Cleaners Acton Health and Safety Policy
Cleaners Acton is committed to providing professional cleaning services in a manner that protects the health, safety and welfare of our employees, clients, visitors and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to preventing accidents, reducing risks and promoting a safe working culture in all locations where our services are delivered.
Policy Statement and Objectives
The management of Cleaners Acton recognises its duty to manage health and safety responsibly and to comply with relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards. Our objectives are to prevent injury and ill health, to provide safe and healthy working conditions and to continually improve our health and safety management systems.
We will identify and control risks associated with cleaning activities, including use of chemicals, manual handling, use of equipment, lone working and working on client premises. We will actively consult with employees and, where appropriate, clients to ensure that safety arrangements are understood and implemented.
Responsibilities
The overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the senior management of Cleaners Acton. Management will ensure that appropriate resources, training and supervision are provided so that this policy can be effectively implemented and maintained.
Supervisors are responsible for monitoring day-to-day compliance with this policy, carrying out local checks, reporting hazards and ensuring that staff follow safe systems of work at every site where cleaning services are provided.
Every employee has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work. Employees must cooperate with management, follow instructions and procedures, use personal protective equipment correctly and report any accidents, incidents or unsafe conditions without delay.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Cleaners Acton will carry out suitable and proportionate risk assessments for its cleaning activities. These assessments will consider hazards such as slips and trips, work at height for internal surfaces, handling of waste, use of electrical equipment, exposure to cleaning chemicals and interaction with building users.
Based on these assessments, we will implement safe systems of work, including clear instructions, method statements and control measures designed to minimise risk. Risk assessments will be reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to work methods, equipment, substances used or the work environment.
Training, Information and Supervision
We will provide all employees with appropriate health and safety training relevant to their duties. This will include induction training for new staff and refresher training where necessary to maintain competence.
Training may cover topics such as correct use and storage of cleaning chemicals, safe manual handling techniques, use of equipment, fire safety, emergency procedures, lone working arrangements and reporting of incidents. Records of training will be maintained and reviewed to ensure that all team members remain fully informed.
Supervisors will provide ongoing guidance and supervision to ensure that safe working practices are followed consistently across all client sites.
Chemical Safety and COSHH
Cleaners Acton will ensure that all cleaning chemicals and substances are assessed for risks to health and are used in accordance with manufacturer instructions and relevant safety data. Only approved products will be used by our staff as part of our cleaning services.
Chemicals will be stored securely, labelled clearly and used at the correct dilution rates. Staff will be trained in safe handling, use of personal protective equipment such as gloves and eye protection where needed, and actions to take in the event of spills or accidental exposure.
Equipment, Maintenance and Personal Protective Equipment
All cleaning equipment provided by Cleaners Acton will be suitable for its intended use, maintained in safe working order and inspected periodically. Defective equipment will be removed from service immediately and reported to management.
Where assessment indicates that personal protective equipment is required, such as gloves, masks, aprons or eye protection, this will be provided at no cost to employees. Staff must use the equipment provided in accordance with training and instructions and report any damage or defects so that items can be replaced promptly.
Manual Handling
Manual handling of equipment, supplies and waste is a common activity in cleaning work. Cleaners Acton will avoid hazardous manual handling where reasonably practicable and will provide appropriate handling aids where possible.
Employees will receive instruction in safe lifting and carrying techniques, planning of routes, working within personal capability and taking account of environmental conditions on site. Heavy or awkward loads will be split, shared or handled with equipment where appropriate to reduce risk of musculoskeletal injury.
Working on Client Premises
Our teams frequently work at client locations, including homes, offices and commercial premises. When working on site, employees must comply with the safety rules and procedures of that location in addition to this policy.
Access arrangements, security procedures, fire evacuation routes and any site-specific hazards will be communicated to staff before or on arrival at the premises. We will cooperate with clients on health and safety matters and provide them with information about our working methods where this is necessary for safe coordination of activities.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, incidents, near misses and hazardous conditions encountered during cleaning operations must be reported to a supervisor or manager as soon as reasonably practical. This enables us to investigate causes, implement corrective actions and prevent recurrence.
Employees will be made aware of emergency arrangements relevant to their work locations, including fire procedures, first aid arrangements and how to raise the alarm. Where required, incident records will be kept in line with legal requirements.
Welfare, Health Protection and Wellbeing
Cleaners Acton values the wellbeing of its workforce and recognises that good health supports safe performance. We will seek to ensure that staff have access to suitable welfare facilities, rest breaks and drinking water while at work.
We will strive to protect staff from work-related stress, fatigue and other health concerns through sensible scheduling, support from supervisors and open communication. Where employees raise health or wellbeing issues that may affect their work, we will discuss suitable adjustments or support as appropriate.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy will be monitored to ensure that it remains effective and relevant to the services we provide. We will review the policy periodically and following any significant changes in our operations, legal requirements or best practice guidance.
Feedback from employees, clients and other stakeholders will be considered as part of our ongoing efforts to improve safety standards and performance. Cleaners Acton is committed to maintaining a positive health and safety culture that supports high-quality, reliable and responsible cleaning services.