To complete an initial review, assessment and action plan we propose a structured 4-day consultancy package. This will ensure a robust understanding of operational risks, existing controls, and opportunities for improvement.. The breakdown of will be as follows:
Day 1: Pre-Audit Preparation & Checklist Development
Days 2 & 3: On-Site Operational Assessment
Day 4: Report Writing & Action Plan Development

Please see full breakdown of how this service will be reviewed and conducted.

Compliance Plan: Waste and Recycling Vehicles in Street Collection (Including Door-to-Door Refuse Collection)

1. Purpose
To ensure operational compliance with HSE guidelines for waste and recycling collection on streets, including door-to-door refuse collection, mitigate risks, and safeguard all personnel through training, safe practices, and proper use of equipment.

2. Scope
This plan applies to all operational personnel engaged in street-level domestic and commercial waste collection, including drivers, loaders, and supervisory staff. It specifically includes door-to-door refuse collection activities where operatives access individual properties for bin collection.

3. Regulatory Framework
• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
• PUWER 1998
• LOLER 1998
• Waste Industry Safety and Health (WISH) Forum Guidance
• HSE Waste and Recycling Collection Safety Documents

4. Risk Assessment
Key Risks:
• Manual handling injuries during bin movement from property boundary
• Entanglement with lifting equipment
• Vehicle collisions, roll-aways
• Slips, trips, and falls while navigating residential paths, stairs, or driveways
• Hazards during roadside deliveries (passing traffic, uneven surfaces)
• Dog bites or aggressive pets during door-to-door collections
• Reversing incidents in confined residential areas
Controls:
• Site-specific and dynamic risk assessments that include property-specific access challenges
• Real-time adjustments for weather, traffic, pedestrian flow, and residential obstructions
• Safe working distance policies during loading/unloading
• Use of spotters and traffic marshals where appropriate
• Protocols for pet containment and resident notification where necessary
• Loaders to follow safe route mapping for door-to-door paths

5. Safe Systems of Work
Vehicle Operation:
• Pre-use checks on all vehicle safety features, including lifting arms and braking systems
• Vehicles equipped with cameras, audible reversing alarms, and emergency stop controls
• Use of stabilisers and proper parking during roadside and door-to-door stops
Lifting Equipment Use:
• Operators must ensure that no part of their body or clothing is near pinch or crush zones
• Bin-lifting mechanisms to be operated only by trained personnel
• Pre-use inspection for damage, leaks, or loose fittings
• Immediate shut-down protocol if lifting equipment malfunctions
Roadside Deliveries and Door-to-Door Collection:
• Designated safe drop zones away from high-traffic areas
• Traffic cones and signs to establish clear collection boundaries
• Loader visibility gear (hi-vis, LED beacons) mandatory
• Minimise time spent on roadside or footpaths by pre-sorting loads
• Operatives to avoid lifting bins over obstacles (e.g., walls, fences) – access through gates or designated paths only
• Clear access paths should be confirmed or reported if obstructed

6. Training and Competence
Core Training Modules:
• Safe use of lifting equipment (LOLER focus)
• Recognition of entanglement risks (loose clothing, long hair, jewellery)
• Proper positioning when operating or assisting lifts
• Use of emergency stop and manual override
• Maintenance and fault-reporting procedures
Roadside and Door-to-Door Collection Safety:
• Risk awareness for urban vs. rural roads
• Safe traffic and pedestrian management procedures
• Navigating residential pathways safely
• Interaction with residents and pet safety protocol
• Communication protocols with team and traffic
Additional Certifications (as needed):
• CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence)
• Manual handling
• First aid and emergency response
• Reversing assistant / banksman qualification
Competency Assessment:
• Annual practical assessments of lifting equipment use
• Unannounced operational audits
• Mandatory retraining after near misses or incidents

7. Monitoring and Supervision
• Supervisors to perform documented ride-alongs monthly, including observation of door-to-door operations
• Telematics tracking for harsh braking, over-revving, or route deviations
• Near-miss database reviewed weekly by health and safety officer
• Spot checks on PPE compliance and setup for door-to-door and roadside work

8. Incident and Near Miss Reporting
• All personnel trained in real-time reporting protocols
• Reports reviewed within 48 hours by safety lead
• Root cause analysis conducted for each event
• Corrective actions shared during toolbox talks

9. Emergency Preparedness
• Spill kits, cones, first aid kits in each vehicle
• Team communication via radio or mobile with live location sharing
• Monthly emergency drills simulating entrapment, slips/trips, or aggressive animal encounters
• Emergency contact numbers displayed in each vehicle cab

10. Review and Continuous Improvement
• Annual compliance and performance review
• Inclusion of operatives in monthly safety forums
• Safety innovations and learning from peer organisations
• Training content revised biannually to reflect latest regulations
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Appendices (updated for door-to-door inclusion):
• A: Site-Specific Risk Assessment Template (includes residential property access)
• B: Lifting Equipment Pre-Use Inspection Log
• C: Entanglement Hazard Awareness Poster
• D: Roadside and Door-to-Door Collection Setup Checklist
• E: Driver Training Record and Competency Log
• F: Incident/Near Miss Report Form