Office Clearance Victoria — Health and Safety Policy
This document outlines the approach and obligations that underpin safe working across all office clearance, commercial waste removal and rubbish collection activities. It sets out the principles that govern how we plan, control and monitor operations to prevent harm to people, property and the environment. The policy applies to employees, agency staff, contractors and any person authorised to work on company projects. Safe systems and consistent standards are essential for efficient office clearing and responsible waste clearance.Policy Overview and Scope
Our policy commits to proactive risk management for all forms of office clearance work, including office junk removal, bulk rubbish removal and asset decommissioning. The scope includes site surveys, handling and segregation of general and recyclable materials, transport and handover to authorised disposal facilities. We promote a culture where safety considerations are integral to planning every clearance task, and where environmental responsibilities are aligned with operational delivery.
Responsibilities and Leadership
Clear roles and responsibilities are assigned at all levels. Senior management champions health and safety, supervisors translate policy into site-level controls and operatives deliver work in accordance with safe methods. Responsibilities include training, permit-to-work systems where needed, and maintaining records of risk assessments and toolbox talks. Key duties are:- Senior leadership: provide visible commitment, allocate resources and ensure periodic review.
- Supervisors and team leaders: manage on-site hazards, conduct briefings and enforce compliance.
- Employees and contractors: attend training, use issued PPE and report unsafe conditions immediately.
Risk Assessment, Planning and Controls
All assignments commence with a documented risk assessment and a task-specific plan. Hazards considered include manual handling loads, sharp objects, electrical items, hazardous household chemicals, slips/trips, working at height and traffic movements when loading vehicles. Controls are proportionate and may include exclusion zones, mechanical handling aids, traffic cones and banksman supervision for vehicle manoeuvres. Risk assessments are revisited where site conditions change or new hazards are identified. Where higher risks are present, enhanced controls and detailed safe method statements are applied to protect everyone involved in the clearance and rubbish removal process.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Equipment Management
PPE is provided according to task requirements and must be used correctly; items include gloves suitable for sharp material, puncture-resistant footwear, hi-vis garments and eye protection. Tools, trolleys, tail lifts and lifting straps are inspected and maintained under a formal regime to ensure fitness for purpose. Faults are recorded and defective items are taken out of service. We also adopt ergonomics-aware practices, encouraging team lifts, scheduled breaks and the use of mechanical aids to reduce strain during heavy office clearance activities. Vehicle and traffic safety checks are undertaken before departure for collection routes and loading operations.
Training, competence checks and refresher sessions form part of our operational controls. Induction covers site-specific risks, manual handling and hazard communication. Additional modules address safe handling of e-waste, secure data-bearing device disposal and strategies for safe removal of bulky items such as shelving and office furniture. We use toolbox talks, observed practice and documented competency assessments to confirm personnel are capable of performing assigned duties safely. Ongoing supervision and mentoring ensure learning is applied in the workplace.
Incidents, Emergency Preparedness and Health
Incidents and near misses are recorded and investigated to establish root causes and preventive measures. Our response arrangements include first aid provision, clear reporting lines and access to emergency services where required. Occupational health considerations include assessing exposure to dust, noise and repetitive tasks, and promoting early reporting of work-related pain or stress. Mental wellbeing and fatigue management are recognised as important factors in maintaining safe performance during clearance operations, and we provide clear routes for reporting and support where concerns arise.
Contractor Control, Environmental Management and Waste Segregation
We require that all contractors and subcontractors engaged in clearance, rubbish removal and commercial clearance adopt compatible safety standards and demonstrate competence before engagement. Environmental controls mandate segregation of recyclables, responsible disposal of electrical equipment and safe handling of hazardous items such as batteries and fluorescent tubes. Waste transfer records and disposal receipts are maintained to provide traceability. Planning for disposal and recycling is included in project briefs to maximise recycling rates and to avoid unnecessary landfill. We continually seek to improve recycling rates and reduce unnecessary waste.
