Health & Safety Policy for Garden Clearance Seven Sisters

This policy sets out the commitment of our garden clearance and rubbish removal operation to maintain a safe working environment for staff, contractors, clients and the public. Garden clearance services and associated waste handling activities present a range of hazards; this document defines responsibilities, controls and safe working standards that apply across our service area. The purpose is to prevent injury, ill health and accidental damage while ensuring efficient, compliant rubbish collection and garden waste clearance.

Our approach covers all aspects of garden waste clearance, from initial site assessment to transportation and disposal. Scope: this policy applies to all employees, subcontractors and contractors involved in garden clearance, green waste removal, bulky rubbish removal and related site works. Managers are responsible for ensuring safe systems are implemented, while every operative has a duty to follow procedures and report hazards. We emphasise continual improvement and the importance of communication about risks and controls.

Key responsibilities include:

• Management — provide resources, training and supervision, carry out risk assessments and maintain inspection records.
• Supervisors — implement safe work plans, monitor compliance and ensure equipment is maintained and correctly used.
• Operatives — follow safe operating procedures, use PPE, report incidents and participate in training.
• All staff — remain aware of site-specific hazards, cooperate with safety checks and contribute to a positive safety culture.

Safety Management and Risk Assessment

Risk assessment is central to safe garden clearance and rubbish collection. Before each job our teams will carry out a site-specific assessment that identifies hazards such as uneven ground, hidden sharp objects, invasive plants, contaminated waste, traffic and overhead obstructions. Control measures are recorded and implemented through written work plans, toolbox talks and pre-start briefings. Where a task cannot be made safe, it will not proceed until additional controls are in place.

Personal Protective Equipment and Safe Work Methods

PPE requirements are defined for each task: gloves, eye protection, high-visibility clothing, sturdy footwear and respiratory protection where dust or bioaerosols are present. Manual handling training is provided and mechanical aids used for heavy items to reduce strain. Operatives must inspect PPE before use and report defects immediately. All staff must wear appropriate PPE when carrying out garden waste clearance or rubbish removal duties.

Equipment safety covers chainsaws, shredders, loaders and hand tools used during garden clearance services. Machines are subject to routine maintenance and pre-use checks. Only trained and authorised personnel may operate powered equipment. Lock-off, guarding and safe isolation procedures are enforced for maintenance. Tools are stored securely and inspected regularly to prevent defects that could cause accidents.

Transport, Vehicle Safety and Site Access

Vehicles and trailers used for rubbish removal and green waste transport are maintained to a high standard and inspected before each shift. Drivers must comply with load restraint rules, ensure visibility is maintained and that public access routes are protected. Site access is managed to separate pedestrian and vehicle movements where possible, and adequate signage is used to warn members of the public and protect the workforce.

Environmental Controls and Hazardous Materials

Segregation of waste is a priority: green waste, general rubbish and hazardous items are kept separate to prevent contamination and reduce disposal risks. Suspected hazardous materials, such as solvents, asbestos-containing fragments or chemical containers, are not handled by routine clearance teams; they are isolated, cordoned off and reported for specialist removal. Spill kits and containment measures are available where fuel, oils or other hazardous liquids may be present to protect soil and water from contamination.

Monitoring, Reporting and Continuous ImprovementWe maintain records of risk assessments, training, incidents and equipment checks. Near-miss reporting is encouraged to identify trends and make proactive improvements. Regular audits and reviews of this health and safety policy ensure it remains effective and relevant to our garden clearance and rubbish removal operations. Performance indicators include incident rates, completion of training modules and audit findings.

Emergency procedures are in place for accidents, fire, major spills and severe weather. First aid provision, emergency contact lists and evacuation plans are specified in site plans and communicated to all staff. Drills are performed periodically to ensure readiness. Management will investigate incidents, implement corrective actions and share lessons learned. This policy is endorsed by senior management and is reviewed at scheduled intervals to reflect operational changes and best practice in waste handling and garden clearance services.