Health & Safety Policy for Canary Wharf House Clearance

This policy sets out the commitment of the company operating house clearance and rubbish removal services across the service area to protect the health, safety and welfare of employees, contractors, clients and the public. The purpose is to define responsibilities, risk control measures and safe work systems for all house clearance, rubbish clearance and debris removal projects. Safety is a core value and applies to every task from small flat clear-outs to larger site de-cluttering operations.

The management team will ensure that the policy is implemented, maintained and reviewed regularly. Key responsibilities are assigned at all levels: directors and managers will provide resources and oversight; supervisors will enforce safe systems of work; and all staff must follow instructions, use provided safety equipment and report hazards. The policy covers general house clearance activities, rubbish removal from domestic and commercial premises, and any related waste transportation or temporary storage. Continuous improvement is essential; incidents and near-misses are investigated and lessons learned are communicated promptly.

Scope and objectives: the policy aims to reduce risk of injury and occupational ill-health, ensure legal compliance and promote environmentally responsible waste handling. Specific objectives include:

• Identify hazards associated with house clearance in Canary Wharf and surrounding buildings, including manual handling, sharps and hazardous waste.
• Provide appropriate training and personal protective equipment (PPE) for all staff engaged in rubbish removal and clearance activities.
• Maintain safe plant, vehicles and equipment used for waste collection, loading and transport.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

All projects will have a risk assessment before work starts. Assessments evaluate structural conditions, types of waste, access and egress, confined spaces and the presence of hazardous materials such as asbestos-containing items or chemical residues. Control measures are implemented according to the hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls and PPE. The company provides documented safe work method statements for standard tasks and site-specific plans for complex clearances.

Training, Competence and Supervision

Staff are inducted and trained to carry out household and commercial clearance tasks safely. Training covers manual handling techniques, safe lifting and team handling, use of mechanical aids, safe vehicle loading and segregation of recyclables and non-recyclables. Supervisors verify competence and ensure that inexperienced workers are suitably supervised. Records of training and competence checks are maintained for audit purposes.

Traffic management and vehicle safety are integral to rubbish collection operations. Drivers and loaders must ensure loads are secure, vehicles are not overloaded and that suitable signage and high-visibility clothing are used where work affects public access. Where necessary, permit-to-work systems control entry to restricted areas or construction sites. Emergency procedures, including first aid arrangements and reporting processes, are displayed and regularly reviewed.

Personal Protective Equipment and Welfare Appropriate PPE is provided free of charge and includes gloves, safety boots, eye protection, high-visibility garments and respiratory protection when dust or fumes are present. Staff are required to wear PPE as directed and to look after their personal welfare by taking breaks, staying hydrated and reporting any signs of fatigue or ill health. Welfare facilities are provided at established job sites where practicable.

Waste classification and segregation are essential to reduce environmental risk and ensure safe disposal. The company follows accepted waste handling practices for separation of general waste, recyclable materials and hazardous fractions. Safe containment, labelling and transport protocols are used for potentially harmful items. Contractors and subcontractors engaged for specialist disposal must provide evidence of competence and appropriate waste transfer documentation.

Monitoring, Review and Continual Improvement The policy is monitored through inspections, internal audits and regular management reviews. Incident records, corrective actions and employee suggestions inform ongoing improvements to house clearance procedures and rubbish company operations. Performance indicators include incident rates, near-miss reports, training completion and compliance with waste documentation. Senior management will review this policy at least annually or after significant change.

Health surveillance and welfare support are available where employees are exposed to risks that require monitoring. The company promotes a culture of health and safety where workers feel empowered to stop work if unsafe conditions arise and to report hazards without fear of reprisal. Clear communication channels ensure that policy updates, procedural changes and safety bulletins reach all team members in a timely manner.

Contract management and supplier selection include health and safety criteria. Subcontractors undertaking rubbish removal, clearance or skip hire activities must comply with this policy and relevant safety standards. Compliance is verified through documentation, site checks and performance reviews. Insurance and statutory obligations are maintained to cover operational risks as a matter of good governance.

By implementing these measures the organisation delivering Canary Wharf house clearance and associated rubbish removal services commits to protecting people and property while minimising environmental impact. This policy will be made available to employees and those working on behalf of the company, and it forms part of the organisation's overall approach to responsible and safe clearance operations.