Health and Safety Policy — Canary Wharf Skip Hire

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitment of Canary Wharf Skip Hire to maintain safe working conditions across our skip hire and rubbish removal operations. The purpose of this policy is to protect employees, contractors, customers and the general public from harm while delivering professional skip hire services and waste collection activities. It applies to all activities carried out by our rubbish company and to any site where our teams operate, whether loading, transporting or placing waste containers.

Our approach emphasises prevention through risk assessment, training and clear responsibilities. Every manager and operative engaged in our rubbish collection service is expected to read and follow this policy. Key principles include: safety first, compliance with safe work practices, appropriate use of personal protective equipment, and clear communication about hazards. These expectations apply to internal staff, subcontractors and any visitors present during operations.

To achieve these principles, we maintain documented procedures for skip hire operations, vehicle safety and site management. We carry out regular risk assessments for routine tasks such as loading skips, manual handling, working at the roadside and operating lifting equipment. Records of risk assessments are kept and reviewed at defined intervals or when changes to methods, equipment or site conditions occur. Our rubbish removal crews are trained to identify hazards and to stop work if an immediate risk to health or safety arises.

Responsibility for implementing this Health and Safety Policy rests at all levels. The company leadership provides resources and oversight; site supervisors ensure safe systems of work are followed day to day; and every operative has personal responsibility to work safely and report unsafe conditions. For clarity, our responsibilities include:

• Management: maintain policy, provide training, supply suitable equipment
• Supervisors: enforce procedures, co-ordinate safe delivery and pickup of skips
• Operatives: follow instructions, wear PPE, report defects or incidents

Training and competence are central to safe operations. We provide induction training for new staff and periodic refresher courses for drivers, loaders and technicians. Training covers manual handling, vehicle loading and securement, hazardous waste awareness, traffic management near loading sites and use of personal protective equipment. Where specialist tasks are required, only competent, authorised personnel are assigned.

Operational controls for our rubbish collection and skip hire services include vehicle inspection routines, load security checks, safe positioning of skips to avoid public hazards, and measures to reduce dust, spillage and noise. Our fleet follows daily checklists; drivers are responsible for ensuring loads are secure and properly covered during transit. If a site presents unusual hazards, operations are adapted or postponed until they can be managed safely.

We maintain clear processes for incident reporting, investigation and corrective action. Any accident, near miss or environmental spill is reported promptly, investigated to establish root causes and used to update risk controls. First aid provision and emergency procedures are in place so that, should an incident occur, prompt care and safe evacuation are available. Records of incidents and remedial actions are retained to inform continuous improvement.

Contractors and suppliers engaged by our rubbish company are expected to meet the standards set out in this policy. We check competence, request evidence of suitable safety arrangements and monitor performance. Waste segregation, correct containment of hazardous materials and compliance with disposal requirements are managed to minimise risk to people and the environment. Our teams are instructed to refuse loads that present unmanageable hazards and to advise customers on safer waste handling and packaging practices.

Monitoring and review form a routine part of our safety management. We undertake periodic audits of operations, safety talks on the worksite, and reviews of training needs. Performance indicators such as near-miss frequency, incident trends and training completion rates help drive improvement. This policy is reviewed at regular intervals and updated when operational changes, new risks or legislative updates require it.

We commit to maintaining open communication on health and safety matters. Employees are encouraged to raise concerns and propose improvements. Safety briefings are held before complex or high-risk tasks. Where waste management or skip placement affects third parties or public access, clear signage and protective measures are implemented to reduce risk and maintain public safety.

By adhering to this policy, Canary Wharf Skip Hire demonstrates a proactive stance on occupational safety in the skip hire and rubbish removal sector. The policy supports safe delivery of services, protects our people and the community, and helps maintain high standards of operational excellence. It is endorsed by senior management and forms part of our business governance and continual improvement framework.