Health and Safety Policy for Garden Clearance Turnham Green

Purpose: This policy sets out the commitments and procedures that govern safe working for garden clearance and related rubbish removal activities. It applies to all staff, contractors and anyone working on behalf of the organisation offering garden clearance, garden waste removal and estate tidy services across our rubbish company service area. The aim is to reduce risk, prevent injury, and protect property and the environment during clearance operations.

Scope and responsibilities

Scope: The policy covers demolition of small structures, vegetation removal, waste handling, transport of garden debris and the safe use of tools and equipment. It includes responsibilities for site assessment, training, personal protective equipment and environmental controls. Managers are responsible for implementing controls and ensuring compliance. Operatives must follow safe working practices and report hazards promptly.

Hazard identification and risk assessment

Every job will be preceded by a thorough risk assessment that identifies potential hazards such as sharp objects, hidden debris, hazardous plants, trip hazards, manual handling risks and traffic interface. The assessment will be proportionate to the scale of the clearance and kept with job records. Where required, additional controls will be put in place including exclusion zones, signage and supervision to minimise exposure for staff and the public.

Control measures and safe systems of work

Control measures include safe tools selection, mechanical aids for lifting, dust suppression, secure storage of sharp implements and clear segregation of recyclable and non-recyclable materials. A formal permit-to-work system will be used for activities that carry elevated risk, and all staff will be briefed on site-specific safe systems of work before tasks commence.

Training and competence: All operatives engaged in garden clearance and rubbish collection activities must receive appropriate training. This covers manual handling techniques, use of hand and power tools, safe operation of shredders and chippers, first aid awareness, and traffic management for roadside collections. Training records will be maintained and competence reassessed periodically.

The organisation requires personal protective equipment (PPE) for tasks where hazards cannot be eliminated. Mandatory PPE may include gloves designed for waste handling, safety boots, eye protection, high-visibility clothing and hearing protection where powered equipment is used. PPE is a last line of defence and must be used in combination with engineering and administrative controls.

Operational safety and environmental protection

During garden rubbish clearance, operations will be planned to avoid harm to wildlife, trees and adjacent property. Waste will be classified and handled in accordance with environmental obligations, with an emphasis on reuse and recycling. Where chemical waste or hazardous materials are identified, work will stop and specialist removal will be arranged to ensure regulatory compliance.

Emergency preparedness is essential: first aid kits, spill kits and a clear incident reporting process must be available on site. In the event of a medical emergency, fire or significant spill, teams will follow the emergency procedure and preserve evidence for investigation. Regular drills and reviews of incidents support continual improvement.

Monitoring, review and continuous improvement: Performance will be monitored through periodic site audits, toolbox talks and health and safety inspections. Findings from audits and incident investigations will drive corrective actions and updates to this policy. Senior management will review the policy at least annually or when there are significant changes to operations, equipment or legislation affecting garden clearance or rubbish removal services.

Commitment: We are committed to protecting the health and safety of everyone involved in garden waste removal and site clearance. This includes clear responsibilities for supervision, documented safe systems of work, and resource provision for training and equipment. Staff are encouraged to raise concerns and suggest improvements to our procedures.

Key actions:

• Conduct thorough pre-work risk assessments for every clearance job.
• Provide suitable training and maintain competence evidence for all operatives.
• Ensure availability and enforcement of appropriate PPE and mechanical aids.
• Segregate and dispose of garden waste in an environmentally responsible manner.
• Maintain emergency equipment and documented incident response procedures.

Applicability: This policy is intended for operational use across the service area by teams undertaking garden clearance, green waste removal and related rubbish collection tasks. It provides a framework for safe, lawful and environmentally conscious operations while avoiding unnecessary local detail. Implementation of these measures will help protect people, property and the environment during all garden clearance activities.

Signed on behalf of the organisation, this policy forms part of our legal and moral duty to maintain safe working conditions. It should be read in conjunction with other organisational procedures and any statutory requirements that apply to waste management and workplace safety.

Review schedule: This policy will be reviewed at least annually, or sooner if operating conditions change, new equipment is introduced, or following significant incidents. Continuous training and improvement ensure the policy remains effective and proportionate to the risks associated with garden clearance and rubbish removal operations.