Commercial Waste Victoria — Health & Safety Policy

Purpose: This Health and Safety Policy sets the standard for all staff, contractors and partners engaged in commercial waste services and related rubbish collection operations. It articulates our commitment to preventing injury, protecting health and ensuring safe, compliant operations across every job — from commercial rubbish collection to depot and vehicle activities. The policy applies to all duties performed on behalf of Commercial Waste Victoria and to anyone affected by our activities.

Scope and objectives: We aim to reduce workplace risk through systematic risk assessment, safe work procedures and active safety leadership. The policy covers collection, transportation, transfer and temporary storage of commercial waste, including segregated recyclables and non-hazardous organics. Our objectives include eliminating hazards where practicable, minimizing exposure where elimination is not possible, and promoting well-being through training and supervision.

Responsibility and accountability: Senior management holds ultimate responsibility for health and safety outcomes and must ensure resources, systems and competent personnel are in place. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for operational control, risk communication and ensuring compliance with safe procedures. Employees are responsible for following instructions, using provided personal protective equipment and reporting hazards or incidents promptly. Contractors and subcontractors must meet the same standards as our in-house teams when performing work for the rubbish company.

Risk assessment and control: We employ a hierarchy of controls to manage hazards related to commercial waste collection and depot activities. This includes identifying hazards through routine inspections and job safety analyses, assessing likelihood and consequence, and implementing controls such as elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative measures and PPE. Common hazards addressed include manual handling, vehicle movements, slips/trips/falls, exposure to sharps and biological material, and lifting / tipping operations.

Training and competence: All staff receive induction training for safe operations, with periodic refresher courses and role-specific instruction. Training programs cover safe lifting, correct use of lifting equipment, safe vehicle operations, hazardous materials awareness and emergency procedures. Competency is assessed and documented; only authorised and trained staff are permitted to operate compactors, lift systems and commercial vehicles used in waste management Victoria operations.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) and hygiene: Appropriate PPE is supplied where residual risk remains: high-visibility clothing, gloves suitable for handling waste and sharps, steel-capped footwear, eye protection and respiratory protection as needed. Good hygiene practices are emphasised, including handwashing facilities, safe waste handling routines and secure storage of PPE. The policy requires immediate reporting and replacement of damaged PPE.

Vehicle and mobile plant safety: Vehicles and mobile plant are maintained to high standards and inspected before use. Drivers and operators must complete vehicle walkarounds, confirm load security and adhere to safe reversing and traffic management procedures. Safe loading limits and correct waste segregation are enforced to prevent spills and instability during transport by our commercial rubbish collection teams.

Manual handling and mechanical aids: We prioritise mechanical lifting aids and team lifts for heavy or awkward loads. Where manual handling is unavoidable, staff are trained in ergonomic techniques to reduce musculoskeletal injury. Lifting equipment is regularly inspected and maintained, and storage areas are designed to reduce repetitive handling and tripping hazards.

Hazardous materials and contamination control: Although our primary services focus on non-hazardous commercial waste, the policy ensures safe handling of any identified hazardous or potentially infectious materials. Suspected hazardous items are isolated and managed according to our internal procedures, with specialist removal arranged where necessary. Spill kits, containment procedures and decontamination protocols are in place to limit environmental and health impacts.

Incident reporting, investigation and continuous improvement

Incident management: All incidents, near-misses and exposures must be reported immediately and are subject to prompt investigation to identify root causes and corrective actions. Findings are shared with teams to prevent recurrence and to support our commitment to continuous improvement. Lessons learned inform updates to procedures, training and controls.

Monitoring, review and contractor management

• Regular safety audits and scheduled inspections evaluate performance and compliance across collection routes and depots.
• Contractor oversight: Contractors engaged for waste services must demonstrate equivalent health and safety standards and are monitored through the lifecycle of their contracts.
• Performance metrics and safety KPIs are used to track progress and guide management reviews.

Emergency preparedness and first response: Emergency response plans address scenarios such as vehicle incidents, major spills, fires and medical emergencies. Designated first responders are trained and equipped, and response drills are conducted periodically to ensure readiness.

Employee wellbeing and consultation: We maintain a consultative approach to safety, encouraging worker participation in risk identification and solution development. Mental health and fatigue management are integrated into rostering, training and support programs to ensure a safe and sustainable workforce for rubbish collection operations.

Policy maintenance: This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated to reflect operational changes, technological improvements and evolving best practice in commercial waste and rubbish removal services. Commitment to these principles is mandatory for all personnel and partners to ensure safe, reliable and responsible waste management across our service area.