Bens Rubbish Removal Health & Safety Policy

Bens Rubbish Removal is committed to maintaining a safe working environment for employees, contractors and members of the public. This health and safety policy outlines the principles and practical measures that guide our daily operations. Our aim is to build a proactive safety culture where every team member recognises hazards, participates in risk reduction and acts with accountability. Safety is integral to our service delivery and business decisions.

Scope and Application

This policy applies across all activities of Ben's Rubbish Removal and associated waste collection projects. It covers sitework, manual handling, vehicle operations, segregation and temporary storage of materials, and interactions with subcontractors. Bens rubbish removal services are intended to be delivered without compromising health and safety standards. The policy is relevant to full-time staff, casual workers and contractors engaged in any aspect of waste and rubbish removal.

Management will ensure resources and structures are in place to meet safety commitments. Responsibilities include establishing clear procedures, providing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and ensuring staff receive suitable training. Employees are expected to follow safe work procedures, report hazards and take reasonable care of their own safety and that of others. The company will also encourage reporting of near misses to support preventative action and continuous learning.

Key Responsibilities and Controls

Responsibility for implementing this policy is shared. Senior leadership sets the direction and ensures compliance; supervisors coordinate safe operations on the ground; employees follow procedures and use controls provided. Controls include administrative, engineering and behavioural measures to keep risk as low as reasonably practicable.

Core control measures include:

• Risk assessments and job hazard analyses before work begins
• PPE such as high-visibility clothing, gloves and eye protection
• Safe loading and transportation practices for vehicles
• Segregation and labelling of hazardous materials
• Maintenance and inspection programs for equipment and vehicles

Training and competence are essential. All team members will receive induction training and role-specific instruction. Refresher training will be scheduled periodically and whenever procedures change. Performance assessments and on-the-job coaching will support continuous competence development and reinforce a safety-first mindset.

Manual handling and vehicle safety receive particular attention. Safe lifting techniques, mechanical aids and two-person lifts are used where needed to prevent musculoskeletal injuries. Drivers follow prescribed safe driving practices, ensure loads are secure, and complete vehicle pre-start checks. Bens rubbish removal operations prohibit driving while distracted or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and impose strict adherence to fatigue management principles.

Hazardous or potentially dangerous items are identified, handled and stored in accordance with recognised good practice. Any item suspected of containing hazardous substances is isolated and managed by trained personnel. Sharp objects, syringes and chemical containers are segregated and disposed of using appropriate containment to protect workers and the community.

Incident reporting and emergency response procedures are in place to ensure timely action when unexpected events occur. All incidents, injuries and near misses must be reported promptly so that investigations can identify root causes and corrective actions. Emergency plans address spill response, first aid, fire response and evacuation protocols to reduce harm and restore safe conditions quickly.

Monitoring, review and continuous improvement underpin our approach. Regular audits, inspections and performance reviews measure compliance with this policy and identify opportunities for improvement. Lessons learned from incidents and audits will inform updates to procedures and training. Bens Rubbish Removal maintains records of inspections, maintenance, training and incident investigations to demonstrate ongoing commitment and transparency.

Worker participation is central to effective health and safety. Staff are encouraged to raise concerns, suggest improvements and take part in safety meetings and toolbox talks. Engagement strengthens ownership of safety responsibilities and contributes to a resilient workplace where risks are managed collectively.

In summary, this health and safety policy reflects our core belief that safe work is good business. By combining clear leadership, systematic risk management, training and active worker involvement, Ben's Rubbish Removal and Bens rubbish removal teams will strive to prevent harm and protect wellbeing throughout all operations. The policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure it remains aligned with evolving best practice and operational needs.