Health & Safety Policy
Last updated: October 2025
1. Our Commitment
DrClear House Clearance is committed to maintaining the highest standards of health and safety for our staff, clients, visitors, and the public.
We recognise our legal and moral responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and associated UK regulations.
Our goal is to ensure that all work activities are carried out safely, without risk to health, and with full consideration for the environment and community.
2. Policy Statement
We will:
Prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health by identifying and controlling hazards.
Provide safe working conditions, equipment, and procedures for all employees and subcontractors.
Train and supervise staff to ensure safe working practices at all times.
Maintain full compliance with relevant health and safety legislation.
Review and improve this policy regularly to reflect operational and legal changes.
Health and safety is a core part of how we operate — not an afterthought.
3. Responsibilities
Business Owner
Krzysztof Szczesny (Chris), trading as DrClear House Clearance, has overall responsibility for implementing this policy and ensuring compliance with UK health and safety law.
He will:
Ensure all staff are competent and trained.
Provide necessary protective equipment (PPE).
Regularly assess risks and review procedures.
Maintain insurance and accident reporting systems.
Team Members and Subcontractors
All workers are required to:
Follow safety instructions and risk assessments.
Use equipment, tools, and PPE responsibly.
Report hazards, near misses, or accidents immediately.
Ensure customers, visitors, and the public are kept safe during clearance work.
4. Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We undertake formal risk assessments for all clearance tasks, taking into account:
Manual handling risks (lifting, carrying, loading).
Trips, slips, and falls.
Vehicle and traffic management.
Working at height (e.g., lofts).
Hazardous or contaminated waste.
Electrical safety (for appliances and wiring).
Safe working methods are implemented for each activity, and staff receive instruction before undertaking new or high-risk tasks.
5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
All staff are provided with appropriate PPE based on the task, including:
Protective gloves and footwear.
Hi-visibility clothing.
Face masks and respirators (for dusty environments).
Hard hats, goggles, or coveralls when required.
All PPE is maintained, replaced as needed, and must be worn whenever required by the risk assessment.
6. Vehicles and Equipment Safety
We maintain all vehicles and equipment to manufacturer and regulatory standards.
Before each job:
Vehicles are checked for roadworthiness.
Lifting equipment, tools, and trolleys are inspected.
Waste loads are secured safely and in compliance with the Highway Code and Environment Agency Duty of Care.
7. Manual Handling
Because property clearance involves heavy or awkward items, all team members receive manual handling training to reduce injury risk.
Lifting is always performed using correct technique and teamwork, never beyond an individual’s capability.
8. Hazardous Materials
We do not handle or remove hazardous waste such as:
Asbestos
Medical or biological waste
Chemicals or solvents
Gas bottles or pressurised containers
If such materials are encountered, work will be suspended, and the client will be advised to contact an approved specialist.
9. Fire Safety
Fire exits and escape routes are identified at every site.
Staff carry fire extinguishers in vehicles for emergency use.
No smoking or open flames are permitted near combustible waste or vehicles.
10. Incident Reporting
All accidents, near misses, and injuries are reported immediately to the owner.
Serious incidents will be recorded and investigated to prevent recurrence.
Records are maintained in accordance with RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013).
11. Training and Supervision
All team members receive:
Induction training covering health, safety, and environmental awareness.
Ongoing on-the-job supervision.
Refresher training for manual handling, waste management, and vehicle safety.
Competency is monitored and recorded regularly.
12. Insurance
DrClear House Clearance is fully insured with AXA Insurance UK for:
Public Liability – up to £2 million
Employer’s Liability – where applicable
Copies of insurance certificates are available upon request.
13. Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health & Safety Policy will be reviewed annually or whenever there are major changes to operations, legislation, or risk profiles.
We are committed to continuous improvement and welcome feedback from clients, staff, and regulatory bodies.
Signed:
Krzysztof Szczesny (Chris)
Owner & Operator – DrClear House Clearance
5 Churchfields Rd, Wednesbury WS10 9DX
office@drclear.co.uk
07958 429 751
Date of issue: October 2025
Next review: October 2026
DrClear House Clearance – Respectful Clearances. Responsible Recycling. Safe and Sustainable Service.
