Health And Safety Policy

Cleaner Hammersmith Health and Safety Policy

Cleaner Hammersmith is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, subcontractors, clients, visitors and members of the public who may be affected by our cleaning activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks, preventing accidents and promoting a culture of safety across all of our cleaning services.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to carry out all cleaning work in a way that protects people, property and the environment. We aim to prevent injury and ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing practical controls. We will provide appropriate information, instruction, supervision and training to ensure that health and safety responsibilities are understood and followed at all times.

Senior management accepts overall responsibility for health and safety performance and for ensuring that adequate resources are made available to implement this policy. This policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, best practice and the nature of our cleaning operations.

Roles and Responsibilities

Management is responsible for setting standards, providing training, supplying suitable equipment and monitoring health and safety performance. Managers and supervisors will ensure that all cleaning tasks are planned safely, that risk assessments are completed, and that staff follow agreed safe systems of work.

Employees have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work. All staff must follow company procedures, use equipment correctly, wear personal protective equipment where required, and report accidents, incidents, near misses or hazards without delay.

Clients are expected to cooperate with Cleaner Hammersmith by providing relevant information about site-specific hazards, access arrangements and any special requirements. We will work jointly with clients to coordinate safety measures in shared workplaces.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Cleaner Hammersmith will identify hazards associated with cleaning operations and carry out risk assessments for tasks such as office cleaning, residential cleaning, common area maintenance, high-level dusting and washroom services. These risk assessments will inform safe working procedures that are communicated to all staff.

Key control measures may include the use of appropriate equipment, safe use of ladders and steps, careful cable management for vacuum cleaners and floor machines, restricted access to work areas where floors are wet, and clear signage to warn of slip or trip hazards. Work will be planned to minimise disruption and reduce risks to building users.

Chemicals, Substances and Personal Protective Equipment

We will manage cleaning chemicals and other substances in line with safety data sheets and relevant regulations. All chemicals will be stored in their original containers with legible labels and will be kept in designated storage areas away from unauthorised persons. Staff will receive training on correct dilution, application methods and emergency procedures in case of spills or accidental contact.

Where risk assessments identify the need for personal protective equipment, such as gloves, eye protection, masks or protective footwear, Cleaner Hammersmith will provide this at no cost to employees. Staff must use the equipment as instructed and report any damage or defects so that it can be replaced.

Equipment, Plant and Electrical Safety

We will ensure that vacuum cleaners, floor scrubbers, polishers and other cleaning equipment are suitable for their intended use, correctly maintained and regularly inspected. Defective equipment will be taken out of service immediately and repaired or replaced.

Electrical equipment will be visually checked before use to ensure cables, plugs and casings are free from damage. Staff must not attempt unauthorised repairs or use equipment in a way that could create a risk of electric shock, fire or other injury. Only trained personnel may operate specialised machinery.

Manual Handling and Ergonomics

Many cleaning tasks involve lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling or repetitive movements. Cleaner Hammersmith is committed to minimising manual handling risks by using trolleys, mops with adjustable handles, lightweight equipment and efficient work routines wherever possible.

Employees will be trained in safe manual handling techniques, including correct posture, lifting methods and how to recognise tasks that are beyond their capability. Staff must not move heavy objects without assistance and should request help if a task appears unsafe.

Slips, Trips, Falls and Work at Height

Slips and trips are a significant risk in cleaning activities, especially when floors are wet or when cables and equipment are in use. We will use appropriate wet floor signs, restrict access to freshly cleaned areas, and keep workspaces tidy and free from obstructions.

Where work at height is unavoidable, only suitable step ladders or access equipment will be used, and staff will be trained in safe use. Improvised solutions, such as standing on chairs or unstable surfaces, are strictly prohibited. Work at height will be kept to the minimum necessary and carried out with appropriate supervision where required.

Training, Information and Supervision

Cleaner Hammersmith will provide induction training for all new employees, covering company safety rules, emergency arrangements, accident reporting, safe use of chemicals and key risks associated with cleaning work. Ongoing refresher training and task-specific instruction will be provided as necessary.

Supervisors will monitor working practices, correct unsafe behaviour and provide guidance to ensure that procedures are followed. Safety information and instructions will be communicated in a clear and understandable way for all staff members.

Accident Reporting, Emergencies and First Aid

All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported as soon as possible so that they can be recorded, investigated and, where necessary, acted upon to prevent recurrence. We will cooperate with any investigations carried out by enforcing authorities or clients.

Emergency procedures, including fire evacuation and response to chemical spills, will be explained to staff working at each site. Employees must familiarise themselves with escape routes, assembly points and any site-specific instructions. Suitable first aid arrangements will be in place, and staff will be informed of how to access first aid assistance.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

Cleaner Hammersmith will monitor compliance with this Health and Safety policy through routine checks, site visits, feedback from staff and clients, and review of accident records. Findings will be used to improve procedures, training and risk controls.

This policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective and relevant to our cleaning services. Revisions will be communicated to employees, and updated procedures will be implemented as required. By working together, management, staff and clients can maintain a safe environment and deliver cleaning services to a high standard while protecting the wellbeing of everyone involved.