Cleaners Greenwich Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Cleaners Greenwich manages health, safety, and welfare for our employees, contractors, clients, and members of the public. Our goal is to provide professional cleaning services while preventing accidents, injuries, and damage to property in every environment where we work.
Our Commitment to Health and Safety
Cleaners Greenwich is committed to maintaining high standards of health and safety in all cleaning activities. We aim to identify and control risks arising from our work, ensure that staff are competent and properly trained, and continually improve our procedures in line with best practice and applicable UK legislation.
Health and safety is a shared responsibility. Management, supervisors, cleaners, and clients all play a part in creating safe working conditions and promoting a culture where safety is valued and respected.
Roles and Responsibilities
Management is responsible for establishing this policy, providing adequate resources to implement it, and reviewing it regularly. Management will ensure that risk assessments are completed, safe systems of work are developed, and appropriate training and supervision are provided.
Supervisors are responsible for communicating safety procedures to staff, monitoring working practices, reporting hazards or incidents, and ensuring that cleaners have the correct equipment, protective clothing, and materials for each task.
Cleaning staff are responsible for following all health and safety instructions, using equipment and substances correctly, wearing any required personal protective equipment, reporting hazards or near misses, and stopping work if they believe conditions are unsafe.
Clients are encouraged to inform us of any known hazards at their premises and to cooperate with our staff when safety measures are being put in place.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Before undertaking cleaning services at any premises, Cleaners Greenwich will assess foreseeable risks associated with the tasks to be carried out. Risk assessments may cover slips and trips, manual handling, use of cleaning chemicals, electrical equipment, working at height, and any site-specific hazards.
Where significant risks are identified, we will implement control measures and safe working practices. These may include method statements, the use of warning signs, restricting access to cleaning areas, using appropriate equipment, and providing additional training or supervision where necessary.
Our risk assessments and procedures are reviewed periodically, and whenever there are changes in equipment, products, work methods, or the layout of client premises.
Use of Cleaning Chemicals and COSHH
Cleaners Greenwich carefully selects cleaning products and uses them in line with manufacturer guidance and applicable regulations. We will assess the risks associated with cleaning chemicals and put in place control measures to protect staff, clients, and others who may be affected by their use.
Chemicals will be used only for their intended purpose, in the correct dilution, and stored safely when not in use. Containers will be clearly labelled, and staff will be instructed never to mix products unless specifically approved by the manufacturer. Ventilation will be considered when using strong products, and where required, personal protective equipment will be provided and worn.
Personal Protective Equipment
Where hazards cannot be fully controlled by other means, Cleaners Greenwich will provide suitable personal protective equipment to staff. This may include gloves, masks, eye protection, and non-slip footwear, depending on the specific tasks and environment.
Staff are required to look after any issued protective equipment, wear it as instructed, and report any loss, damage, or defects so that it can be replaced promptly.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Many cleaning tasks involve moving equipment, supplies, and waste. Cleaners Greenwich will minimise the need for manual handling where possible and provide training on safe lifting techniques to reduce the risk of injury.
All equipment, including vacuum cleaners, floor machines, and other tools, will be maintained in good working order. Staff will be trained in the correct use of each piece of equipment and instructed to report defects immediately. Faulty equipment must not be used until it has been inspected and repaired or replaced.
Slips, Trips, Falls and Site Safety
To reduce the risk of slips and trips, staff will use appropriate signage, especially when floors are wet or cleaning is in progress. Cables will be positioned to minimise tripping hazards, and equipment or materials will not be left where they might obstruct walkways or emergency exits.
Where tasks involve working at low height, such as using steps or small ladders, only suitable and inspected equipment will be used. Staff will be trained to avoid overreaching and to maintain three points of contact where relevant.
Health, Hygiene and Welfare
Cleaners Greenwich promotes good hygiene practices to protect both staff and clients. Staff are encouraged to wash or sanitise their hands regularly, particularly after handling waste, using cleaning chemicals, or completing tasks in kitchens and washrooms.
Where required, additional infection control measures may be implemented, including the use of appropriate disinfectants and enhanced cleaning procedures for high-touch surfaces. Staff who are unwell should inform management at the earliest opportunity, especially if they have symptoms that may pose a risk to others.
Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, near misses, and hazardous incidents must be reported to management as soon as practicable. Cleaners Greenwich will investigate incidents to identify causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Staff will familiarise themselves with emergency procedures at each work location, including fire evacuation routes and points, location of first aid facilities, and any site-specific instructions provided by the client. In an emergency, safety takes priority over cleaning tasks.
Training, Supervision and Continuous Improvement
Cleaners Greenwich provides initial and ongoing training in health and safety, covering safe use of equipment, safe handling of chemicals, manual handling, and other relevant topics. Additional guidance will be given when new products, tools, or methods are introduced, or when working in higher-risk environments.
Supervisors will monitor compliance with this policy and safe working practices, providing feedback and additional training where necessary. We are committed to reviewing and improving our health and safety arrangements and invite staff and clients to raise any concerns or suggestions for improvement.
Policy Review
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains relevant, effective, and aligned with current legislation and industry standards. Updated versions will be communicated to staff and made available to clients upon request.
By working together and following this policy, Cleaners Greenwich aims to deliver reliable, high-quality cleaning services while protecting the health, safety, and wellbeing of everyone involved.