Health And Safety Policy
Cleaners Streatham Health and Safety Policy
Cleaners Streatham is committed to providing professional cleaning services in a way 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 principles, responsibilities and procedures for maintaining a safe working environment wherever our services are delivered.
Policy Aims and Scope
The aim of this policy is to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing effective control measures. It applies to all employees, contractors, temporary workers and any other persons engaged in work on behalf of Cleaners Streatham, whether on client premises, residential properties or communal areas.
We comply with all relevant health and safety legislation, codes of practice and industry standards applicable to commercial and domestic cleaning activities. This policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains current and effective.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management holds overall responsibility for health and safety within Cleaners Streatham. This includes providing appropriate resources, safe equipment, suitable cleaning products and clear procedures to ensure work is carried out safely.
Management will:
Ensure that risk assessments and COSHH assessments are completed, recorded and regularly reviewed for all cleaning tasks and substances used. Provide training, instruction and supervision to ensure employees are competent to carry out their duties safely. Maintain safe systems of work, including safe use, storage and disposal of cleaning chemicals and equipment. Investigate accidents, incidents and near misses, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Consult with employees on health and safety matters and encourage open reporting of hazards and concerns.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee of Cleaners Streatham has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Employees must:
Follow all health and safety procedures, instructions and training provided. Use equipment, materials and personal protective equipment correctly and for their intended purpose. Report hazards, defects, accidents, incidents and near misses to management without delay. Refrain from working under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that may impair judgement or performance. Co operate with management in the implementation and improvement of this policy.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working
Cleaners Streatham carries out risk assessments for all regular and one off cleaning services. These assessments consider hazards such as slips and trips, manual handling, electrical equipment, working at height for tasks such as cleaning high surfaces, and exposure to cleaning chemicals.
Safe systems of work are developed from these assessments and may include:
Using appropriate signage when floors are wet or being cleaned. Planning tasks to reduce the need for awkward or heavy manual handling. Using stable and suitable access equipment for high level cleaning, never makeshift platforms. Ensuring electrical equipment is in good condition and used in accordance with manufacturer instructions. Scheduling tasks to minimise disruption and risk to building occupants and visitors.
COSHH and Chemical Safety
Cleaning products and substances are managed in accordance with Control of Substances Hazardous to Health requirements. Before introducing any substance, we obtain safety data, evaluate its risks and determine control measures.
We ensure that:
All containers are clearly labelled and stored safely away from unauthorised access. Staff receive training in safe handling, dilution, application and disposal of chemicals. Suitable personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks or eye protection is provided and worn where required. Adequate ventilation is used when working with products that emit vapours. Spills are dealt with promptly using appropriate methods and materials.
Personal Protective Equipment
Personal protective equipment is provided as a supplementary control measure where risks cannot be adequately controlled by other means. Depending on the task, this may include gloves, aprons, masks, eye protection and non slip footwear.
Employees are required to use the equipment provided, maintain it in good condition and report any damage or defects so that items can be repaired or replaced.
Manual Handling and Ergonomics
We recognise that manual handling is a significant risk in cleaning operations. Cleaners Streatham provides training in safe lifting, carrying and moving of equipment and materials.
Where possible, we reduce manual handling risks by:
Using trolleys or other aids to transport equipment and products. Selecting lightweight tools and materials where suitable. Organising work to avoid repetitive or extended awkward postures. Encouraging staff to take short breaks from repetitive tasks to reduce strain.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, incidents, near misses and hazardous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as practicable. Records are kept for monitoring and legal compliance purposes. Where necessary, we will co operate with clients in the use of their own reporting procedures for incidents occurring on their premises.
Employees are trained in basic emergency procedures relevant to their work, including what to do in case of fire, chemical spills, injuries or sudden illness while working at a property.
Welfare, Health and Wellbeing
Cleaners Streatham is committed to supporting the overall wellbeing of our staff. We take into account workload, working hours, lone working arrangements and travel between sites to reduce stress and fatigue.
We encourage employees to report any concerns about their physical or mental health that may be affected by their work, so that reasonable adjustments or support measures can be considered.
Training, Communication and Review
All new employees receive health and safety induction training before commencing work. Ongoing training, refresher sessions and task specific instructions are provided to ensure that staff remain competent and up to date with safe practices.
This Health and Safety policy is communicated to all employees and is available to clients on request. It is reviewed regularly and updated when there are significant changes in our operations, legal requirements or best practice guidance. Cleaners Streatham is dedicated to continuous improvement in health and safety performance across all cleaning services in its operating areas.