Health and Safety Policy for Garden Clearance Millbank

Purpose: This Health and Safety policy sets out the commitments of Garden Clearance Millbank to protect the health, safety and welfare of employees, contractors, clients and members of the public while delivering professional garden clearance and rubbish removal services. The policy applies to all operations carried out by our garden clearance service Millbank teams and is intended to reduce risk through planning, training and safe systems of work.

Scope and Responsibilities

Scope: The policy covers site assessment, waste handling, removal of vegetation and bulky items, use of plant and tools, vehicle loading and delivery of services by the Millbank garden clearance crews. It applies across the service area and to subcontractors engaged to assist with clearance tasks.

Management Responsibilities

Senior management will ensure that adequate resources are available to implement, monitor and review this policy. Managers will maintain documented risk assessments, allocate competent supervisors and ensure that appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is available and used.

Supervisor and Crew Duties: Supervisors and crew leaders are responsible for conducting pre-start briefings, ensuring that all staff understand safe working procedures, and confirming that site-specific hazards are controlled. They must enforce safety rules, record incidents, and ensure that toolbox talks and refresher training take place routinely.

Employee Obligations: All operatives engaged in rubbish removal Millbank tasks must follow safe systems of work, report hazards and near-misses, wear designated PPE, and participate in training. Employees must not undertake tasks they are not competent to perform and should seek clarification when unsure.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems

Risk assessment: Before work begins, a documented risk assessment will be carried out covering manual handling, use of powered tools, interaction with traffic, unstable structures, buried services and hazardous materials. Assessments will be reviewed when conditions change or new hazards are identified.

Permits and controls: Where required, work will proceed under permit-to-work arrangements. Control measures will include exclusion zones, signage, barriers, and traffic management for deliveries and vehicle movements. The garden clearance company Millbank will ensure that mechanical lifting is used for heavy items where practical to avoid manual handling injuries.

PPE, Equipment and Maintenance

PPE: The following PPE will be provided and used where appropriate: safety boots, high-visibility clothing, gloves, eye protection, hearing protection and respiratory protection for dusty or biohazardous tasks. Supervisors will confirm correct PPE selection during briefings.

Equipment safety: Tools, chainsaws, shredders and other powered plant must be inspected daily and maintained in accordance with manufacturer guidelines. Only trained and authorised personnel will operate specialist machinery. Electrical equipment will be tested and records maintained.

Waste categorisation and handling: All waste removed during clearance will be segregated where possible into recyclable, compostable and residual streams. Hazardous items such as asbestos-containing materials, chemical containers or contaminated soil will be identified and managed per safe handling procedures and disposed of through licensed waste routes. Where non-routine or potentially hazardous items are encountered, work will be stopped until a safe disposal method is agreed.

Training, Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

Training: The company will provide induction training, role-specific instruction and refresher courses. This includes manual handling, safe use of handheld and mechanical equipment, first aid awareness and emergency response. Training records will be kept up to date.

Incident reporting: All incidents, injuries, near-misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported immediately to the supervisor and recorded. Investigations will identify root causes and corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Learning from incidents will be communicated to all staff as part of continuous improvement.

Emergency response:

Each site must have an emergency plan including access routes for emergency services, first aid provisions and contact arrangements for responsible persons. In the event of a serious incident, immediate steps to secure the scene and provide assistance are required. Fire risks and spill control are addressed through on-site equipment and trained personnel.

Monitoring and Review: The policy will be reviewed at least annually, following significant incidents, or when operational changes occur. Regular site inspections, performance audits and observations will measure compliance. Key performance indicators will include incident rates, training completion and corrective action closure rates.

Communication and Continuous Improvement

Communication: Safety information will be communicated through pre-start briefings, signage, written procedures and toolbox talks. Employees are encouraged to contribute safety suggestions. Any changes to processes or equipment will be accompanied by updated risk assessments and instruction.

Commitment: Garden Clearance Millbank is committed to protecting health and safety and expects all staff and contractors to share this responsibility. By following this policy and embracing safe working practices, the team will deliver efficient, compliant and responsible garden waste clearance and rubbish removal services across the service area.

Signed on behalf of the company by management. This policy is effective from the date of issue and will be maintained as a live document to reflect best practice in garden clearance and environmental stewardship.