Green Waste Handling & Disposal Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Traffic interface when loading at kerbside — Plan work for off-peak times; set advance warning signs and cones to create a protected work zone. Wear high-visibility clothing; keep operatives inside the zone and vehicles parked to shield the team. Use a lookout to pause works for passing traffic, cyclists and pedestrians.
• Cold, wet weather and wind chill — Issue waterproof layered PPE and thermal gloves; keep spares available to change when soaked. Warm-up breaks in heated shelter with hot drinks; rotate cold-exposed tasks. Adjust pace, stop for lightning or severe gusts, and ensure vehicles provide emergency refuge.
• Dust inhalation during loading and sweeping — Use damping (misting) during sweeping and loading; avoid dry tipping from height. Choose mechanical sweepers with onboard extraction. Provide FFP2/FFP3 respirators, enforce engine-off near sweep zones, and rotate tasks to reduce exposure duration for individuals.
• Site rules and permit non-compliance — Obtain site induction and permits before entry; follow traffic plans, PPE rules and tipping protocols. Keep paperwork accessible; use radios where required. Comply with weighbridge and segregation requirements; stop work and seek clarification if instructions conflict or conditions change.
• Slips, trips and uneven ground — Survey routes before movement; clear trip hazards and mark holes, kerbs and slippery algae. Use anti-slip boots with ankle support; keep hands free by using trolleys where possible. Maintain tidy stacking, good lighting, and wet-weather protocols with slower pace and spotters.