Harrys Waste Health and Safety Policy

Harrys Waste is committed to delivering waste collection and management services with the highest standards of health and safety. This policy outlines the approach taken by the company to protect employees, contractors, visitors and members of the public from harm arising from our operations. The purpose is to set clear expectations, responsibilities and processes that support a safe working environment while maintaining efficient service delivery.

Our health and safety statement emphasises prevention, risk reduction and continual improvement. All managers and staff at Harrys Waste are required to operate in a way that minimises hazards and prevents incidents. The organisation will provide resources, training and leadership to ensure that the principles of safe working are embedded across collection, transfer, and disposal activities. Safety is a core value that informs every operational decision.

The objectives of this Harrys Waste safety policy include maintaining safe systems of work, ensuring suitable equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) are available and used correctly, and promoting a culture where hazards are identified and controlled promptly. To achieve these objectives we will:

• Assess and manage risks associated with waste handling and transport
• Provide appropriate training and supervision
• Maintain plant and vehicles to safe operating standards
• Encourage reporting of hazards and incidents without fear of reprisal

Scope and Responsibilities

This policy applies to all activities carried out by Harrys Waste, including collection, loading, transfer, storage and disposal. Responsibilities are allocated as follows: senior management shall set direction and ensure resources; supervisors will implement safe systems and monitor compliance; every employee must follow safe working procedures and report unsafe conditions. Collective responsibility ensures that safety is not delegated solely to a safety representative but shared across the business.

Training and competency form a central part of our approach. Employees will receive induction training, job-specific instruction and regular refreshers to ensure competence in manual handling, vehicle operation, hazardous materials awareness and the use of PPE. Records of training will be maintained and reviewed as part of the performance and safety management process. Competent people reduce risk.

Risk Management and Control Measures

Harrys Waste employs a systematic risk assessment process to identify and mitigate hazards before work begins. Controls include safe operating procedures, segregation of hazardous materials, appropriate waste containment, traffic management at sites and clearly marked pedestrian routes. Personal protective equipment is provided where risks cannot be eliminated and must be worn as required. Emergency equipment and first aid supplies are positioned where they are accessible and regularly checked.

Operational Procedures and Safe Working

Operational safety covers vehicle maintenance, loading and unloading, site housekeeping, and interaction with members of the public. Drivers and crew are required to perform pre-start vehicle checks and follow safe loading limits. Procedures specify measures for working near moving vehicles, use of reversing aids, and safe use of compactors and lifting equipment. Proactive maintenance ensures machines and vehicles remain safe to operate.

Incident reporting and investigation are critical to learning and preventing recurrence. All accidents, near misses and unsafe conditions must be reported promptly so they can be investigated to identify root causes. Findings will be used to update risk assessments, improve controls and inform training. Harrys Waste will maintain an open reporting culture that focuses on corrective action and continuous improvement rather than blame. Timely reporting saves lives.

Monitoring, audit and review processes provide assurance that the policy is effective and being followed. Regular inspections, toolbox talks and managerial audits will verify compliance with procedures and identify opportunities for improvement. Performance indicators such as incident rates, training completion and corrective action closure rates will be tracked and reviewed at management meetings. Continuous review ensures the policy remains relevant as operations and risks change.

Health considerations include managing exposure to biological and chemical hazards commonly associated with waste streams. Controls include safe handling procedures, hygiene facilities, vaccinations where appropriate, and information on health risks. Occupational health support will be available to employees exposed to hazardous substances or ergonomic strain. Harrys Waste recognises that protecting physical and mental health supports overall safety and productivity.

Contractor and supply chain management requires that third parties working on our behalf follow the same high standards. Contractors must demonstrate competence, provide method statements and evidence of their own safety systems before commencing work. Collaboration with partners helps ensure consistent application of best practices across shared sites and activities.

Implementation of this Harrys Waste health and safety policy is the responsibility of everyone within the organisation. Managers will lead by example, workers will participate actively in safety initiatives, and the business will invest in the necessary resources to keep people safe. Regular communication and visible leadership will reinforce the message that safety underpins all operations.

Policy Review and Commitment: This policy will be reviewed at planned intervals and revised as required to reflect changes in operations, technology and lessons learned from incidents. Harrys Waste commits to continual improvement in health, safety and wellbeing, ensuring that safe systems of work are sustained and improved over time.

By embedding these principles into everyday practice, Harrys Waste aims to provide a safe work environment for staff, contractors and the public while delivering reliable waste services. All personnel are expected to be familiar with this policy and to act in accordance with its requirements to achieve a safer workplace.