Garden clearance team preparing equipment for waste removal

Health and Safety Policy — Garden Clearance Honor Oak

Purpose: This policy sets out the health and safety standards and operational requirements for our garden clearance and rubbish removal services across our rubbish company service area. It is designed to protect employees, contractors, customers and the public while ensuring safe, consistent waste removal and garden waste disposal operations. The policy applies to all activities carried out by the company and any subcontractors engaged to perform clearance, haulage, recycling or disposal tasks.

Scope and commitment

Garden Clearance Honor Oak is committed to maintaining a safe working environment and reducing harm from garden clearance, vegetation removal and general waste collection. We will prevent incidents, comply with relevant regulations and apply best practice in waste handling and clearance across our clearance service area. All personnel must follow this policy and report hazards promptly.

Supervisor conducting a site risk assessment for rubbish removal

Responsibilities and roles

Management will ensure resources, training and oversight are provided. Supervisors will conduct risk assessments and enforce safe systems of work. Employees and contractors must work safely, use personal protective equipment and report unsafe conditions. Specific duties include:

Risk assessment: Carry out and document site risk assessments prior to all clearance work.
Incident reporting: Report injuries and near-misses immediately and cooperate in investigations.
Training: Attend mandatory safety briefings and equipment training.

Hazard identification and risk control

Garden clearance and rubbish removal can involve manual handling, sharp objects, hazardous materials, uneven terrain and vehicle movement. Our approach follows the hierarchy of controls: eliminate hazards where possible, substitute with safer methods, use physical controls, provide appropriate PPE and implement administrative controls including standard operating procedures for each clearance task.

Manual handling and lifting

All staff must apply safe lifting techniques and use mechanical aids where available. Tasks that exceed safe manual handling limits require two-person lifts or equipment such as wheelbarrows, trolleys or hoists. The company will provide training and assess tasks for manual handling risk during pre-job planning.

Workers wearing PPE operating garden machinery and chipper Personal protective equipment (PPE) — Appropriate PPE must be worn for each task and maintained in good condition. Typical PPE for garden waste removal includes:

Cut-resistant gloves and high-visibility clothing
Steel-toe boots and long trousers
Eye protection and hearing protection when using machinery

Equipment, machinery and vehicle safety

All powered tools, chippers and vehicles used in garden clearance must be regularly inspected, serviced and operated by trained personnel only. Vehicle loading must avoid overloading and ensure loads are secure. Drivers must follow safe driving standards, maintain vehicle cleanliness to prevent cross-contamination of waste types and comply with waste transport regulations within the rubbish removal area.

Hazardous materials and segregation

Staff must identify hazardous or controlled waste during site surveys. Items such as asbestos-containing materials, chemicals, sharps or contaminated soil require immediate isolation and specialist handling. Our policy mandates segregation of recyclables, green waste, general rubbish and hazardous items at source to reduce disposal risks and promote recycling.

Secured work area with signage and barriers during clearance Site control and public protection — When working on properties or public spaces the company will establish clear exclusion zones, signage and barriers as necessary. Work areas will be secured to protect passersby, pets and neighbouring properties. Noise, dust and traffic impacts will be minimised using best operational practises in the service area.

Training session for staff on safe waste handling and manual lifting

Training, supervision and competence

The organisation will maintain records of required training and ensure competency for tasks including machinery operation, hazardous materials recognition and vehicle loading. Supervisors will conduct toolbox talks and periodic refresher training. New employees will receive induction covering this health and safety policy and specific operational procedures for garden clearance and rubbish collection.

Incident management, reporting and review

All incidents, near-misses and unsafe conditions must be reported immediately. The company will investigate incidents to identify root causes and apply corrective actions. Records of incidents and reviews will inform continuous improvement in safety performance across the clearance service area.

Monitoring and continuous improvement: Health and safety performance will be monitored through audits, inspections and performance indicators. This policy will be reviewed at least annually or following a significant incident or change in operations. Everyone involved in garden clearance and waste removal is expected to contribute to a safe working environment and to share observations that improve safety outcomes.