Commercial Waste Honor Oak Health & Safety Policy

Commercial Waste Honor Oak (the Company) is committed to the highest standards of health, safety and environmental protection in the provision of commercial waste and rubbish collection services across our service area. Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health and pollution through systematic risk management, training and continual improvement. This policy applies to all employees, contractors and anyone working on behalf of the Company, and it informs how we manage commercial refuse, site operations and vehicle-based activities.

Scope and Responsibilities

The policy covers all activities associated with the collection, handling, transport and disposal of commercial waste in the local service area. It sets out the responsibilities of senior management, supervisors and each operative. Management will ensure resources and systems are in place; supervisors will implement safe systems of work; and staff will follow procedures, use personal protective equipment and report hazards. We recognise that effective rubbish collection management requires clear roles and shared responsibility.

The Company will:

• Carry out and maintain documented risk assessments for routine and non-routine tasks related to commercial waste operations.
• Implement control measures to reduce risks to as low as reasonably practicable.
• Provide training, information and supervision to all employees involved in refuse collection and waste handling.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems

Risk assessments will be reviewed regularly and whenever significant changes occur. Assessments will identify hazards associated with manual handling, waste segregation, hazardous materials, sharps and potential exposure to biological agents. Controls include safe working procedures, mechanical aids, correct lifting techniques and clear segregation of waste streams to minimise contamination risks.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory where risks cannot be eliminated. This includes gloves, high-visibility clothing, steel-toe boots and eye protection where appropriate. Training programmes ensure staff understand PPE requirements and the correct use of tools and lifting equipment. All PPE use is recorded and monitored to ensure compliance with safety standards.

Key safe systems for our rubbish collection and commercial waste services include:

• Pre-shift vehicle and equipment checks to ensure roadworthiness and safe operation;
• Permit-to-work for entry to confined spaces or work with hazardous wastes;
• Clear segregation procedures for recyclable, general and hazardous commercial refuse;
• Emergency response plans, including spill control and first aid provision.

Vehicle safety is a critical element of our operation. Drivers must comply with road safety rules, perform daily vehicle checks and ensure loads are secured to prevent spillages. The Company enforces a no-distraction policy and limits drivers’ working hours to reduce fatigue-related risks. Maintenance schedules are strictly followed to keep collection vehicles and compactors in safe condition.

Hazardous waste and specialist commercial refuse are handled under controlled procedures. Items such as biomedical waste, chemical containers and asbestos-containing materials are identified, segregated and managed by trained personnel using designated containers and transport routes. Only authorised staff will handle hazardous consignments, following documentation and disposal requirements established by regulatory frameworks.

The Company maintains clear incident reporting and investigation processes. All accidents, near misses and environmental incidents are reported promptly and investigated to determine root causes and corrective actions. Records are retained to support continuous improvement and to demonstrate compliance with health and safety obligations for our commercial waste management services.

Training, competence and communication are central to achieving safe rubbish collection operations. The Company provides induction training, role-specific instruction and refresher courses. Supervisors conduct toolbox talks and safety briefings to reinforce safe working practices and to share lessons learned from incidents. Competence is assessed and documented for all roles that affect health and safety.

Monitoring and audit programmes check adherence to this policy and the effectiveness of controls. Internal audits, vehicle inspections and waste handling observations are carried out routinely. Where non-conformances are identified, timely corrective measures are implemented and monitored for effectiveness. Performance indicators for safety and environmental outcomes are reviewed by management.

Management will ensure adequate resources and leadership to implement this Health & Safety Policy and will regularly review its effectiveness. All employees and contractors are expected to cooperate with the policy, exercise care for themselves and others, and report hazards or unsafe acts. The Company is committed to continual improvement in the management of commercial waste and rubbish services, reducing risk and protecting people and the environment.

Policy Review: This policy will be reviewed at least annually or following significant change, incident or regulatory updates. Revisions will be communicated promptly to all staff, with training as required. By working together we ensure safe, compliant and responsible commercial refuse services across our service area.

Signed on behalf of the Company: Management Team