Cleaners Uxbridge Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety policy sets out how Cleaners Uxbridge manages the health, safety and welfare of employees, subcontractors, clients, visitors and members of the public who may be affected by our cleaning activities. We are committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment at all sites where we operate.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
Cleaners Uxbridge aims to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing sensible control measures. We seek to continually improve our health and safety performance and to embed safe working practices into all aspects of our cleaning services.
We comply with relevant health and safety legislation, codes of practice and industry guidance applicable to professional cleaning operations. Where reasonably practicable, we will always aim to exceed minimum legal requirements.
Management Responsibilities
The management of Cleaners Uxbridge has ultimate responsibility for health and safety within the business. Management will:
Ensure this policy is implemented, maintained and reviewed regularly. Provide appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision to enable staff to work safely and competently. Allocate sufficient resources for health and safety, including equipment, training and protective measures. Set clear health and safety objectives and monitor performance against them. Investigate accidents, incidents and near misses to identify root causes and prevent recurrence. Consult with employees on health and safety matters and take account of their feedback.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees and subcontractors working for Cleaners Uxbridge share responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment. Everyone is expected to:
Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Follow all safety procedures, method statements, risk assessments and site rules. Use tools, machinery, products and personal protective equipment as instructed. Report hazards, defects, accidents and near misses to their supervisor without delay. Refrain from misusing or interfering with anything provided for health, safety or welfare. Attend health and safety training and apply what they have learned in their daily work.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Before starting any new cleaning contract or non-routine task, we assess the associated risks and put in place safe systems of work. This includes:
Identifying potential hazards such as wet floors, electrical equipment, chemicals, working at height and manual handling. Evaluating who might be harmed and how. Deciding on appropriate control measures and recording significant findings. Communicating safe working procedures to all relevant staff. Reviewing assessments regularly, or sooner if there are changes to work processes, equipment or premises.
Written risk assessments and method statements are made available to operatives and to clients on request where appropriate.
Use of Cleaning Chemicals
We recognise that cleaning chemicals can pose significant risks if not handled correctly. Cleaners Uxbridge will:
Obtain and follow safety data sheets for all cleaning products used. Store chemicals securely, in original containers with clear labels. Train staff in safe handling, dilution, use and disposal of chemicals. Ensure chemicals are never mixed unless specifically required and safe to do so. Provide appropriate protective equipment, such as gloves, masks and eye protection, where needed. Avoid use of substances that present unnecessary risk where safer alternatives are available.
Equipment Safety
All machinery, tools and equipment used during cleaning work must be suitable for the task and maintained in safe working order. We will:
Purchase equipment from reputable suppliers and ensure it is fit for purpose. Carry out regular checks, maintenance and servicing as recommended by manufacturers. Remove from use any equipment found to be defective until it is repaired or replaced. Instruct staff in correct use, transportation and storage of equipment. Ensure electrical equipment is appropriately tested and visually inspected before use.
Manual Handling and Ergonomics
Many cleaning tasks involve lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling. To reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries we will:
Assess manual handling tasks and redesign them where possible to reduce effort. Provide trolleys or other handling aids for heavier loads. Train staff in correct lifting and moving techniques. Encourage regular breaks and rotation of repetitive tasks where practicable.
Control of Slips, Trips and Falls
Slips, trips and falls are a common cause of accidents in cleaning activities. Cleaners Uxbridge will:
Use warning signs and barriers when floors are wet or being cleaned. Use appropriate cleaning methods and products to reduce residual slipperiness. Keep walkways and work areas tidy and free from obstructions. Report and assist with the repair of damaged flooring, loose tiles or worn carpets where identified. Use suitable access equipment for work at height and never improvise with unsafe methods.
Personal Protective Equipment
Where risks cannot be eliminated through other controls, we will provide suitable personal protective equipment and ensure that it is:
Selected based on the hazards involved. Properly fitted, used and maintained. Replaced when worn or damaged. Understood by staff, who must use it as directed and report any defects promptly.
Training, Information and Supervision
Every cleaner working under the name of Cleaners Uxbridge will receive appropriate induction and ongoing training covering:
General health and safety awareness. Safe use of cleaning products and equipment. Site-specific rules and emergency procedures. Accident reporting and hazard identification.
Supervisors will monitor working practices on site and provide guidance, coaching and feedback to maintain safe standards.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported as soon as possible. We will:
Record details accurately and investigate causes. Take corrective action to prevent recurrence. Support injured employees and cooperate with any external investigations where required.
Employees must familiarise themselves with site-specific emergency arrangements, including fire exits, assembly points and procedures for raising the alarm.
Health, Welfare and Wellbeing
We recognise our duty to protect not only physical safety but also the wider health and wellbeing of our team. This includes:
Providing access to welfare facilities such as toilets and handwashing. Encouraging good hygiene and safe working habits. Considering workload, working hours and rest breaks. Supporting staff who raise health concerns related to their work.
Policy Review and Communication
This Health and Safety policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when necessary, for example following changes in legislation, working practices, locations or following significant incidents. The latest version will be communicated to all staff and made available to clients on request.
By following this policy, everyone at Cleaners Uxbridge contributes to a safer, healthier environment for colleagues, clients and the wider community where we deliver our cleaning services.