Health And Safety Policy
Cleaners Wandsworth Health and Safety Policy
Cleaners Wandsworth is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, clients and members of the public who may be affected by our cleaning activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with professional cleaning services in homes, offices and commercial premises.
Policy Statement and Objectives
The objective of this policy is to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health arising from our operations. We aim to identify hazards in advance, implement effective control measures and continuously improve our health and safety performance. Health and safety considerations are integral to all planning and delivery of cleaning services.
Management takes ultimate responsibility for health and safety within the company and allocates appropriate resources to meet legal and moral obligations. All employees are expected to co-operate fully with this policy and to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others.
Responsibilities
Senior management is responsible for developing, implementing and reviewing this Health and Safety Policy. This includes setting standards, ensuring risk assessments are carried out, providing training and monitoring compliance.
Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that cleaners understand and follow safe working procedures, use equipment correctly and report hazards and incidents promptly.
Employees are required to follow instructions, comply with this policy, use personal protective equipment where provided, and report any concerns, accidents or near-misses to their supervisor without delay.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Cleaners Wandsworth undertakes risk assessments for all regular and specialist cleaning tasks. These assessments consider hazards such as slips and trips, manual handling, use of chemicals, electrical equipment, working at height and lone working.
Control measures and safe systems of work are developed from these assessments and communicated to all relevant staff. Safe working procedures are reviewed regularly and whenever the nature of the work changes, new equipment is introduced or an incident suggests that current controls may be inadequate.
Training, Information and Supervision
All cleaners receive appropriate health and safety induction training before starting work. This includes instruction on company safety rules, emergency procedures, correct use of cleaning products and equipment, and safe manual handling techniques.
Task-specific training is provided for any specialist work, such as machine floor cleaning, carpet and upholstery cleaning or work requiring additional controls. Refresher training is carried out periodically and whenever there are changes to procedures or equipment.
Supervision is provided to ensure that staff follow training and company procedures. Additional support is given to new or inexperienced employees and to those returning to work after a prolonged absence.
Chemicals and Hazardous Substances
Cleaning products are selected with safety in mind, and we aim to use the least hazardous substances that are effective for the required task. Safety information for all cleaning chemicals is obtained from suppliers and is made available to staff.
Where required, assessments are carried out for substances that may pose health risks. Cleaners are trained in the safe storage, handling, dilution and disposal of cleaning products, including never mixing incompatible chemicals. Suitable personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks or eye protection is provided and must be used in accordance with instructions.
Equipment and Electrical Safety
All cleaning equipment, including vacuum cleaners, floor machines and other electrical appliances, is purchased from reputable suppliers and used only for its intended purpose. Equipment is inspected regularly and maintained in a safe condition.
Employees are trained in the safe use of machinery and tools. Any defective equipment must be removed from service immediately and reported to a supervisor for repair or replacement.
Manual Handling and Ergonomics
Many cleaning tasks involve lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling. Cleaners Wandsworth is committed to reducing manual handling risks by using appropriate tools, equipment and work methods.
Staff are trained in safe lifting techniques and encouraged to avoid unnecessary manual handling. Loads should be broken down into smaller, manageable amounts wherever possible, and trolleys or other aids should be used to transport heavy items.
Slips, Trips and Housekeeping
Slips and trips are a common cause of accidents in cleaning work. We take practical steps to minimise these risks by using clear signage when floors are wet, ensuring cables are managed safely and maintaining good housekeeping standards at all times.
Spillages are cleaned promptly and warning signs are used during and after cleaning until floors are dry. Pathways, stairs and access routes must be kept clear of obstacles, waste and stored equipment.
Lone Working and Site Security
Some cleaning tasks may be carried out outside normal business hours or where staff work alone. Where lone working is required, additional controls are implemented, such as check-in procedures, clear emergency contacts and defined access arrangements.
Cleaners must follow site security rules and are responsible for keeping keys, access cards and alarm codes secure. Any concerns about safety or security on site must be reported immediately.
Accidents, Incidents and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, incidents and near-misses must be reported to a supervisor as soon as possible. Records are kept and investigated to identify root causes and to prevent recurrence.
Staff are briefed on emergency procedures relevant to each site, including fire evacuation routes, assembly points and how to raise the alarm. Where first aid provisions are available on site, cleaners are informed of their location.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Cleaners Wandsworth encourages staff to contribute ideas and raise concerns about health and safety. Feedback is welcomed and is used to improve our systems and procedures.
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains suitable, effective and aligned with current legislation and best practice for cleaning operations. When necessary, the policy is updated and any significant changes are communicated to all employees.