Cleaners Bow Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Cleaners Bow manages and maintains a safe and healthy environment for our employees, clients, visitors and members of the public who may be affected by our cleaning services. We are committed to operating in line with relevant health and safety legislation and industry best practice across all locations where we provide cleaning services.
Our Commitment to Health and Safety
Cleaners Bow recognises that effective health and safety management is essential to the success of our business and to the wellbeing of everyone involved in our operations. We aim to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing appropriate controls. We regularly review our procedures so that they remain suitable, effective and up to date.
Roles and Responsibilities
The overall responsibility for health and safety lies with the company management, who ensure that adequate resources, information, instruction and supervision are provided. Management is responsible for putting in place safe systems of work, maintaining this policy and reviewing performance.
Supervisors are responsible for day-to-day implementation of health and safety arrangements, monitoring staff, reporting hazards and ensuring that all cleaners follow agreed procedures. They must lead by example and promote a positive safety culture at all times.
All employees, including part-time and temporary staff, have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work. Employees must follow training and instructions, use equipment correctly, wear any required personal protective equipment and report hazards, incidents or near misses without delay.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We carry out risk assessments for our cleaning activities to identify potential hazards such as slips and trips, manual handling, exposure to cleaning chemicals, use of equipment and work in clients premises outside normal hours. Based on these assessments we implement control measures and safe systems of work that are communicated to all relevant staff.
Risk assessments are reviewed regularly, and whenever there are significant changes to processes, equipment, work locations or materials used. Any new service, method or product will be assessed before being introduced, and findings will be incorporated into staff training and work instructions.
Training, Information and Supervision
Cleaners Bow provides appropriate health and safety training to all employees, including induction training for new starters and role-specific training for particular tasks. This may include safe use of cleaning chemicals, correct manual handling techniques, operation of machinery, personal protective equipment requirements, lone working and emergency procedures.
Training is refreshed periodically, and whenever there are changes to procedures or equipment. Records of training are maintained. Supervisors monitor work practices to ensure that training is understood and applied, and provide additional coaching where needed.
Use of Cleaning Chemicals and Hazardous Substances
We only use cleaning chemicals that are suitable for professional use and that have been assessed for health and safety risks. Safety data sheets and product instructions are obtained from suppliers and used to inform our risk assessments and safe working methods.
Employees are trained in the correct handling, dilution, application, storage and disposal of cleaning chemicals. Chemicals must remain in their original containers with labels intact, or in clearly labelled secondary containers where appropriate. Employees must never mix products unless specifically instructed by validated procedures, and must always use any required personal protective equipment.
Equipment, Machinery and Personal Protective Equipment
All cleaning equipment and machinery used by Cleaners Bow is selected with safety in mind, and maintained in good working order. Regular inspections are carried out, and defective items are removed from service until repaired or replaced. Employees are trained in the safe use of each item of equipment, including electrical appliances and machinery with moving parts.
Where risks cannot be eliminated by other means, suitable personal protective equipment such as gloves, eye protection, masks or protective clothing will be provided. Employees must use this equipment correctly, keep it in good condition and report any loss or damage immediately so that it can be replaced.
Manual Handling and Ergonomics
Many cleaning tasks involve lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling and repetitive movements. To reduce the risk of strain or injury, Cleaners Bow provides manual handling training and encourages the use of mechanical aids where practical. Staff are expected to assess loads before lifting, seek help when needed and follow safe techniques to protect their backs, joints and muscles.
Slips, Trips, Falls and Site Safety
Cleaning activities can increase the risk of slips and trips, particularly when floors are wet or when equipment and cables are in use. Employees must use appropriate signage when floors are wet, keep walkways clear of equipment and materials, and report any damaged flooring, loose cables or poor lighting that could present a hazard.
When working at a client site, employees must familiarise themselves with the local health and safety arrangements, including fire exits, assembly points and any particular site rules. Any concerns about the safety of the working environment must be reported to a supervisor.
Lone Working and Out-of-Hours Work
Where cleaners work alone or outside normal business hours, additional risks are considered and controls are put in place. This may include clear communication procedures, check-in arrangements, and ensuring that lone workers know how to seek assistance in an emergency. We encourage employees to remain vigilant, secure premises appropriately and avoid taking unnecessary risks.
Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses
All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported as soon as possible so that appropriate action can be taken. Cleaners Bow investigates incidents to identify underlying causes and to prevent recurrence. Where necessary we will update risk assessments, revise procedures or provide additional training based on the findings.
First aid arrangements are in place and employees are informed of how to access assistance if someone is injured or becomes unwell while at work.
Health, Welfare and Occupational Health
We recognise the importance of general health and welfare in maintaining a safe workforce. Cleaners Bow aims to prevent work-related ill health by controlling exposure to hazards, providing suitable rest breaks and encouraging staff to raise any health concerns that may affect their work. Where appropriate, reasonable adjustments will be considered to support employees with health conditions.
Policy Review and Communication
This Health and Safety Policy is communicated to all employees and is made available to clients upon request. We review the policy regularly, and at least annually, to ensure that it reflects current operations and legal requirements. Any changes will be shared with staff and incorporated into training and daily working practices.
By working together and following the principles set out in this policy, Cleaners Bow aims to provide cleaning services that are not only professional and reliable, but also safe for everyone involved.