Health And Safety Policy

Health and Safety Policy for Cleaners Haringey

Cleaners Haringey is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, clients, visitors, and members of the public who may be affected by our cleaning activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our principles, responsibilities, and procedures to prevent accidents, reduce risks, and promote safe working practices across all locations where we operate.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to conduct all cleaning services in a manner that eliminates or minimises risks to health, safety, and welfare. We will actively work to prevent work-related injuries, ill health, and damage to property. We recognise that effective health and safety management is integral to the quality of our cleaning services and to the long-term success of our business.

Cleaners Haringey will review this policy regularly and update it as needed to reflect legislative changes, industry best practice, and feedback from staff and clients.

Management Responsibilities

Management has overall responsibility for implementing this Health and Safety Policy and ensuring that appropriate resources are available to maintain safe working conditions. This includes providing suitable training, safe equipment, approved cleaning products, and clear procedures for employees to follow.

Managers and supervisors will:

• Conduct and review risk assessments for cleaning tasks and specific sites.
• Ensure staff are trained, supervised, and competent to carry out their duties safely.
• Maintain and check cleaning equipment, tools, and materials to ensure they are safe and fit for purpose.
• Promote a positive safety culture where workers feel able to report hazards and incidents.

Employee Responsibilities

Every cleaner and member of staff has a responsibility 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 safety instructions, procedures, and training provided.
• Use personal protective equipment correctly and look after it responsibly.
• Report hazards, near-misses, faulty equipment, and incidents to their supervisor as soon as practicable.
• Avoid behaviour that could put themselves, colleagues, or clients at risk.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Before carrying out cleaning tasks, Cleaners Haringey undertakes risk assessments to identify potential hazards such as slips and trips, manual handling, use of chemicals, electrical equipment, and lone working. Based on these assessments, we introduce control measures and safe systems of work that are communicated to all relevant staff.

Method statements and clear instructions will be provided where tasks involve higher risk, including work at height on step ladders, use of powered equipment, or cleaning in areas with restricted access.

Use of Cleaning Chemicals and Hazardous Substances

We use cleaning products responsibly to protect both people and the environment. All hazardous substances are handled and stored according to their safety data sheets and applicable regulations. Staff are trained in the safe use, dilution, application, and disposal of chemicals, including the importance of correct labelling and secure storage.

Cleaners must never mix chemicals and must always use the smallest amount necessary for effective cleaning. Adequate ventilation is maintained when using strong products, and suitable personal protective equipment is worn where required.

Personal Protective Equipment

Cleaners Haringey provides appropriate personal protective equipment to staff based on site-specific and task-specific risk assessments. This may include gloves, masks, eye protection, aprons, and non-slip footwear.

Employees must wear the specified protective equipment whenever required and report any loss, damage, or defects immediately so that replacements can be provided.

Manual Handling and Ergonomics

Manual handling activities, such as lifting, carrying, and moving equipment or waste, are assessed and controlled to minimise the risk of injury. Staff receive guidance on correct lifting techniques, the use of trolleys or other aids, and ways to avoid repetitive strain or overexertion.

Where practical, tasks are organised to reduce the need for manual lifting, and heavy items are stored at suitable heights.

Equipment Safety and Maintenance

All cleaning equipment, including vacuum cleaners, floor machines, and electrical tools, must be regularly inspected, properly maintained, and used only for their intended purpose. Defective equipment is removed from service and reported without delay.

Staff must complete any required pre-use checks and must never attempt to bypass safety devices or carry out unauthorised repairs.

Accident, Incident, and Near-Miss Reporting

Cleaners Haringey encourages prompt reporting of all accidents, incidents, and near-misses so that they can be investigated and lessons learned. This helps us improve our procedures, update risk assessments, and prevent recurrence.

Records of accidents and incidents are kept and reviewed periodically to identify trends and opportunities for further risk reduction.

Training, Information, and Supervision

All employees receive appropriate induction and ongoing training relevant to their roles. This includes instruction on safe working practices, correct use of equipment, handling of chemicals, emergency procedures, and site-specific rules. Supervisors provide regular guidance and monitoring to ensure that safety standards are followed consistently.

Where new equipment, products, or methods are introduced, additional training is provided before staff are asked to use them.

Emergency Preparedness

Procedures are in place to respond to emergencies such as fire, chemical spills, or accidents occurring during cleaning operations. Staff are made aware of evacuation routes, assembly points, and how to raise the alarm on each client site. Emergency information is reviewed periodically and communicated clearly to all team members.

Cooperation with Clients and Continuous Improvement

We work closely with clients to coordinate health and safety responsibilities, share relevant information, and align with site-specific rules and emergency arrangements. Feedback from clients and staff is used to improve our policy, risk assessments, and working methods.

By following this Health and Safety Policy, Cleaners Haringey aims to deliver reliable, high-quality cleaning services while protecting the wellbeing of everyone involved in or affected by our operations.