
Health and Safety Policy — Flat Clearance Edmonton
This Health and Safety policy sets out the commitment of our flat clearance and rubbish removal teams to protect workers, clients and the public within the company’s rubbish company service area. It applies to all stages of flat clearance service delivery, from initial assessment and waste segregation to vehicle loading and off-site waste removal. The policy is framed around a proactive approach to managing hazards, ensuring that every operative understands their duties and that safety is an integral part of routine clearance operations.
Purpose, Scope and Objectives
The objective of this policy is to establish clear standards for safe working while providing flat clearance and rubbish collection services. It covers operational tasks, equipment use, vehicle movements, manual handling and the handling of potentially hazardous materials. This document aims to reduce incidents, prevent harm and maintain a safe, efficient clearance service across the stated service area while aligning with general safety best practices rather than jurisdiction-specific legal provisions.

Risk Assessment and Legal Compliance
All clearance jobs must be preceded by a documented risk assessment that identifies hazards, evaluates risks and specifies controls. Key controls include safe systems of work, use of appropriate PPE, and segregation of recyclables and hazardous items. Employees will be briefed on incident reporting procedures and emergency response. The company will maintain records of risk assessments and relevant training, ensuring compliance with general safety expectations and industry standards applicable to rubbish removal and waste handling.
- Identify hazards before work begins
- Assess the level of risk and required controls
- Implement protective measures and monitor their effectiveness
Roles and Responsibilities
The company leadership has overall responsibility for implementing and reviewing this policy. Supervisors and team leaders must ensure that every operative is competent and fit to perform tasks. Employees are required to follow safe working procedures, report hazards promptly and take reasonable care for their own safety and that of others. Subcontractors engaged for specific tasks must meet the same standards expected of company staff when working on site.

Safe Work Practices and Personal Protective Equipment
Safe work practices are essential for mitigating common risks encountered in flat clearance service operations. All personnel must use appropriate personal protective equipment, which may include gloves, high-visibility clothing, safety boots, eye protection and respiratory protection where dust or contaminants are present. Manual handling techniques must be taught and reinforced to avoid musculoskeletal injuries. Vehicle loading must follow secure loading procedures and weight distribution guidelines to prevent shifting loads in transit.
Equipment safety is mandatory: tools, lifting aids and vehicles must be inspected before use. Where chemical substances are present, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) principles should be applied — safe storage, clear labeling and use of suitable controls. Emergency procedures, including first aid provision and spill response, must be in place and communicated to staff.
Waste Handling, Segregation and Disposal
The company will operate clear procedures for categorizing waste streams such as general rubbish, recyclable materials, bulky items and hazardous wastes. Where hazardous or controlled wastes are encountered, they must be isolated and handled by trained personnel following appropriate packaging and transportation measures. Records of disposal and transfer notes will be maintained to demonstrate responsible waste management and traceability across the rubbish company service area.

Training, Competence and Communication
Training is a continuous requirement: new staff will receive induction on safe working methods, and existing staff will receive periodic refresher training. Regular toolbox talks, site briefings and documented competency checks ensure staff are kept up to date with best practices. Communication channels for raising concerns, reporting near misses and suggesting improvements must be accessible and responsive. Supervisors will monitor performance through observations, spot checks and routine audits.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
The policy will be reviewed at defined intervals or after any significant incident, change in operations or introduction of new equipment. Performance indicators such as incident rates, audit findings and training completion will inform continuous improvement measures. The organisation is committed to preventing harm, protecting the environment and delivering a reliable flat clearance service across the rubbish collection and waste removal area. All personnel are expected to cooperate in implementing this policy and to promote a culture where safety, professionalism and environmental stewardship are priorities.