Front view of a skip on-site during delivery operations

Skip Hire Stratford Health and Safety Policy

Purpose: This policy sets out the commitment of Skip Hire Stratford to protect the health, safety and welfare of all employees, subcontractors, customers and members of the public affected by our skip hire and rubbish removal operations. The aim is to deliver safe, compliant skip hire services and responsible waste removal while minimising harm and environmental impact. This policy applies across the entire service area and to all activities undertaken by the skip hire company.

Scope and Commitment

Scope: The policy covers skip delivery, collection, on-site placement, transfer operations and waste handling. Skip hire Stratford will maintain systems for assessing risk, training staff, providing equipment and ensuring vehicles and skips are safe to operate. Our commitment is to continuous improvement in health and safety performance for our waste management and rubbish removal services.

Worker performing skip placement assessment at a property Principles: We will comply with relevant health and safety requirements, apply common-sense controls, and ensure clear responsibility and accountability. The business will conduct regular risk assessments, maintain robust incident reporting, and respond promptly to hazards. All staff and contractors must follow the procedures set out below to keep people and property safe.

Responsibilities and Roles

Management responsibilities: Senior management is responsible for providing resources and leadership to implement the policy. This includes ensuring safe vehicles, properly maintained skips, adequate personnel numbers and documented procedures for rubbish collection and waste removal operations.

Employee and Contractor Duties

Every employee and contractor must work safely, use provided personal protective equipment, report defects or hazards, and participate in training. Supervisors must ensure that safe systems of work are followed during site visits and when handling bulk waste, recyclable materials and mixed rubbish loads.

Specific duties include:

Carrying out pre-shift vehicle and equipment checks
Following skip placement and exclusion zone procedures
Reporting incidents and near misses promptly
Complying with manual handling and lifting protocols

Team reviewing risk assessment and safety procedures in a meeting

Risk Assessment and Control Measures

Risk assessments will be carried out for all routine and non-routine tasks. Controls will follow the hierarchy of risk reduction: eliminate, substitute, engineer, administer, and use PPE. For example, where possible, mechanical aids reduce manual handling when loading or unloading bulky rubbish and construction waste into skips.

Control measures for common risks:

Traffic management: Use cones, signage and trained banksmen during on-road skip placement.
Site access and stability: Only locate skips on firm, level ground; confirm ground conditions prior to placement.
Hazardous materials: Prohibit acceptance of asbestos, compressed gas cylinders, certain chemicals and other hazardous wastes unless properly documented and handled by qualified services.

Vehicle and plant safety: All drivers will be competent and licensed for the vehicles operated. Vehicles will be inspected daily, maintained according to schedules and equipped with appropriate safety fittings. Safe loading practices and secure containment are mandatory to prevent spillage during transit for rubbish removal and waste transfer services.

PPE, Training and Competency

PPE provided: High-visibility clothing, gloves, steel-toe footwear and eye protection will be available for all operational staff. Additional protection such as respiratory equipment will be provided where risk assessments indicate.

Training: Regular induction and refresher training will be provided covering manual handling, vehicle safety, lone working, hazardous waste awareness and emergency procedures. Competency checks and records will be maintained as part of our health and safety management for the skip hire and rubbish collection teams.

First aid kit and spill control equipment beside a skip Incident Management and Emergency Response: All incidents, injuries and near misses must be reported promptly using the company reporting system. The policy requires investigation to identify root causes and implement corrective actions. Emergency arrangements include first aid provision, access to emergency services, and clear procedures for spill control and containment of hazardous substances encountered during waste removal.

Fleet of skip hire vehicles parked and inspected before shift

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

Monitoring: Health and safety performance will be monitored through inspections, audits, incident statistics and employee feedback. Regular reviews will ensure that policies remain effective and reflect changes in operations, equipment or statutory requirements.

Performance indicators: Metrics include accident frequency, near-miss reports, completion of training, vehicle defect trends and audit findings. Where deficiencies are identified, management will allocate resources to remedy and update procedures for the skip hire business and all rubbish removal activities.

Policy review: This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed periodically and following significant incidents or operational changes. All personnel are expected to cooperate in creating a safer workplace. By working together we deliver responsible waste management and high-quality skip hire services while protecting people and the environment.

Declaration

The management of Skip Hire Stratford endorses this policy and requires that all employees, subcontractors and partners adhere to its principles. Safe operations in rubbish removal, waste management and skip hire services are integral to our business and are a shared responsibility.

Signed on behalf of the company: Policy implementation will be supported through clear communication, resource allocation and regular review. Everyone engaged in waste and skip hire activities is expected to prioritise safety and report concerns without delay.

Note: This policy outlines general commitments and procedures. Specific operational instructions and task-based risk assessments are provided separately and must be followed during day-to-day rubbish removal and skip hire operations.