Health and Safety Policy for Cleaners Marylebone
This Health and Safety policy sets out how Cleaners Marylebone manages risks and promotes safe working practices for cleaners, clients, visitors and members of the public. Our aim is to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health while delivering reliable cleaning services in homes, offices and commercial premises.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
Cleaners Marylebone is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment. We will identify and control risks associated with cleaning activities, provide appropriate information and training, supply suitable equipment and encourage a culture where safety is everyone’s responsibility.
We review this policy regularly and update it as needed to reflect changes in legislation, industry best practice and the nature of our cleaning work.
Responsibilities and Management
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who ensure that adequate resources are provided for safe working. Supervisors are responsible for day-to-day implementation of this policy, monitoring site conditions and reporting any concerns.
All cleaners have a duty to take reasonable care for their own safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff must follow safety instructions, use equipment correctly, report hazards and cooperate with any health and safety measures introduced by the company or by clients at their premises.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We carry out risk assessments for typical cleaning tasks and, where necessary, for specific client premises. These assessments consider hazards such as slips and trips, manual handling, use of chemicals, electrical equipment, lone working and work at height.
Based on these assessments, we implement safe systems of work, which may include the use of warning signs, restricted access to certain areas, task rotation to reduce repetitive strain, and agreed procedures for working when clients or members of the public are present.
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
Cleaning agents and other chemicals are selected, stored, handled and used in accordance with manufacturers’ guidance and relevant regulations. Safety data sheets are obtained and reviewed for all substances used by Cleaners Marylebone.
Where necessary, we substitute milder products to reduce risk. Staff are trained in correct dilution, application, ventilation requirements and disposal of chemical solutions. Personal protective equipment is provided where required, and cleaners are instructed never to mix chemicals.
Use of Equipment and Electrical Safety
All cleaning equipment, including vacuum cleaners, floor machines, steam cleaners and other tools, is maintained in safe working condition. Regular checks are carried out and any item found to be defective is removed from service until repaired or replaced.
Electrical leads are managed to prevent trip hazards and damage. Staff must not attempt to repair electrical equipment themselves and must report any unusual noise, smell or damage immediately. Equipment is used only for its intended purpose and in accordance with training and instructions.
Manual Handling and Ergonomics
Cleaners frequently move furniture, equipment and supplies. To reduce the risk of injury, we provide guidance on safe lifting techniques, the use of handling aids where available, and planning tasks to avoid unnecessary carrying or twisting.
Staff are encouraged to work at a comfortable height, to adjust techniques when using mops, vacuums and other tools, and to take short breaks from repetitive movements where possible. Heavier or awkward items should only be moved after assessing the risk and, if necessary, seeking assistance.
Slips, Trips and Housekeeping
Floor cleaning is a core activity, and extra care is taken to prevent slips and trips. Where floors are wet or in the process of being cleaned, appropriate warning signs are displayed. Cleaners are instructed to manage trailing leads, store equipment safely and keep walkways clear at all times.
Spillages are cleaned promptly using suitable methods and products. Waste is removed regularly and placed in appropriate containers to avoid obstruction and contamination risks.
Personal Protective Equipment
Where risk assessments show that personal protective equipment is required, it is provided at no cost to the cleaner. This may include gloves, masks, eye protection or protective clothing, depending on the task and environment.
Cleaners must use the equipment as instructed, keep it in good condition and report any loss or damage. Personal protective equipment is considered a last line of defence and does not replace safe working practices.
Training, Information and Supervision
All cleaners receive induction training that covers this Health and Safety policy, safe use of products and equipment, emergency procedures and site-specific rules. Additional training is provided where new tasks, equipment or substances are introduced.
Supervisors monitor working practices, provide guidance and reinforce safety standards. Information on hazards, control measures and any changes to procedures is communicated clearly to staff.
Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses
All accidents, incidents and near misses involving cleaners or others affected by our work must be reported as soon as possible. We keep appropriate records, investigate underlying causes and implement measures to prevent recurrence where reasonably practicable.
Cleaners Marylebone expects staff to cooperate fully with any investigation and to raise concerns about safety without fear of disadvantage.
Emergency Procedures
Cleaners are briefed on emergency arrangements relevant to the premises where they work, including fire evacuation procedures, assembly points and routes, and the location of first aid provisions where this information is made available by the client.
Staff must follow all site-specific emergency instructions and must not put themselves or others at unnecessary risk. In the event of a serious incident, work will cease until it is safe to continue.
Review and Policy Communication
This Health and Safety policy is communicated to all employees and is available to clients on request. We review the policy on a regular basis and whenever there are significant changes to our activities or applicable regulations.
By following this policy, Cleaners Marylebone aims to maintain consistently high standards of safety and welfare across all cleaning services delivered in the local area.