological hazards: Report and isolate; do not attempt to handle without proper training.
- Traffic and public safety: Keep work areas visible and cordoned when required; use warning signs.
- Fire safety: Ensure vehicles are free of loose combustibles and that fire extinguishers are carried where needed.
Incident Reporting, Monitoring and Continual Improvement
All accidents, near-misses and hazardous occurrences involving our rubbish removal service must be reported immediately. Incidents are investigated to identify root causes and lessons learned, and corrective actions are implemented promptly. Regular safety audits, toolbox talks and performance reviews help ensure the policy remains effective. We set measurable objectives for reducing incidents and improving compliance, and we review this policy at least annually or after a significant event.
Implementation and Communication
This policy will be communicated to all staff, contractors and relevant stakeholders. A copy is available to employees and is supported by operational procedures, written safe systems of work and training materials. Employees are encouraged to participate in safety discussions and to suggest improvements. The success of this health and safety policy depends on active commitment from everyone involved in the man with van, rubbish collection and clearance operations.Commitment: We are committed to protecting the health and safety of our workforce and the public while delivering a reliable rubbish removal and man and van service. Through risk-based controls, training, and continuous monitoring, we aim to provide a safe, sustainable and compliant service across our operational area.
