Health and Safety Policy — Garden Clearance Twickenham

This policy sets out the commitment of our garden clearance and rubbish removal service to provide a safe working environment for staff, contractors and members of the public. It applies to all work activities related to garden clearance, green waste removal, rubbish collection and site tidy-up operations. The aim is to reduce risk through clear procedures, competent personnel and consistent monitoring of practices across our service area.

Scope and Objectives: The policy covers planning, site assessment, removal of garden waste, transportation and disposal. It recognises responsibilities for people undertaking garden clearance, including safe handling of branches, compostable waste, mixed household detritus and bulky garden items. All teams engaged in garden rubbish clearance services must follow this policy and the associated method statements to ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible work.

Risk assessment and planning are essential before any clearance job begins. A pre-start survey identifies hazards such as unstable fencing, hidden glass, contaminated soil, asbestos-containing materials, or protected wildlife habitats. All identified risks must be recorded and controls implemented. Work plans should specify the sequence of tasks, machinery to be used, required permits and the rubbish clearance approach to minimise manual handling and reduce the need for disruptive mechanical works.

Controls and Safe Systems of Work

Controls adopted across our garden clearance services include:

• Site segregation: separate waste streams on site to promote recycling and safe disposal of green waste, timber, metal and inert materials.
• Access management: secure boundaries, clear vehicle routes and safe pedestrian exclusion zones.
• Equipment safeguards: regular maintenance of shredders, chainsaws, loaders and vehicles with approved guarding and emergency stops.
• PPE requirements: high-visibility clothing, gloves, eye protection, hearing protection and safety boots.

Personnel must be trained and competent in their tasks. Tasks involving powered tools or heavy lifting require documented competence checks and supervision. Manual handling assessments must be completed for bulky rubbish removal, and mechanical aids used where practicable. For garden rubbish removal that involves hazardous items (e.g., chemicals, asbestos suspect materials or syringes), work must stop until a safe disposal route is confirmed and specialist contractors engaged when necessary.

Training, Competence and Contractor Management

Training programmes include induction, task-specific instruction, toolbox talks and refresher sessions. Records of training, qualifications and competency assessments are maintained. Subcontractors are required to demonstrate equivalent standards and provide evidence of training, risk assessments and insurance before commencing work.

Vehicles used for garden clearance and waste transfer must be roadworthy and loaded in accordance with safe loading plans. Drivers and loaders must be trained in securement techniques and use appropriate straps, covers and tailgate locks to prevent spillage during transit. Equipment checks are documented in daily pre-use inspections, and any defects are reported and remedied before use.

Environmental controls are integral to our rubbish collection and garden tidy-up operations. Wherever possible, materials are recycled or composted; disposal of non-recyclable waste follows authorised routes. Controls for spill management, dust suppression and noise mitigation are applied, particularly when operating shredders or moving large volumes of waste close to sensitive receptors.

Emergency preparedness includes on-site first aid provision, clear evacuation procedures and communication channels for reporting incidents. Injuries, near misses and environmental incidents are reported immediately, investigated, and corrective actions implemented. Lessons learned are shared with teams to prevent recurrence.

Monitoring, auditing and continuous improvement underpin the policy. Regular site inspections, audits and performance reviews measure compliance with safe work procedures. Key performance indicators include incident rates, training compliance, vehicle inspection completion and waste diversion rates. Findings lead to updates in the safe systems and to additional training where needed.

This Health and Safety policy for garden clearance and rubbish services is reviewed at least annually or following significant change, incident or legislative update. Responsibility for implementation rests with operational managers and supervisors, who are supported by frontline teams and dedicated safety advisors. By adhering to these principles — risk assessment, proper planning, competent staff, suitable equipment and clear controls — we ensure a consistent, safe and professional approach to garden clearance and rubbish removal services across our service area.