Health and Safety Policy for Cleaners E2
This Health and Safety policy sets out the principles, responsibilities and working practices that apply to all cleaning services delivered by Cleaners E2. Our aim is to provide a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, clients, their staff and any other persons who may be affected by our activities.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Cleaners E2 is committed to preventing accidents, work-related ill health and damage to property while delivering high quality cleaning services. We will manage health and safety risks in a sensible, proportionate way and strive for continuous improvement in our performance.
Our main objectives are to identify and control hazards, comply with relevant health and safety legislation, provide appropriate training and supervision, and promote a positive safety culture throughout our cleaning operations.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management has overall responsibility for implementing this Health and Safety policy and ensuring that suitable resources are available. Management will set clear standards, review performance regularly and update procedures when required. Supervisors are responsible for day-to-day implementation of safe systems of work and for monitoring that staff follow instructions and use equipment correctly.
Management will ensure that risk assessments are carried out, documented and reviewed periodically, particularly when there are changes in work processes, equipment, products or client premises.
Employee Responsibilities
Every cleaner and member of staff 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 company procedures, attend required training, use personal protective equipment as instructed, and report accidents, near misses and unsafe conditions without delay.
Employees must not misuse or interfere with anything provided in the interests of health, safety or welfare. They are required to cooperate fully with management to help maintain a safe working environment at all times.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Before starting work at any site, Cleaners E2 will carry out a risk assessment to identify potential hazards associated with the cleaning tasks, the environment and the materials used. Control measures will be put in place to remove or reduce risk as far as reasonably practicable.
Safe systems of work will cover, as appropriate, access to the premises, use of cleaning agents, operation of equipment, manual handling, lone working, working at height, dealing with sharps or bodily fluids and emergency arrangements. Staff will be briefed on specific risks and procedures relevant to each contract.
Training, Information and Supervision
All cleaners receive induction training on company health and safety procedures, including safe use of products and equipment, emergency procedures and accident reporting. Additional task-specific training is provided where necessary, for example for floor machines, carpet extraction equipment or specialist cleaning processes.
Written instructions and product information are provided in a clear, accessible format. Supervisors will monitor working practices, provide guidance and correct unsafe behaviour promptly. Refresher training and toolbox talks will be delivered as required to maintain awareness and competence.
Use of Chemicals and Hazardous Substances
Cleaning chemicals and other hazardous substances are managed in line with manufacturer guidance and relevant regulations. Only approved products supplied or authorised by Cleaners E2 may be used. Safety data sheets are obtained, and appropriate control measures are identified.
Cleaners must follow dilution instructions, never mix chemicals and always use the correct containers and labelling. Adequate ventilation will be maintained where products are used. Any spills will be cleaned up immediately using safe methods, and contaminated waste will be disposed of in accordance with site procedures.
Personal Protective Equipment
Personal protective equipment, such as gloves, eye protection, masks, aprons and safety footwear, will be provided where risk assessments show that it is necessary. Cleaners must wear and use PPE as instructed, keep it in good condition and report any loss or damage so it can be replaced.
PPE is considered a last line of defence and will be used in conjunction with other control measures, not as a substitute for them.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
To reduce the risk of injury from lifting and carrying, manual handling tasks will be assessed and minimised wherever possible. Cleaners will be trained in correct handling techniques, use of trolleys and safe movement of waste bags, buckets and equipment.
All equipment provided by Cleaners E2 will be suitable for its intended purpose, maintained in safe working order and inspected regularly. Staff may only use equipment for which they have been trained and must report faults immediately. Damaged or defective equipment must not be used.
Slips, Trips and Falls
Particular attention is given to preventing slips, trips and falls, which are common hazards in cleaning work. Wet floor signs will be used whenever floors are being cleaned or remain wet. Cables and equipment will be positioned to avoid creating obstacles.
Spillages must be dealt with promptly and access restricted until the area is safe. Where work at low height is required, only appropriate step stools or platforms are to be used, never improvised arrangements such as chairs or boxes.
Lone Working and Out-of-Hours Cleaning
When cleaners work alone or outside normal business hours, additional controls will be put in place. These may include check-in procedures, agreed start and finish times, secure access arrangements and clear emergency instructions.
Lone workers must remain alert to personal safety, ensure doors are secure where appropriate, avoid confrontation, and contact the designated supervisor or emergency services if they feel threatened or unsafe.
Welfare, Health Monitoring and Wellbeing
Cleaners E2 will take reasonable steps to ensure access to basic welfare facilities such as toilets, washing facilities and drinking water while working on client premises. We will encourage early reporting of any health concerns that may be related to work activities, including skin irritation, breathing difficulties or musculoskeletal issues.
Where required, health surveillance or occupational health advice will be considered for staff whose work exposes them to particular risks. We are committed to supporting the wellbeing of our workforce and promoting safe, sustainable working practices.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported to a supervisor as soon as possible so that they can be recorded and investigated. This enables us to identify causes, learn lessons and prevent recurrence.
Cleaners must familiarise themselves with fire exits, assembly points and emergency procedures at each site. In the event of a fire or other emergency, instructions from building management or emergency services must be followed immediately.
Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety policy will be reviewed at regular intervals and whenever there are significant changes to legislation, work activities or client requirements. We welcome feedback from employees and clients on how health and safety performance can be improved.
By working together to follow this policy and associated procedures, Cleaners E2 aims to deliver reliable cleaning services while protecting the health, safety and welfare of everyone involved.