Health and Safety Policy — Hampstead House Clearance
This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitment of Hampstead House Clearance to protect the health, safety and welfare of all employees, contractors and members of the public affected by our house clearance and rubbish removal operations. The policy applies to every activity carried out by the company across our service area, including residential clearances, commercial waste lifts and hazardous item handling. The objective is to maintain safe systems of work, reduce risk and ensure compliance with applicable health and safety standards.
Our approach emphasises hazard identification, risk assessment and control measures. All staff are required to follow documented procedures that govern manual handling, the use of tools and equipment, vehicle operations and the segregation of recyclable materials. Clear roles and responsibilities are defined so that supervisors, drivers and operatives know their duties and the limits of their authority. This policy is reviewed periodically to reflect changes in work practices and to continuously improve safety performance.
The policy scope covers routine house clearance tasks and specific rubbish clearance services such as bulky waste removal, loft and garage clear-outs and light demolition work. We maintain a register of site-specific risks and ensure that a competent person carries out risk assessments before work starts. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided where controls cannot eliminate risk, and employees are trained in the correct selection, use and maintenance of protective clothing and equipment.
Responsibilities and Training
Managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy and ensuring compliance across all operations. They will carry out regular toolbox talks, monitor site behavior, and verify that risk assessments are current. Employees must report hazards, participate in training and follow safe working practices. Subcontractors operating on behalf of the company must demonstrate equivalent competence and insurance cover before commencing work.
This organisation provides both initial induction and ongoing training for staff. Subjects include safe manual handling techniques, asbestos awareness where relevant, safe use of lifting equipment, and safe disposal of a range of waste types. Training records are kept centrally and refresher sessions are scheduled based on task risk and regulatory requirements. Competence verification is required for drivers and operatives handling specialised disposal or recycling equipment.
Emergency procedures are in place to respond to incidents, injuries or environmental spills. First-aid provision is maintained and emergency contacts are displayed at operational hubs. In the event of a serious incident, work will stop and the matter escalated to management for investigation and corrective action. All incidents, near misses and property damage are recorded and reviewed to prevent recurrence and to improve operational safety.
Operational Controls and Waste Management
Safe systems of work include pre-job site surveys, clear permit-to-work protocols for hazardous items and secure loading procedures for waste vehicles. Loads are secured and weight limits observed to prevent vehicle instability during transfers across the rubbish company service area. Machinery and tools are inspected before use and maintained to a documented schedule to reduce the risk of mechanical failure.
Specific controls apply to hazardous materials such as chemical containers, sharps, electrical items and asbestos-containing materials. When hazardous waste is identified, we use approved handling methods and certified disposal routes. Records of hazardous waste consignment and disposal are maintained to support regulatory audits and environmental reporting requirements.
The company promotes recycling and diversion from landfill where practicable. Materials recovered during clearances are segregated for reuse or recycling, and we partner with authorised facilities to ensure compliant processing. Our rubbish clearance teams follow documented segregation procedures so that recyclable items are separated from residual waste at source.
Monitoring, auditing and continual improvement are central to this policy. Regular site inspections, performance metrics and internal audits assess compliance with safety procedures and identify opportunities for improvement. Senior management reviews audit findings and safety performance indicators to allocate resources and update procedures. Risk mitigation measures are defined and tracked until implemented.
All employees are encouraged to adopt a safety-first mindset and to contribute to a culture where hazards are reported and addressed promptly. Failure to adhere to safety requirements may lead to disciplinary action, while positive safety behaviour is recognised and reinforced. Commitment to safety is essential for protecting our workforce and the communities we serve across our rubbish removal and house clearance service area.
This policy is available to staff and interested parties on request and will be reviewed at least annually or following significant change. By following the provisions set out here, Hampstead House Clearance aims to deliver safe, compliant and professional house clearance and rubbish removal services that protect people, property and the environment.