Health and Safety Policy for Elephant and Castle Man with Van Services

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and practical measures adopted by Elephant and Castle Man with Van and related rubbish collection teams to protect employees, contractors, and the public while providing waste clearance and removal services. It applies to every aspect of our operations including man and van jobs, bulky rubbish collections, and light demolition clearance where a removal van is used. The policy underpins a commitment to safe working practices, risk-based control, and continuous improvement.

All staff and subcontractors working under the Elephant & Castle man and van brand must understand that safety is integral to service delivery. Management will ensure adequate resources for training, safe equipment, and suitable vehicles. Employees are required to follow instructions, attend safety briefings, and report hazards. The objective is to minimise incidents, protect health, and preserve property while performing waste removal and transport duties.

Risk assessments are completed for typical rubbish services, including curbside collections, property clearances, and office or garden waste removal. Assessments identify physical hazards (manual handling, slips, trips, vehicle movements), biological and chemical risks (contaminated waste, sharp objects, hazardous liquids), and environmental concerns. Controls include improved manual handling techniques, mechanical aids, PPE, and safe vehicle loading practices to prevent injury and environmental harm.

Responsibilities and Training

Supervisors and drivers operating an Elephant Castle removal van are responsible for ensuring that every job is planned and executed safely. This includes pre-job briefings, vehicle checks, and ensuring staff are competent for the task. Training covers manual handling, traffic management, safe use of lifting aids, correct use of personal protective equipment, and recognition of hazardous materials. Training records are maintained and reviewed regularly.

Employees must wear appropriate PPE such as gloves, high-visibility clothing, and safety footwear. For jobs involving dust, asbestos risk, or contaminated items, additional respiratory protection and controls are mandated. Vehicles used in rubbish removal are fitted with secure load restraints, spill kits where needed, and first aid supplies. Regular maintenance and safety checks are carried out to reduce the risk of mechanical failure.

Transportation of waste by man and van teams follows strict segregation and containment practices. Waste streams that may present health risks are isolated and, where necessary, handled by trained personnel or transferred to licensed waste carriers. Our policies emphasise the safe segregation of sharps, liquids, electrical items, and other potentially hazardous materials to protect staff and the public.

Safe Systems of Work, Incident Reporting and Monitoring

Safe systems of work are recorded in job-specific method statements and standard operating procedures. These documents outline step-by-step measures for safe lifting, vehicle loading, working at height, and working near traffic. Supervisors ensure these procedures are followed and that adaptations are made for unusual or higher-risk tasks.

Reporting and investigation of accidents, near misses, and incidents are mandatory. Staff must report incidents immediately to their supervisor, and a formal investigation will determine root causes and corrective actions. Findings lead to revised procedures, targeted training, or additional controls to prevent recurrence. Records of incidents and corrective actions are retained to support continuous improvement.

We maintain proactive monitoring through regular safety inspections, vehicle checks, and audits. Key performance indicators include incident frequency, completion of risk assessments, training currency, and compliance with safe loading and waste handling procedures. Management reviews this data and implements improvements as part of a documented health and safety management cycle.

Key elements of this policy include:

• Risk Assessment: systematic identification and control of hazards for every rubbish removal task.
• Training & Competence: ongoing education for all staff in safe handling and vehicle operation.
• PPE & Equipment: appropriate use of protective gear and mechanical aids to reduce manual handling risks.

Additional commitments cover emergency preparedness, consultation with staff on safety matters, and ensuring that subcontracted teams operating under the Elephant and Castle rubbish removal banner adhere to the same standards. Managers will ensure that any third-party service providers are vetted for competence and that contractual arrangements reflect these safety expectations.

Policy review cycles are set to ensure relevance to changing operational risks and legal requirements. The organisation strives for a culture where safety is everyone’s responsibility. Through clear leadership, training, and practical controls, we aim to deliver removal van and rubbish collection services that are both efficient and safe for staff, clients, and the community.

Conclusion: This Health and Safety Policy defines the standards for safe delivery of waste removal and man and van services. It is a living document, reinforced by training, risk assessment, and continuous monitoring. Staff are encouraged to contribute to safety improvements and to follow the procedures that protect health and wellbeing.

Signed by management and reviewed periodically, this policy supports the safe provision of rubbish collection, waste clearance, and removal van operations across our service area.