Team member preparing for house clearance task with PPE

Health and Safety Policy for Hornsey House Clearance

Hornsey House Clearance is committed to protecting the health, safety and welfare of all employees, contractors and the public during house clearance and waste removal activities. Our policy sets out how we manage risks associated with a professional rubbish company service area while ensuring safe working practices across domestic and commercial clearances. This statement applies to every task we undertake, from small rubbish collection jobs to larger waste clearance service contracts.

Policy overview and objectives

We will prevent injury and ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing proportionate control measures. Objectives include maintaining safe systems of work, providing training and supervision, and ensuring that all waste handling complies with environmental protection obligations. Safety is integral to our operations and we expect all staff to follow this policy and the associated procedures.

Supervisor conducting a site risk assessment for waste removal

Roles, responsibilities and competence

All staff have a responsibility to work safely and report hazards; managers are responsible for ensuring that appropriate resources are available to control risks. Key responsibilities include:

Directors: set the policy, provide leadership and allocate resources for safe rubbish removal and clearance activities.
Supervisors: ensure safe working methods are followed on site and during vehicle operations.
Operatives: follow instructions, attend training and use personal protective equipment (PPE).

Risk assessment and safe systems of work

We carry out documented risk assessments for each type of job carried out by our rubbish removal company. Assessments consider manual handling, working at height, hazardous materials, sharps and asbestos risk indicators, traffic and vehicle movements, and the safe use of tools and equipment. Control measures are applied in line with the hierarchy of control and include avoidance, substitution, engineering controls and administrative controls supported by PPE.

Operatives using safe lifting techniques during rubbish collection

Training, PPE and supervision

All operatives receive induction training, job-specific instruction and refresher training as required. PPE such as high-visibility clothing, gloves, eye protection and safety footwear is provided and maintained. Supervision ensures that less experienced staff are supported and that lifting techniques and equipment use are observed to reduce musculoskeletal injuries, common in house clearance work.

Vehicle safety, plant and equipment maintenance

Vehicles and plant used by our waste clearance service are maintained to safe standards, inspected regularly and operated by trained personnel. Loading and unloading procedures are defined to prevent slips, trips and falls, to secure loads during transport and to reduce the risk of accidental spillage. Drivers follow traffic safety rules and site requirements, and written vehicle checklists are used before each shift.

Hazardous waste, segregation and environmental controls

We manage the segregation and handling of hazardous materials according to legal requirements and best practice. Items such as batteries, solvents, asbestos-containing materials (if suspected) and electronic waste are treated as potentially hazardous and isolated for specialist disposal. Our procedures aim to minimise environmental impact and ensure responsible removal and transfer to licensed facilities.

First aid kit and emergency response equipment ready on site

Emergency response, first aid and reporting

Clear procedures are in place for incidents, including first aid provision, spill response and emergency evacuation. All incidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences are reported and investigated to prevent recurrence. We maintain records of first aid training, accident reports and emergency drills so the rubbish company service area operates with a clear and accountable incident management process.

Final inspection of cleared property by house clearance team

Monitoring, review and continuous improvement

We monitor compliance through workplace inspections, audits and performance reviews. Continuous improvement is driven by regular review of accident statistics, audit findings and employee feedback. The policy is reviewed at least annually or following significant changes to operations, legislation or after any major incident. Contractors and sub-contractors engaged by Hornsey House Clearance are required to demonstrate equivalent health and safety standards before undertaking work on our behalf.

Communication and workforce involvement

We promote active involvement of staff in safety matters through toolbox talks, briefings and participation in risk assessment processes. Workers are encouraged to raise concerns without fear and to suggest practical improvements to safe working methods in the house clearance and rubbish removal context. Clear written instructions and visible signage are provided at operational sites and client locations.

Legal compliance and accountability

Hornsey House Clearance will comply with applicable health and safety and waste management regulations and industry standards relevant to a professional rubbish company. Managers remain accountable for ensuring compliance, and all employees must cooperate with monitoring and enforcement measures. Where specialist disposal or handling is required, licensed waste carriers and authorised facilities are used.

Final statement

This Health and Safety Policy is approved by senior management and forms the basis for implementing safe operations across our house clearance and waste clearance services. It is communicated to all employees and made available to interested parties on request. The commitment to reducing harm and protecting the environment is ongoing and supported by regular review, training and practical measures designed to keep people safe.