Skip Hire Kensington - Health & Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitment of Skip Hire Kensington and its affiliated skip hire services to protect the health, safety and welfare of employees, contractors and members of the public involved in rubbish collection and waste removal operations. The policy covers the scope of our rubbish company activities, from skip delivery and on-site placement to hazardous waste handling and vehicle movements.

We aim to integrate safety into every stage of the waste disposal process, ensuring that the skip hire company operates with robust controls, clear responsibilities and effective communication. Senior management endorse this policy and provide the resources necessary for safe systems of work, regular training and continuous improvement through monitoring and review.

All personnel must follow documented procedures for risk assessment, manual handling, vehicle safety and segregation of wastes. Operational supervisors will confirm that assessments are recorded and that control measures are proportionate to the identified risks, with particular attention to lifting operations, vehicle reversing and public safety during roadside placements.

Line managers and team leaders are responsible for implementing this safety policy within their areas. They must allocate duties clearly, ensure staff competence and maintain records of training, licenses and medical requirements where relevant. Employees are expected to cooperate, report hazards and use provided personal protective equipment.

Our rubbish removal teams will follow strict vehicle and site checks before starting work. Pre-shift inspections include securement of loads, functioning tail-lifts, lights and brakes, and correct signage for skips placed near traffic. Contractors working with our skip hire operations must comply with this policy and demonstrate adequate health and safety standards.

The company safety officer will carry out periodic audits and spot checks to validate compliance. Non-compliance will be addressed through corrective actions and training. Safety meetings will be held regularly to review incidents, near misses and lessons learned, reinforcing a culture where safety concerns can be raised without fear of reprisal.

Risk assessments are carried out for all tasks, with controls identified using hierarchy of risk elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative measures and PPE. For skip hire projects, this includes assessing traffic management, weight distribution in skips, access to hardstanding and proximity to pedestrians.

Manual handling procedures must be followed to reduce musculoskeletal injuries. Workers are trained to avoid overreaching, to use mechanical aids where available and to team-lift safely. All loads must be arranged to prevent shifting during transport and to keep hazardous contaminants separate.

We provide clear guidance on hazardous and controlled wastes. Materials such as asbestos, certain chemicals and contaminated soils must not be loaded into general skips without prior assessment and appropriate containment. When hazardous items are identified, work must stop and the company’s hazardous waste protocol must be activated.

Traffic management and site setup guidance prioritize visibility, skid resistance and public segregation. Skip hire operatives must place cones, signage and barriers where required, maintain safe vehicle approach paths and follow local highway rules that ensure safe placement without obstructing emergency access.

Equipment maintenance is a critical control. Vehicles, lifting gear and securing equipment are inspected regularly to prevent failures. Any defects are reported immediately and equipment removed from service until repaired. Routine maintenance schedules and fault-report procedures are documented and accessible to staff.

Emergency procedures cover fire, spillage, first aid and vehicle incident response. First aid provision, emergency contact cascades and spill kits are available on vehicles and at central depots. Staff receive instruction on how to act in emergencies and the importance of accurate incident reporting.

Training and competence are essential. New starters undergo induction covering safe skip handling, vehicle operation, waste segregation and reporting. Refresher courses, toolbox talks and practical demonstrations ensure that knowledge remains current and that the team understands emerging risks in the rubbish collection and waste disposal industry.

Performance is monitored through inspections, near-miss analysis and key performance indicators tied to safety outcomes. Corrective actions are tracked to closure and lessons are shared across operational teams to prevent recurrence. Safety performance forms part of supplier and contractor evaluation.

This policy is reviewed at least annually, or sooner following significant incidents, changes in operations or updates to statutory requirements. The review process ensures that the skip hire service remains aligned with best practice in waste management and workplace safety.

All staff, contractors and stakeholders are expected to support the implementation of this policy. By working together we maintain a safe environment for skip users, workers and the public, and uphold the standards of responsible rubbish handling and professional skip hire services.

Compliance with relevant safety legislation and industry guidance is mandatory. Management will support enforcement of these rules and provide visible leadership to ensure the continued safety, health and welfare of everyone connected with our waste removal activities.

Policy adoption: This Health and Safety Policy was adopted by the company leadership and is published to inform all staff and contractors of the expectations and arrangements that govern safe skip hire and rubbish collection operations.