Green Waste Handling & Disposal Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Vehicle movements and reversing on site — Establish one-way systems and marked pedestrian routes; appoint a trained banksman for reversing. Fit vehicles with beepers and cameras; use radios for clear signals. Set speed limits, prohibit distractions, and stop work if sight lines or signals are lost.
• Trailer or tipper instability and overturn — Verify ground bearing capacity and gradients before tipping; keep people clear of the arc. Load evenly front-to-rear and side-to-side. Chock wheels where needed; never move with body raised. Follow manufacturer limits; halt in high winds and use spotters at transfer sites.
• Fire and self-heating in green waste piles — Avoid oversized stockpiles; maintain separation distances from structures and fuels. Keep piles dry and turned to limit heat build-up; prohibit hot works and smoking nearby. Carry extinguishers and water supply; monitor for smoke and call fire service early if needed.
• 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.
• 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.