Health and Safety Policy — Balham House Clearance

Balham House Clearance is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy working environment for employees, contractors and anyone affected by our house clearance and rubbish removal activities. This policy sets out our approach to risk management across our rubbish company service area and outlines responsibilities, safe systems of work and monitoring arrangements. The aim is to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and environmental harm while delivering professional waste collection and clearance services.

We apply a proportionate approach to safety in every element of our rubbish removal service area, recognising that small sites and domestic clearances have different challenges to larger commercial projects. Our policy emphasises training, hazard awareness and the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to control common risks such as manual handling, sharps, hazardous household substances and traffic movements during house clearances and rubbish collection operations.

All staff and subcontractors are required to cooperate with management and follow safe working instructions. We maintain a system for reporting incidents, near misses and unsafe conditions so we can identify trends and implement continuous improvement. Regular inspections and basic toolbox talks form part of our strategy to maintain consistent standards throughout the rubbish clearance service area.

Risk assessment is central to how we operate. Before starting any job, a competent person will conduct a practical assessment of hazards on site and agree controls with the team. Controls may include mechanical aids for heavy lifts, secure containment for broken glass and electrical items, clear segregation of recyclable materials, and safe planning for vehicle access and egress. These measures support our wider waste removal service area responsibilities and help reduce environmental impact.

Training and competence are ongoing priorities. We ensure staff receive induction training covering our company safety rules, manual handling techniques, safe use of tools and equipment, and procedures for handling hazardous or contaminated waste. Instruction is provided in both written and verbal formats, with refresher sessions as required. Emphasis is placed on the practical application of skills during house clearance work, including lifting posture, team lifts and the secure loading of vans and skips.

Supervisors will monitor performance and intervene where standards fall below expectation. We maintain written records of training, toolbox talks and medical checks where appropriate. Our approach recognises that a well-trained team operating to clear site procedures is the best defence against accidents in the rubbish clearance and waste removal sectors.

Equipment and vehicle safety are essential components of our policy. All tools, lifting aids and vehicles used by the rubbish company service area are checked regularly and maintained in line with manufacturer guidance. Faulty equipment is removed from service and repaired promptly. Drivers and operatives are instructed on safe loading limits, secure stowage and route planning to avoid undue risk to the public and operatives.

We emphasise communication and site housekeeping to keep workplaces safe. Clear walkways, properly stacked materials and prompt removal of debris prevent slips, trips and falls. Where working at height or in confined spaces is required during certain clearances, additional controls and permits will be used, and only competent personnel will be engaged.

Our waste segregation and disposal procedures follow best-practice standards for recycling, landfill minimisation and the safe handling of potentially hazardous items. Staff are trained to recognise items that require specialist disposal, such as batteries, untreated asbestos debris, solvents and pesticides, and to segregate them for collection by authorised waste carriers. This reduces environmental harm and ensures compliance with safe disposal practices within the house clearance rubbish service area.

Emergency preparedness and first aid arrangements are in place across all operations. First aid kits are available in vehicles and at main operating locations. Staff know the procedures for reporting incidents, preserving evidence and cooperating with emergency services if needed. Post-incident reviews are used to identify learning points and update procedures to prevent recurrence.

Responsibilities

Management will provide leadership, resources and oversight to ensure this policy is implemented effectively. Line managers are responsible for ensuring staff understand and follow safe systems of work. Employees must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and report hazards without delay. Contractors working on behalf of the business are expected to follow the same standards and provide evidence of competence where required.

Monitoring and Review

We will review this policy annually or following a significant incident, change in work practice, or new legislative or industry guidance. Audits and site checks will verify compliance and effectiveness. A short list of key controls is maintained in operational documents and includes:

• Pre-job risk assessments and job-specific briefings
• Use of appropriate PPE and lifting aids
• Maintenance programmes for vehicles and equipment
• Segregation and safe disposal of hazardous materials
• Incident reporting, investigation and corrective actions

The success of our health and safety policy depends on active participation by everyone involved in our rubbish clearance operations. By following the procedures set out here, Balham House Clearance aims to deliver reliable, responsible and safe clearance and waste removal services across our service area while protecting people and the environment.

Signed — Company Management