Garden Clearance Bounds Green - Health and Safety Policy
This document sets out the health and safety policy for the garden clearance operations carried out by our team. It applies to all activities involved in clearing gardens, removing vegetation, and transporting garden waste within our rubbish company service area and related waste removal service areas. The aim is to protect employees, contractors, visitors and the public while preserving the environment and ensuring that garden waste collection and disposal are managed safely and responsibly.Policy Statement
We are committed to maintaining a safe working environment across our rubbish clearance service area and associated sites. All reasonable steps will be taken to prevent injury and ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing effective control measures. Managers and operatives will work together to ensure safe working practices are observed at all times. This policy supports compliance with statutory requirements and promotes a positive safety culture without compromising our operational efficiency.
Scope
This policy covers garden clearances, green waste removal, bulky vegetation disposal and ancillary activities performed by staff and contractors within our rubbish removal service area. It also applies to temporary work sites, customer premises where clearance is contracted, and vehicle-based activities such as loading, transit and unloading of garden waste. The principles are equally relevant to seasonal work spikes and planned clearances of larger sites.Responsibilities
Responsibilities are allocated to ensure clear accountability:- Directors: set the policy, ensure resources and review performance.
- Site Supervisors: implement procedures, conduct risk assessments and supervise operatives.
- Operatives: follow safe methods, wear PPE and report hazards.
- Contractors: comply with the policy, provide evidence of competence and coordinate with our teams.
Risk Assessment and Control Measures
Before work starts a dynamic risk assessment must be carried out to identify hazards such as uneven terrain, hidden trip hazards, sharp objects, live services, and hazardous waste. Control measures will include safe systems of work, appropriate exclusion zones, and the use of suitable tools and equipment. Manual handling risks will be minimised through mechanical aids, correct lifting techniques and team lifts for bulky items. Regular inspections ensure control measures remain effective.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) All personnel must wear appropriate PPE for garden clearance tasks. This typically includes gloves, high visibility clothing, protective footwear, eye protection and hearing protection when using powered equipment. Respiratory protection will be used where dust or bioaerosols are a concern. Training on correct PPE use and maintenance is provided to ensure that equipment is effective and fits correctly.
Training and competency are fundamental. Operatives receive induction training covering tool safety, hand and power tool operation, safe chainsaw use if applicable, and the safe handling of green waste. Toolbox talks and refresher sessions take place regularly, and competence assessments are recorded to maintain standards across the rubbish clearance service area.
Safe systems of work are implemented to manage vehicle movements, segregate pedestrian routes and mark exclusion zones on site. A permit-to-work approach is used for higher risk tasks. Mechanical aids, such as trolleys and small loaders, must be used to reduce manual handling. Loads must be secured and covered during transit to prevent spillage. Operatives will follow traffic management plans when working near public roads and use banksmen when required.
Handling hazardous materials requires special care. Suspected asbestos, chemical containers, sharps and contaminated soil must be reported immediately and isolated. Such items will not be handled by untrained staff; specialist contractors will be engaged as necessary and materials will be disposed of at authorised facilities. Waste segregation helps reduce contamination of recyclable garden waste and ensures compliance with environmental requirements across our garden clearance zones.
Vehicles and plant used in garden clearance operations will be maintained in accordance with manufacturer guidance and daily pre-use checks performed. Drivers and plant operators must hold valid authorisations and follow safe loading, stability and reversing procedures. Speed limits on site will be enforced, and plant will be fitted with appropriate lighting and audible alarms where necessary.
Emergency Procedures and First Aid
Emergency arrangements are in place to deal with incidents, injuries and environmental spills. First aid kits are provided on site and personnel with first aid training are available during operations. Emergency services will be contacted where required; internal escalation procedures ensure rapid communication to supervisors and managers. Spill kits and containment materials are kept to manage fuel or chemical leaks until specialist help arrives.
Incident Reporting and Investigation
All incidents, injuries and near-misses must be reported without delay so that appropriate investigation and corrective actions can be taken. Incident records are maintained and analysed to identify trends and prevent recurrence. Where appropriate, improvements to procedures, training or equipment will be implemented as part of the corrective action process to strengthen safety performance across the rubbish collection and clearance service area.