Health & Safety Policy — Dulwich Man with Van
Dulwich Man with Van is committed to providing a safe working environment for employees, contractors and members of the public in the course of rubbish removal and waste collection activities. This policy defines responsibilities, safe systems of work and the standards we apply across our service area to reduce risk, prevent injury and protect property and the environment. All staff and operatives are required to adhere to this policy and to report hazards or unsafe practice immediately. Safety is a core business priority and is integrated into daily operations for every man and van rubbish clearance task undertaken.
Responsibilities and Accountability
The successful implementation of this health and safety policy depends on clear responsibilities at every level. Management will ensure there are adequate resources, training and supervision for safe rubbish removal operations. Supervisors and drivers must conduct pre-shift checks and enforce safe working practices. Employees and subcontractors engaged in rubbish collection in Dulwich must follow procedures, use provided personal protective equipment and report incidents. Everyone has a duty to cooperate and to stop work if a task cannot be carried out safely until an appropriate control is in place.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We carry out dynamic and formal risk assessments for all man and van rubbish service activities. Assessments identify specific hazards associated with lifting, loading, vehicle movements and waste types. Controls will be implemented using the hierarchy of control and documented for routine and non-routine tasks. Key hazards include:- Manual handling and musculoskeletal injuries from lifting bulky items
- Vehicle movement and load security risks during transit
- Exposure to hazardous substances such as chemicals, asbestos fragments or sharps
- Slips, trips and falls during collection or clearance operations
Training, Competence and Personal Protective Equipment
All staff receive induction training that covers safe lifting techniques, segregation of waste streams, use of appropriate tools and correct use of PPE. Competence is maintained through refresher training, toolbox talks and assessment. The company provides suitable PPE including gloves, hi‑vis clothing, safety boots and respiratory protection when required. Managers must ensure operatives are both competent and confident to perform clearance tasks safely and to recognise when specialist disposal is required for hazardous waste.
Operations and Vehicle Safety
Vehicles are maintained to a high standard and daily pre-use checks are mandatory for every man and van unit. Load restraint, correct weight distribution and secure containment of rubbish are enforced to prevent shifting loads and spillage. Routine vehicle safety measures include:- Daily walkaround checks of lights, brakes and load restraint
- Correct use of tail lifts, ramps and securing straps
- Safe reversing procedures and use of banksmen where visibility is restricted
Drivers must not operate if a vehicle defect compromises safety and must report defects immediately for remedial action.
Waste Handling and Hazardous Materials
Waste segregation and correct handling are essential to minimise harm and environmental impact. The company has procedures to identify and isolate hazardous items and to escalate to licensed disposal routes when necessary. Staff must never assume an item is non-hazardous; when in doubt, cease handling and seek guidance. Controls include use of puncture‑resistant gloves, spill kits, and labelled containment for suspect materials. Specialist hazardous waste is dealt with using authorised carriers and compliant disposal facilities to meet regulatory expectations and to protect operatives and the public.Incident Reporting, First Aid and Emergency Procedures
All incidents, near misses and health concerns must be reported promptly to management. We maintain first aid provisions appropriate to the risks encountered on rubbish clearance activities and ensure relevant staff are first aid trained. Emergency procedures cover vehicle incidents, spills, fires and medical emergencies. Incident investigations identify root causes and ensure corrective actions are implemented to prevent recurrence. Continuous learning from incidents supports safer rubbish clearance and man & van operations.
Contractors, Subcontractors and Visitor Management
Where external contractors or temporary workers are used, Dulwich Man with Van will verify competence, insurance and health & safety arrangements before work begins. Contractors must operate under the company’s safety standards and co‑operate with site rules. Key management controls include:- Pre‑qualification checks and documentation review
- Site induction and confirmation of required PPE
- Communication of specific hazards and permit requirements for non‑routine tasks
Subcontractors are expected to report incidents and to provide safe plant and equipment consistent with this policy.
