Cleaner Shepherd's Bush Health and Safety Policy

Cleaner Shepherd's Bush is committed to providing professional cleaning services in a manner that protects the health, safety, and welfare of our employees, clients, visitors, contractors, and the wider public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risk, preventing accidents and ill health, and promoting safe working practices across all cleaning activities and locations where our staff operate.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to conduct all cleaning work safely and responsibly, meeting or exceeding applicable health and safety legislation and recognised best practice standards. We will identify, assess, and control risks arising from our operations, train and support our staff to work safely, and continually seek improvements in our health and safety performance.

Health and safety is a shared responsibility. Cleaner Shepherd's Bush will provide leadership, resources, and clear procedures, while every employee and contractor is expected to cooperate fully, follow instructions, and take reasonable care of their own safety and that of others.

Management Responsibilities

Management at Cleaner Shepherd's Bush is responsible for implementing this policy and ensuring that health and safety considerations are integrated into planning, decision making, and day-to-day operations. This includes:

Ensuring that suitable and sufficient risk assessments are carried out for all cleaning tasks and locations. Providing appropriate cleaning equipment, tools, and personal protective equipment and ensuring they are maintained in a safe condition. Establishing safe systems of work and communicating them clearly to all staff. Monitoring compliance with health and safety procedures and addressing any concerns or non-compliance promptly. Reviewing this policy and associated arrangements regularly, and updating them when necessary.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees of Cleaner Shepherd's Bush must:

Work safely and follow all instructions, training, and procedures provided. Use personal protective equipment and safety equipment correctly and store it properly after use. Report accidents, incidents, near misses, hazards, or unsafe conditions to their supervisor without delay. Refrain from misusing or interfering with anything provided in the interests of health and safety. Cooperate with any investigation or review of incidents, and suggest improvements where possible.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Risk assessments will be undertaken for all cleaning tasks, including routine daily cleaning, deep cleans, one off specialist cleans, and work in domestic, commercial, or communal properties. Assessments will consider hazards such as slips and trips, manual handling, use of chemicals, electrical equipment, lone working, and interaction with building users.

Based on the findings of risk assessments, safe systems of work will be developed and communicated to staff. These systems will define the correct equipment to be used, the sequence of tasks, safe access and egress, any restrictions on work, and emergency procedures.

Training and Supervision

Cleaner Shepherd's Bush will provide all employees with appropriate induction and ongoing training relevant to their role. This may include:

General health and safety awareness training. Safe use, storage, and disposal of cleaning chemicals, including understanding product labels. Manual handling techniques to reduce the risk of strain or injury. Use and maintenance of cleaning machinery and electrical equipment. Personal protective equipment selection, use, and care. Fire safety, emergency procedures, and evacuation routes where applicable. Lone working and personal security awareness.

Supervisors will monitor work practices, provide guidance, and ensure that staff understand and apply their training when carrying out cleaning tasks.

Use of Cleaning Chemicals and Equipment

Cleaning chemicals will be selected, stored, and used in accordance with manufacturer instructions and applicable control of substances guidance. Only approved products will be used. Staff must never mix chemicals and must always follow dilution instructions.

All containers will be clearly labelled. Chemicals will be stored securely when not in use, away from children, vulnerable people, and sources of heat or ignition. Spills will be cleared promptly using appropriate methods and protective equipment.

Cleaning machinery and electrical equipment will be checked regularly for defects and removed from service if unsafe. Staff must visually inspect equipment before use, ensure that cables are not trip hazards, and never operate faulty or damaged items.

Personal Protective Equipment

Where risks cannot be fully controlled by other means, Cleaner Shepherd's Bush will provide suitable personal protective equipment. This may include gloves, eye protection, masks or respirators, protective footwear, and suitable clothing.

Employees must wear the protective equipment provided whenever required by risk assessments and instructions, and must look after it, reporting any loss or damage immediately so that it can be repaired or replaced.

Workplace Safety and Client Premises

When working at client premises, our staff will respect and follow site specific safety rules and access arrangements. We will coordinate with clients to agree safe working times and methods that minimise disruption and protect building users.

During cleaning operations, staff will position warning signs, such as wet floor signs, to alert others to temporary hazards. Walkways and exits will be kept clear of equipment, cables, and waste. Where work at height is required, only appropriate access equipment will be used and staff will follow safe working procedures.

Accidents, Incidents, and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, and near misses involving Cleaner Shepherd's Bush staff or arising from our activities must be reported as soon as possible. Records will be kept, and where necessary, investigations carried out to identify root causes and lessons learned.

Employees will be informed of emergency arrangements for each work site, including fire exits, assembly points, and procedures for summoning help. Staff must cooperate fully in any emergency, follow instructions from responsible persons, and evacuate promptly when required.

Health, Welfare, and Wellbeing

Cleaner Shepherd's Bush recognises the importance of protecting not only the physical safety but also the overall wellbeing of our staff. Workload, scheduling, and job design will take account of health and welfare considerations where reasonably practicable.

We will encourage staff to raise any health concerns that may affect their ability to work safely, and we will make reasonable adjustments where appropriate to support individuals with specific needs or conditions.

Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, working methods, or relevant legislation. Feedback from employees, clients, and other stakeholders will be considered as part of our continuous improvement efforts.

By implementing this policy and maintaining a culture of safety, Cleaner Shepherd's Bush aims to deliver high quality cleaning services while safeguarding everyone affected by our work.