Health And Safety Policy
Health and Safety Policy for Cleaners Shepherds Bush
This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Cleaners Shepherds Bush manages the wellbeing of employees, subcontractors, clients, visitors and members of the public while delivering cleaning services. The company is committed to providing and maintaining safe and healthy working conditions, safe systems of work and a safety culture that supports all staff.
Our policy applies to all cleaning operations, including domestic, commercial and end of tenancy cleaning, carried out within our service areas. It is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains suitable, effective and aligned with current health and safety legislation and best practice.
Health and Safety Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety within Cleaners Shepherds Bush rests with senior management, who ensure adequate resources, arrangements and supervision are in place. Management is responsible for setting clear safety objectives, monitoring performance, and promoting continual improvement.
Supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy on site, carrying out checks, reporting hazards, verifying that correct products and equipment are used, and that staff follow safe working procedures at all times.
All employees and subcontractors have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work. They must follow training and instructions, use protective equipment correctly, report accidents, near misses and unsafe conditions, and cooperate fully with health and safety measures.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Before starting any new cleaning contract or task, Cleaners Shepherds Bush will assess potential risks to staff, clients and visitors. Suitable and sufficient risk assessments are carried out to identify hazards such as slip and trip risks, manual handling, exposure to chemicals, lone working, working at height and interaction with clients or the public.
Findings from risk assessments are used to establish safe systems of work and clear procedures. Control measures may include the selection of appropriate cleaning methods, provision of correct tools and equipment, limiting access to working areas, signage, and planning work schedules to minimise risk. Risk assessments are periodically reviewed, especially following an incident or change in working conditions.
Training, Information and Supervision
Cleaners Shepherds Bush provides appropriate health and safety training to all staff, proportionate to their role and responsibilities. This includes induction training, task-specific instruction, and refresher training when needed.
Training covers correct use of cleaning chemicals, understanding of hazard labels, safe operation of machinery and equipment, manual handling techniques, use of personal protective equipment, emergency procedures and reporting protocols. Staff are also informed of any specific site rules or client requirements before starting work at client premises.
Supervisors monitor working practices and provide ongoing guidance to ensure safe behaviour and compliance with company procedures and legal obligations.
Cleaning Chemicals and Hazardous Substances
The company controls exposure to cleaning chemicals and other substances through careful selection, storage, handling and use. Only approved products are used, and they are kept in clearly labelled containers in designated areas. Staff are instructed never to decant chemicals into unlabelled containers or mix chemicals unless specifically authorised and trained to do so.
Information on each product, including safe handling, required protective equipment and first aid measures, is provided to staff. Cleaning products are used strictly in accordance with manufacturer guidance and internal procedures to minimise risks such as skin irritation, respiratory issues or chemical reactions.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Cleaners Shepherds Bush provides appropriate personal protective equipment free of charge, based on risk assessments and task requirements. This may include gloves, eye protection, footwear with adequate grip, masks or respirators where necessary, and protective clothing.
Staff are required to wear PPE as instructed, keep it in good condition, and report any loss or damage immediately so that it can be replaced. PPE is regarded as a last line of defence and does not replace safe systems of work or good housekeeping practices.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Many cleaning tasks involve lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling equipment and materials. To reduce the risk of injury, staff receive training in safe manual handling techniques and are encouraged to use mechanical aids or team lifting where appropriate.
All equipment, including vacuum cleaners, floor machines, ladders and trolleys, is selected and maintained to be safe and fit for purpose. Staff must visually inspect equipment before use, follow operating instructions, report defects without delay and refrain from using any item that appears unsafe.
Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls
The nature of cleaning work can create temporary hazards such as wet floors, trailing cables and moved furniture. To manage these risks, staff are trained to maintain good housekeeping, keep walkways clear, use appropriate warning signs, and dry floors as quickly as possible.
Cables and hoses must be routed to avoid trip hazards, and obstacles must not be left in circulation areas. Any damaged flooring or environmental hazards discovered at client sites are reported promptly to supervisors or client representatives.
Lone Working and Personal Security
Some cleaning activities may involve lone working or work outside normal business hours. Cleaners Shepherds Bush has procedures in place to protect lone workers, which may include check-in systems, agreed communication protocols, and defined emergency arrangements.
Staff are instructed to prioritise personal safety, avoid confrontation, and leave the premises if they feel at risk, reporting any concerns or incidents to management as soon as possible.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported to a supervisor or manager without delay. The company maintains records of incidents to enable investigation, identification of root causes and implementation of corrective actions.
Staff are briefed on emergency arrangements at each site, including fire evacuation procedures, assembly points and first aid provisions. In the event of an emergency, employees must follow instructions, assist others where it is safe to do so, and cooperate with emergency services.
Health and Safety Policy Review and Communication
This Health and Safety Policy is communicated to all employees and made available to clients on request. It is reviewed on a regular basis and revised where necessary, taking into account changes in legislation, industry guidance, company activities or incident findings.
Cleaners Shepherds Bush encourages feedback and suggestions from staff and clients to improve health and safety performance. By working together, we aim to maintain a safe environment and deliver reliable, high quality cleaning services throughout our service area.