Health and Safety Policy for Bermondsey Man with Van
Purpose: This Health and Safety Policy sets out the approach of Bermondsey Man with Van to protect employees, contractors and the public while providing rubbish removal and man-and-van services. Our objective is to deliver safe, efficient waste removal, refuse collection and clearance services with minimal risk to people, property and the environment. This statement explains responsibilities, practical controls and the systems we use to manage health and safety across our rubbish collection and removal operations.
Scope: The policy applies to all staff, temporary workers and subcontractors engaged in man with van operations, house clearances, commercial waste removal and related vehicle activities. It covers on-site handling, transportation, loading and unloading of waste, safe driving, vehicle maintenance and customer premises work. We emphasise safe working practices for light removals, bulky waste disposal and general rubbish collection duties, and promote continual improvement through training and monitoring.
Commitment: Bermondsey man and van teams commit to complying with relevant health and safety regulations and recognised best practice for refuse removal and waste management. Management will ensure adequate resources are provided to implement safe systems of work, risk assessments and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). All employees will be encouraged to report hazards, near misses and incidents so we can act promptly and reduce the likelihood of future occurrences.
Responsibilities and Arrangements
Senior management holds overall responsibility for health and safety performance and will ensure policies are reviewed regularly. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for ensuring that the man and van crew follow safe working procedures during bulky waste collections, junk removals and site clearances. Employees must take reasonable care for their own safety, follow instructions, use PPE provided and cooperate with investigations into accidents or incidents.
Risk assessment and control: We carry out and record risk assessments for routine tasks and one-off jobs such as hazardous waste handling, loft clearances and garden waste loading. Controls include:
- Safe lifting techniques and two-person lifts for heavy items
- Use of mechanical aids and trolleys where appropriate
- Segregation and safe packaging of potentially hazardous materials
Training: All personnel engaged in rubbish clearance, waste collection and the man with van services are provided with induction training, practical instruction on manual handling, vehicle loading and safe driving awareness. Refresher training is scheduled periodically to reinforce safe practice in waste removal, refuse handling and workplace safety. Supervisors maintain records of training and competence for their teams.
Operational Controls and Safe Systems
Vehicle safety: Vehicles used for man with van rubbish services are maintained to a high standard, inspected before each shift and serviced in line with manufacturer guidance. Drivers must ensure loads are properly secured and not overloaded. Checks include tyre condition, brakes, lights and load restraint systems. Drivers are trained to plan safe routes, obey traffic regulations and avoid excessive speed.
Incident reporting and investigation: All accidents, injuries and near misses are reported immediately and recorded. An investigation is conducted to determine root causes and to implement corrective actions. Records are retained and reviewed to identify trends, allowing us to strengthen controls across waste removal and clearance operations. Where appropriate, we cooperate with external authorities and insurers as part of the investigation process.
Personal protective equipment: Appropriate PPE is provided for tasks including gloves, hi-visibility clothing, safety footwear and eye protection when required. Staff are instructed on correct PPE use, care and disposal. Specialized jobs may require additional controls such as respirators or protective suits; these are specified in risk assessments and enforced by supervisors to protect against dust, biohazards and sharp objects encountered during rubbish collection and clearance.
Waste segregation and environmental controls: We promote responsible waste handling and recycling where possible. Waste is segregated at source when feasible, and hazardous substances are identified and managed separately in accordance with recognised waste handling practices. Spill kits and containment measures are available for vehicle and site incidents to minimise environmental harm during rubbish transportation.
Health surveillance and wellbeing: Although most man and van tasks are short-term and mobile, we monitor employee wellbeing to identify musculoskeletal issues, fatigue and stress. Employees are supported to report concerns and are offered adjustments where required to safeguard health and reduce workplace injury.
Review and continual improvement: This policy is reviewed at least annually or sooner following significant incidents, changes in legislation or operational changes. We set measurable objectives to improve health and safety outcomes and evaluate performance through audits and site inspections. By maintaining a proactive culture and learning from experience, Bermondsey Man with Van strives to deliver safe rubbish removal and removal services that protect people and the environment.
