Cleaners W1 Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety policy sets out how Cleaners W1 manages and promotes a safe working environment for cleaners, clients, visitors and members of the public. Our commitment is to provide high quality cleaning services while minimising the risk of injury, ill health or damage to property.
Our Health and Safety Commitment
Cleaners W1 is committed to complying with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry guidance. We aim to prevent accidents and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing suitable control measures. We expect all employees, contractors and supervisors to cooperate with this policy and to take reasonable care of themselves and others who may be affected by their work.
Roles and Responsibilities
Management is responsible for establishing, implementing and reviewing this Health and Safety policy, ensuring appropriate resources are available for training, equipment, personal protective equipment and supervision. Supervisors are responsible for communicating safe working procedures, monitoring compliance and reporting any concerns or incidents. Cleaners and other workers must follow training and instructions, use equipment safely, wear required protective equipment and report any hazards, accidents or near misses without delay.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We carry out risk assessments for our cleaning activities, including general office cleaning, domestic cleaning, commercial premises cleaning and end of tenancy services. These assessments identify hazards such as slips, trips and falls, manual handling, exposure to cleaning substances, use of electrical equipment, work at low heights and interaction with building users. Control measures and safe systems of work are documented and communicated to all relevant staff, and are reviewed periodically or when working conditions, equipment or methods change.
Training, Information and Supervision
All new cleaners receive induction training covering health and safety responsibilities, emergency procedures, safe use of equipment, handling of cleaning chemicals and correct manual handling techniques. Ongoing training is provided for new tasks, new equipment and periodic refresher needs. Supervisors monitor working practices to ensure procedures are followed and provide additional guidance where needed. Clear instructions are provided in a language and format that workers can understand.
Cleaning Chemicals and COSHH
We use only approved cleaning products that are appropriate for the surfaces and areas being cleaned. Safety data sheets are obtained from suppliers and are used to complete control of substances risk assessments. Cleaners are trained in dilution, safe handling, correct storage, labelling and appropriate disposal of chemicals. Products are never mixed, and containers are never decanted into unlabelled bottles. Where necessary, ventilation is used to minimise inhalation risks and gloves or other personal protective equipment are worn to prevent skin contact.
Equipment, Electrical Safety and Maintenance
All cleaning equipment, including vacuum cleaners, floor machines, steam cleaners and portable appliances, is selected, maintained and used in accordance with manufacturer instructions. Equipment is inspected regularly for damage, faults or wear, and items are removed from service immediately if considered unsafe. Cables are routed to minimise trip hazards and are never used if damaged. Workers are instructed not to tamper with electrical installations and to report any concerns about sockets, lighting or fixed equipment encountered on client premises.
Personal Protective Equipment
Cleaners W1 provides suitable personal protective equipment, such as gloves, eye protection, masks and non-slip footwear, based on risk assessments. Workers must use the equipment provided, keep it in good condition and report any defects or losses. PPE is considered a final line of defence and is used alongside other controls such as safe systems of work, ventilation, correct product selection and mechanical aids.
Manual Handling and Ergonomics
Manual handling tasks, such as moving vacuum cleaners, buckets, waste and supplies, are assessed and controlled to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Cleaners receive instruction in good lifting techniques, safe push and pull methods and the importance of avoiding twisting or overreaching. Heavy or bulky loads are reduced, broken down or moved using trolleys where possible. Work schedules are planned to limit repetitive strain and allow for reasonable breaks.
Slips, Trips, Falls and Site Safety
We take particular care to reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls on client premises. Wet floor signs and barriers are used where necessary, and cleaners are instructed to manage trailing cables, keep walkways clear and promptly clean up spillages. Work at low heights, such as the use of step stools or small ladders, is carried out only by trained staff using appropriate equipment. Unsafe conditions such as damaged flooring, loose carpets or poor lighting are reported to the client or building representative.
Safeguarding Clients, Confidentiality and Security
Our cleaners often work in occupied homes and workplaces, sometimes outside normal hours. We require respectful behaviour, protection of client property and strict confidentiality. Doors and windows are secured as instructed by the client, keys and access devices are managed carefully, and alarms are used correctly. Any concerns relating to safeguarding, vulnerable persons or security are reported promptly to management.
Accidents, Near Misses and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported to a supervisor as soon as practicable so that first aid, follow up actions and investigations can be arranged. Records are kept and reviewed to identify trends and prevention measures. Cleaners are instructed on emergency procedures relevant to the sites where they work, including fire evacuation routes, assembly points and how to raise the alarm. First aid arrangements are clarified with clients for each site where regular services are provided.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety policy is reviewed at regular intervals and whenever there are significant changes to our services, equipment or legal requirements. We welcome feedback from cleaners, clients and other stakeholders to help us identify improvements in our working practices. By working together, we aim to maintain safe, healthy and efficient cleaning services across the areas we cover.