Health and Safety Policy — Bromley Skip Hire

This Health and Safety policy sets out the commitment of Bromley Skip Hire to protect employees, contractors, clients and the public while delivering a professional rubbish company and skip hire service. The policy provides a framework for safe working in our operational rubbish collection service area, including depot activities, vehicle operations and on-site waste handling. Our aim is to prevent incidents, reduce exposure to hazards and ensure legal and best-practice compliance without unnecessary local detail.

This policy applies to all staff, agency workers and subcontractors engaged by the company and covers risk identification, control measures, training, emergency procedures and continual improvement. Management are accountable for implementing the policy and employees are expected to cooperate by following procedures, using personal protective equipment and reporting unsafe conditions. The provisions are relevant to a wide range of activities typical for a skip hire and waste removal service area, including transportation, loading and unloading, manual handling and segregating recyclable materials.

Responsibilities and Organisation

The senior management team retains overall responsibility for health and safety. Day-to-day duties are delegated to supervisors and crew leaders who will:

• Conduct and review risk assessments for operational tasks.
• Ensure suitable training and instruction are provided.
• Maintain equipment and vehicles in safe condition.
• Record and investigate incidents and near misses.

Risk Assessment and Control Measures

We will identify hazards associated with skip hire, rubbish collection and waste removal activities and implement proportionate controls. Controls include safe systems of work, exclusion zones during loading, traffic management around sites, and tool/equipment checks. Where hazards cannot be eliminated, controls will reduce risk to as low as reasonably practicable.

Specific hazards addressed include manual handling of bulky items, working at height when loading skips, vehicle movements, exposure to sharp objects or hazardous substances, and the safe segregation of waste streams. For each activity we document procedures and required personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, hi-vis clothing, safety boots and eye protection. Training requirements are matched to roles and recorded in personnel files.

Vehicle and Site Safety: Vehicles are maintained under a planned inspection regime and drivers must comply with vehicle safety checklists before each shift. When delivering or collecting a skip, crews will assess site conditions for ground stability, overhead obstructions and access constraints. Traffic management measures will be used where there is a risk to the public, and clear signage will be employed around working areas.

Handling Hazardous Materials

Our operations may encounter hazardous items such as asbestos-containing materials, chemical containers or biological waste. Employees are instructed not to handle suspected hazardous waste and to isolate the area and inform management immediately. We have procedures for the safe storage, identification and removal of hazardous materials, and use authorised specialist contractors where necessary.

Manual handling training is provided to all operational staff and consideration is given to mechanical aids where possible to minimise musculoskeletal injuries. Routine supervision and refresher training help maintain safe lifting techniques and awareness of load limits. Safe stacking and securing of loads on vehicles and skips is essential to prevent shifting during transit.

Emergency Procedures and First Aid

In the event of an incident, clear emergency procedures are in place including first aid, emergency contacts and site isolation. Trained first aiders are available, first aid kits are accessible, and accident reporting procedures ensure timely investigation and corrective action. Fire safety arrangements and spill response plans are included in site risk assessments.

Monitoring, Review and Continual Improvement

We commit to monitoring compliance through audits, toolbox talks, inspections and performance metrics such as incident rates and near misses. Findings are used to improve procedures, update risk assessments and refresh training. A formal review of this policy will be undertaken at least annually or sooner following significant change or incident.

Contractors and temporary workers must comply with this policy and demonstrate appropriate competence. Before work begins, contractors will be required to provide evidence of relevant training and insurance and to follow our site rules and traffic management plans. Subcontractor oversight is part of our procurement process to ensure consistent safety standards across operations.

Record Keeping and Compliance: We maintain records of risk assessments, training, vehicle maintenance, incident reports and statutory checks. These records support legal compliance and help drive operational improvements. The company will cooperate with regulatory inspections and seek external advice where specialised expertise is needed.

Policy Statement and Commitment

Bromley Skip Hire is committed to a proactive health and safety culture that safeguards everyone affected by our activities in the rubbish removal and skip hire sector. Management will provide resources to implement safe systems of work and ensure that health and safety considerations are integral to business planning.

This policy will be communicated to all staff and made available to stakeholders on request. Competence, consultation and participation by employees are considered essential for effective safety management. We expect all team members to take personal responsibility for safety and to contribute to a workplace where hazards are recognised and controlled.

Signed: Management, Bromley Skip Hire. Date: Reviewed as required. This policy is a living document and reflects our ongoing commitment to safe, compliant and responsible rubbish collection and waste removal services.