Health & Safety Policy — Richmond Skip Hire

Richmond Skip Hire is committed to providing a safe, compliant and responsible service for customers and staff across our rubbish company operations. This policy describes how our skip hire, waste removal and rubbish collection activities are managed to reduce risk, protect health and ensure environmental stewardship. The aim is to set out clear responsibilities, practical controls and continual improvement for all aspects of our skip hire service.

Our core commitments include compliance with applicable legislation, best-practice standards and industry guidance for skip hire companies and waste contractors. We recognise that safe operations are essential for reliable rubbish removal services, and that robust management systems protect employees, contractors, customers and the public. This policy applies to all personnel, subcontractors and those working under our control while engaged in waste collection, skip delivery, loading and disposal activities.

Scope: The document covers operational activities such as site assessments, vehicle movements, manual handling, segregation of materials, hazardous waste handling, site safety for customers placing skips and procedures for unusual loads. It also includes administrative responsibilities such as training records, permits and incident reporting. As a waste removal and skip hire company we take a proactive approach to identifying hazards and applying proportionate controls.

Responsibilities and Duties

Management will ensure that adequate resources are available to implement this policy. Line managers are responsible for ensuring staff are trained, competent and equipped to carry out rubbish disposal tasks safely. Employees and subcontractors are required to follow procedures, use personal protective equipment (PPE) and report unsafe conditions promptly.

Competence and supervision are critical. All operatives involved in skip hire and waste removal will receive induction training and job-specific instruction. Supervisors must monitor performance and enforce safe working practices during deliveries, collections and on-site loading to minimise exposure to hazards and prevent accidents.

Risk Assessment and Control Measures

We conduct regular risk assessments for every type of waste collection and skip placement. Identified risks are managed through a hierarchy of controls: eliminate where possible, substitute materials, apply engineering controls, administrative actions and require appropriate PPE. Controls include safe access, traffic management, lifting aids, and clear exclusion zones during loading.

Safe loading and segregation are mandatory for skip hire jobs: recyclable materials should be kept separate from mixed waste streams, and hazardous items (asbestos, solvents, aerosols, batteries) must not be placed in general skips unless specifically accepted and processed under separate controls. Our rubbish company procedures ensure correct classification and disposal to licensed facilities, reducing environmental and health risks.

We maintain a formal training programme covering manual handling, hazardous substance awareness, vehicle extraction, and site safety. Personal protective equipment—gloves, hi-vis, eye protection, and suitable footwear—is provided and must be worn. Continuous refresher training supports safe behaviour and updates staff on changing regulations and accepted waste removal practices.

• Emergency Preparedness: Clear emergency procedures, first-aid provision and spill kits are in place.
• Vehicles & Equipment: Regular inspections, maintenance and load security checks are mandatory for safe transport.
• Permit Systems: Controls for working near utilities, in confined spaces or on customers' sites ensure risk is assessed before work begins.

Traffic and vehicle safety form a central part of our operational risk control. Drivers are instructed on safe loading practices, reversing procedures and the use of banksmen where sightlines are restricted. For public roads and private sites alike, our rubbish collection vehicles operate with appropriate signage, lighting and restraints to prevent load shifts during transit.

Waste segregation and environmental protection are fundamental. Spill prevention, dust suppression and containment of leachate are enforced, with waste streams tracked to licensed disposal or recycling facilities. This reduces the environmental footprint of our skip hire business and aligns with responsible waste management principles upheld by modern rubbish removal services.

Incident reporting and investigation procedures ensure that any accident, near miss or environmental release is logged, examined and acted upon. We use root-cause analysis to identify improvements, update risk assessments and communicate lessons learned to all teams to prevent recurrence. All incidents are assessed for potential legal, health and reputational impacts.

Contractors and visitors must follow site rules and wear required PPE. Subcontractors engaged for specialist waste removal are selected based on competence, licences and safety performance. Regular audits and performance reviews verify compliance with this Health & Safety policy and our obligations as a responsible skip hire company.

Monitoring and review are ongoing: safety performance indicators, audit findings and customer site feedback inform continual improvement. Management will review this policy at least annually or following significant change to operations, legislation or after a major incident to ensure it remains effective and relevant to day-to-day rubbish disposal and skip hire activities.

By adhering to these standards Richmond Skip Hire demonstrates its commitment to safe, reliable and compliant waste services. Employees, contractors and partners are expected to support this policy and contribute to a culture where safety and environmental protection are priorities. This statement is endorsed by senior management and represents our formal approach to health and safety across all waste collection and skip hire operations.