Health & Safety Policy — Coney Hall Skip Hire
Coney Hall Skip Hire is committed to maintaining the highest standards of health and safety across its rubbish company service area operations. This policy sets out the responsibilities, procedures and standards that govern safe working for all staff, contractors and visitors involved in our skip hire and rubbish removal services. The focus is on preventing harm, ensuring compliance with applicable safety regulations, and promoting a culture where safety is integral to every job.
We operate a dedicated skip hire service and waste collection business that serves a diverse set of sites and environments. The company recognises that risks vary by location, load type and vehicle movements. Our approach is risk-based: regular assessments, documented controls, and systematic monitoring. Managers and supervisors are responsible for ensuring that safe systems of work are implemented and that all team members understand their roles in reducing hazards associated with waste handling and transport.
Scope and application
This policy applies to all operations within our rubbish company service area, including skip delivery and collection, on-site loading, transfer of waste to authorised facilities, vehicle maintenance, and storage activities. It extends to contracted personnel working under Coney Hall Skip Hire’s direction. We emphasise safe manual handling, control of hazardous materials, secure load retention, safe vehicle access and egress, and the management of pedestrian–vehicle interfaces at customer sites.Responsibilities
Senior management will ensure adequate resources and oversight for health and safety performance. Supervisors must perform site-specific risk assessments and confirm that control measures are in place before work begins. Employees are responsible for following instructions, wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE), and reporting unsafe conditions promptly. Everyone involved in operations is expected to contribute to continuous improvement in safety standards.Risk assessment and control
Risk assessments are carried out for routine and non-routine tasks associated with skip hire and rubbish removal. Control measures include training, PPE, toolbox talks, safe vehicle operation procedures, traffic management on-site, and segregation of hazardous wastes. Controls are maintained through written work plans and practical checks. Where risk cannot be eliminated, it will be reduced to the lowest practicable level through engineering or administrative measures.
Training and competence are essential. All staff receive induction training, job-specific instruction and refresher courses. Training topics include manual handling techniques, safe loading and securing of skips, dealing with sharps or hazardous materials, spill response and emergency procedures. Competency is recorded and reviewed; only authorised operators are permitted to operate lifting equipment and vehicles used in our waste management operations.
Equipment, vehicles and maintenance form a critical part of our safety framework. Fleet inspections, scheduled servicing and pre-use checks are mandatory. Defects are reported and rectified before assets are returned to service. Load restraint, lighting, signage and reversing aids are standard on vehicles used in rubbish removal and skip hire service activities. Operators must confirm that safety devices are functioning and that vehicles are suitably equipped for the assigned task.
Site safety and operational controls address safe placement of skips, ground stability, proximity to utilities and clear access for loading/unloading. When operating in customer premises or public areas, traffic management plans and exclusion zones are implemented. Workers use high-visibility clothing and appropriate PPE, and work is halted if conditions become unsafe. The company maintains clear safe working procedures to reduce the risk to members of the public and on-site personnel.
Key elements of our operational safety controls include:
- Planned pre-job risk assessments and clearance checks
- Use of appropriate PPE and mechanical aids for manual handling
- Vehicle safety checks, secure load practices and traffic management
- Procedures for segregation and handling of hazardous wastes
Incident reporting and investigation are central to preventing recurrence. All incidents, near misses and unsafe conditions must be reported immediately to a supervisor. We undertake thorough investigations, identify root causes and implement corrective actions. Lessons learned are communicated across the workforce and incorporated into training and standard operating procedures to enhance our rubbish company service area's safety performance.
Monitoring and auditing ensure the policy is effective. Regular internal audits, vehicle checks and site inspections are scheduled and reported. Performance metrics, including incident rates, audit findings and corrective action completion, are reviewed by senior management. Continuous improvement is promoted through regular review cycles and consultation with staff on practical safety improvements for skip hire and waste collection tasks.
The policy is supported by emergency preparedness measures. Emergency plans, spill kits and first-aid arrangements are maintained and tested. Staff are trained in initial response measures and escalation procedures. In the event of a major incident, clear command and communication lines are established to protect people, property and the environment while ensuring swift recovery of operations.
Policy review and commitment
This Health & Safety Policy will be reviewed at least annually or whenever there are significant changes to operations, legislation or industry best practice. Coney Hall Skip Hire is committed to providing a safe working environment for all and to continuously improving our performance in waste collection and skip hire services. By working together, we will ensure that safety remains a core value and an operational priority across the entire rubbish removal and skip hire service area.All employees and contractors are required to familiarise themselves with this policy and apply its principles in daily operations. Management will provide the necessary leadership, resources and oversight to ensure that these commitments are translated into practical, effective actions that protect people and the environment while delivering reliable skip hire and rubbish management services.