Health and Safety Policy — Garden Clearance

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the approach of Garden Clearance Marylebone to managing risks associated with garden waste clearance, site tidy-ups and associated rubbish removal activities. The policy applies across our rubbish company service area and to all personnel, subcontractors and visitors engaged in garden clearance and waste removal tasks. It is our objective to protect the health, safety and welfare of everyone affected by our operations through proactive risk control, training and compliance with statutory duties. Safety and environmental protection are integral to the delivery of any garden clearance or rubbish collection assignment.

Scope and commitments

The policy covers garden waste removal, shrub and tree pruning debris clearance, soil and green waste handling, bulky rubbish collection and the transport and disposal of waste to licensed facilities. Our commitments include assessing hazards before work begins, ensuring suitable personal protective equipment, maintaining plant and vehicles, and applying safe manual handling and segregation procedures. We will operate as a responsible waste removal company by minimising environmental impact and ensuring that rubbish clearance is carried out safely and lawfully.

The policy applies to all locations within the documented rubbish company service area where we undertake garden clearance operations and supports site-specific risk assessments that reflect the unique features of each job.

Risk assessment and control measures

Before any garden clearance task we carry out a documented risk assessment to identify hazards such as uneven ground, buried objects, nuisance wildlife, hazardous waste (asbestos, chemical containers), traffic movement and utility services. Control measures include exclusion zones, safe access routes, use of mechanical aids, and provision of clearly marked waste segregation points. A typical hazard register will list risks and control actions assigned to responsible staff, along with review dates to ensure continuing suitability.

Key working controls used across our garden clearance operations include:

• Provision and enforcement of appropriate PPE — gloves, eye protection, hi-vis, safety boots and respiratory protection where needed.
• Tool and machinery checks, with maintenance records for shredders, chippers, loaders and vehicles.
• Safe manual handling techniques and use of mechanical lifting aids to reduce musculoskeletal injury.

All tasks are assessed for environmental risk such as soil erosion, contamination and watercourse protection. Where necessary, we implement measures to prevent pollution and ensure rubbish clearance complies with permitted waste transfer and disposal routes.

Responsibilities and competence are clearly defined. Management is responsible for providing resources and ensuring legal compliance, supervisors must implement site controls and workers are required to follow safe systems of work. Subcontractors and temporary staff are selected based on proven competence in garden clearance and rubbish removal, and they must adhere to the same safety standards as employed staff. Training programmes cover equipment operation, hazard recognition, emergency response and waste handling.

Equipment, vehicles and plant safety

All plant and vehicles used for garden clearance are inspected daily and undergo routine servicing by qualified personnel. Chippers, shredders and compactors are fitted with guards and emergency stops. Vehicle operation on-site follows a permit-to-work approach where appropriate, with segregated pedestrian routes, reversing aids and banksman supervision to prevent collisions during rubbish collection and transport within the service area.

Emergency procedures, reporting and first aid

We maintain clear emergency arrangements including first aid provision, contactable site supervisors and procedures for serious incidents, fires and pollution events. All incidents and near misses are reported, investigated and recorded to identify root causes and preventative actions. This process supports continuous improvement and informs training needs. First aiders are appointed and supplied with appropriate kits for outdoor and off-road work typical of garden clearance projects.

We place a strong emphasis on environmental stewardship. Waste segregation and recycling are priorities: green waste is diverted to composting or biomass facilities where feasible, and mixed refuse is transported to licensed transfer stations. Hazardous items encountered during clearance are isolated, documented and transferred to authorised disposal routes. The organisation will take remedial action where operations risk causing environmental harm and will cooperate fully with statutory bodies when required.

Record keeping and review are essential to manage safety and compliance. We retain risk assessments, method statements, training records, equipment maintenance logs and incident reports. Regular audits and toolbox talks are conducted to ensure policies are implemented effectively. The Health and Safety Policy is reviewed annually or after significant incidents, operational changes or legislative updates to ensure it remains suitable and effective across our rubbish clearance and garden waste services.

Policy endorsement: This policy represents the framework for safe working practices in garden clearance and rubbish removal. It must be implemented at all operational levels and is supported by detailed local procedures which translate the policy into practical safe systems of work. Our commitment is to deliver a professional garden clearance service while protecting people, property and the environment through robust health and safety management.