Health and Safety Policy — Bow Man with Van
This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitment of Bow Man with Van to provide safe, healthy and compliant rubbish removal services. The purpose of this policy is to protect our people, customers and the public during all rubbish collection and waste clearance activities. It applies to every team member, contractor and visitor engaged in man and van rubbish removal, and covers site work, vehicle operations and waste handling. We seek to balance practical, efficient service delivery with robust risk control measures that reduce injury and environmental harm.
Scope and application are central to the policy. Bow man & van operations include household clearances, commercial rubbish collection and ad hoc junk removal; this policy addresses the typical hazards encountered in those tasks. The duty to apply safe systems of work is shared across the organisation: management must set standards and provide resources, while staff must follow procedures and report hazards. All work is subject to risk assessment before tasks begin, and any deviations require manager approval.
Responsibilities are clearly assigned so that safety is built into every job. Management will:
- ensure risk assessments and method statements are in place for routine and non-routine tasks;
- provide suitable training, personal protective equipment (PPE) and vehicle maintenance;
- investigate incidents and implement corrective actions.
Risk Management, Training and PPE
Risk assessment is the starting point for safe rubbish collection and waste removal. Before work commences, hazards such as sharps, hazardous chemicals, unstable loads, manual handling risks and traffic interactions must be identified and controlled. Control measures include substitution, elimination of hazards where possible, safe segregation of recyclable and hazardous materials, and practical controls such as wheel chocks, load restraints and clear exclusion zones for public access.
Training and competence are vital. Every operative in the Bow Man van service must receive induction training, practical manual handling instruction and refresher training at intervals proportionate to risk. Training covers safe lifting techniques, use of mechanical aids, correct PPE selection (gloves, high-visibility clothing, safety boots and eye protection) and safe operation of tail lifts and winches. Competence checks and on-road assessments for drivers are carried out to maintain standards.
Manual handling procedures are documented and reinforced during toolbox talks and job briefs. Where tasks exceed safe manual limits, mechanical aids or team lifts are used. Waste segregation policies separate general rubbish from hazardous materials; anything suspected to be hazardous (asbestos-containing materials, chemical containers, batteries, sharps) is treated under special handling procedures and isolated pending specialist removal.
Vehicle Safety, Incident Reporting and Continuous Improvement
Vehicle safety forms a core part of our waste collection service. Vehicles are subject to daily pre-use checks, routine maintenance schedules and secure loading practices to prevent spillages and shifting loads. Drivers follow safe driving policies and do not overload vehicles. For on-site maneuvering, banksmen or spotters are used when visibility is limited to reduce the risk of contact with people or property during rubbish collection operations.
Incident reporting and emergency procedures are straightforward and consistently applied. All incidents, near misses and health concerns must be reported immediately and recorded. Incidents are investigated to identify root causes and to prevent recurrence. Emergency arrangements include first aid provisions, clear access for emergency services, and escalation routes for hazardous waste situations. Employees are encouraged to raise concerns through normal supervisory channels without fear of reprisal.
Monitoring, review and continual improvement underpin this policy. Regular site inspections, vehicle audits and safety performance reviews measure compliance and effectiveness. Key performance indicators include training completion, number of incidents, follow-up actions closed and audit findings addressed. Policies and procedures are reviewed at least annually or sooner when operational changes, new risks or learning from incidents indicate the need for revision. The aim is to maintain a culture where safety is integral to the rubbish company service area and to all Bow Man with a van activities.
Implementation of this policy is mandatory. Management will provide the resources needed to maintain safe systems, while all staff must play their part to ensure safe rubbish removal operations. This policy is supported by operational procedures, risk assessments and training records which together form the operational safety framework for Bow Man with Van. Safety is everyone’s responsibility and continuous attention to good practice will protect people, property and the environment.
