Health and Safety Policy - Quality Waste

Address: Unit 13, Bugbrooke Business Park, Bugbrooke Rd, Kislingbury, Northamptonshire NN7 4UF
Email: admin@qualitywaste.co.uk

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1. Statement of Intent

Quality Waste is committed to ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of all employees, contractors, visitors, and others who may be affected by our activities.

We will comply with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, and all other relevant legislation.

We will:

• Provide safe and healthy working conditions.
• Prevent accidents and work-related ill health.
• Assess and manage risks associated with waste handling and disposal.
• Provide training, information, and supervision.
• Consult employees on health and safety matters.
• Continuously improve our health and safety performance.

This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if there are significant changes in legislation, work practices, or organisational structure.

Signed: William
Position: Managing Director
Date: ____________________

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2. Responsibilities

Employer (Directors / Senior Management)

• Hold overall responsibility for health and safety.
• Provide resources to implement this policy.
• Ensure risk assessments are carried out and reviewed.

Managers and Supervisors

• Ensure procedures are followed within their area of responsibility.
• Provide training, instruction, and supervision.
• Report and investigate accidents, incidents, and unsafe practices.

Employees

• Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others.
• Follow company safety rules and procedures.
• Report hazards, accidents, or unsafe conditions immediately.
• Use equipment and PPE correctly.

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3. Arrangements

Risk Assessment & Safe Systems of Work

Quality Waste has Safe Systems of Work (SSoW) for all operational activities to ensure tasks are carried out safely and risks are minimised.

Key Features:

1. Risk Assessment: Identify potential hazards for all tasks, including manual handling, vehicle movements, chemical exposure, and slips/trips.
2. Documented Procedures: Step-by-step instructions are provided for high-risk activities, such as waste collection, skip loading/unloading, and machinery operation.
3. Control Measures: PPE, mechanical aids, and traffic control procedures are used as appropriate.
4. Training & Communication: Employees are trained and supervised to follow the SSoW, with updates provided for any procedural changes.
5. Review & Continuous Improvement: Systems are reviewed regularly and after incidents, near misses, or operational changes, with employee feedback encouraged.

Examples of Safe Systems of Work for Key Operations:

Activity	Hazards	Control Measures / Safe System
Waste Collection	Manual handling, slips, vehicle collisions	Mechanical aids for heavy bins, PPE (gloves, hi-vis, boots), route planning, Banksman for reversing
Skip Loading / Unloading	Strains, falling objects, pinch points	Use correct lifting techniques, secure loads, wear PPE, maintain clear area
Forklift Operation	Vehicle collisions, tipping, LPG exposure	Only trained operators, follow traffic routes, LPG monitored (transition to electric by 2028), PPE
Compactor Operation	Crushing injuries, noise, dust	Authorized personnel only, safety interlocks, PPE (ear protection, gloves), regular maintenance
Waste Sorting (including e-waste)	Cuts, exposure to hazardous substances	Gloves, eye protection, training in handling hazardous items, segregation procedures

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Vehicles, Plant & Equipment

• Daily safety checks on all vehicles and machinery.
• Maintenance logs for compactors, balers, forklifts, and vans.
• Banksmen used for reversing vehicles.

Manual Handling & Ergonomics

• Training in safe lifting techniques.
• Use mechanical aids where possible.
• Job rotation to reduce repetitive strain injuries.

Hazardous & Clinical Waste

• Segregation and handling according to COSHH and ADR regulations.
• Spill response procedures in place.

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

• Hi-vis clothing, gloves, safety boots, eye/ear protection, respiratory protection where required.
• Issued, inspected, and replaced as needed.

Public Interaction & Site Safety

• Traffic management to protect employees and the public.
• Lone working procedures for drivers and collectors.
• Visitors and contractors controlled and inducted.

Fire & Explosion Risks

• Hot work permits, fire extinguishers, suppression systems, and evacuation plans maintained and tested.

Health Surveillance

• Regular checks for employees exposed to noise, dust, vibration, or hazardous substances.

Emergency Procedures

• Spill kits, sharps procedures, fire drills, and evacuation training provided and communicated.

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4. Monitoring and Review

• Workplace inspections conducted regularly.
• Accident and incident records reviewed to identify trends.
• KPIs such as near misses, lost time incidents, and accident frequency monitored.
• Safe Systems of Work reviewed annually or following any significant incident.

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Quality Waste | Unit 13, Bugbrooke Business Park, Bugbrooke Rd, Kislingbury, Northamptonshire NN7 4UF | admin@qualitywaste.co.uk