Cleaners Dulwich Health and Safety Policy
Cleaners Dulwich is committed to providing professional cleaning services in a manner that protects the health, safety and welfare of our employees, clients, visitors and members of the public. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks that may arise from our cleaning activities in homes, offices and other properties.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing effective control measures. We aim to continually improve our health and safety performance and to integrate safe working practices into every stage of our cleaning operations.
Senior management at Cleaners Dulwich accepts overall responsibility for health and safety and ensures that appropriate resources, equipment and training are provided to maintain a safe working environment.
Responsibilities
Management is responsible for developing and reviewing this policy, assessing risks associated with our cleaning services and putting in place procedures that protect staff and clients. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for monitoring day-to-day compliance, reporting concerns and promoting safe working methods on each job.
All employees and contractors are required to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must follow training and instructions, correctly use equipment and protective clothing, and immediately report hazards, near-misses, accidents or unsafe conditions.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Cleaners Dulwich conducts risk assessments for typical tasks carried out during domestic and commercial cleaning, including vacuuming, mopping, dusting, window cleaning, waste handling and the use of cleaning chemicals. Where necessary, site-specific risk assessments are carried out for larger or more complex premises.
From these assessments we establish safe systems of work, including step-by-step procedures, the correct tools and materials to use, and any protective equipment required. These procedures are communicated to staff through induction, training sessions and regular briefings.
Chemical Safety and COSHH
We recognise the potential risks associated with cleaning agents and other substances used in our work. Cleaners Dulwich follows the principles of safe chemical management and ensures that cleaning products are used strictly according to manufacturer instructions and relevant safety data information.
Hazardous substances are stored securely and clearly labelled. Staff are trained to understand product hazards, correct dilution rates, required ventilation, safe handling and emergency measures in case of spills, skin contact or inhalation. Wherever practical, we seek to use effective products that minimise risk to people and the environment.
Equipment, Tools and Electrical Safety
All equipment and tools used by Cleaners Dulwich, including vacuums, floor machines and handheld tools, are maintained in good working order and inspected at suitable intervals. Damaged or defective equipment is taken out of service immediately and repaired or replaced.
Employees are trained to operate electrical and mechanical equipment safely, including checking cables, avoiding water near electrical sockets and not overloading sockets or extension leads. Only equipment approved by the company is to be used during cleaning tasks.
Manual Handling and Ergonomics
Our cleaning work often involves lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling and repetitive movements. To reduce the risk of strains and other musculoskeletal injuries, Cleaners Dulwich provides manual handling training and promotes the use of good posture, safe lifting techniques and mechanical aids where available.
Staff are encouraged to avoid overreaching, to adjust their working height where possible, and to divide heavy loads into smaller, more manageable portions. We plan tasks so that heavy items, waste and equipment are moved using the safest available method.
Slips, Trips and Falls
We recognise that wet floors, trailing leads and clutter can create slip and trip hazards. As part of our standard cleaning procedures, staff are required to place warning signs when floors are wet, keep work areas tidy, route cables safely and report any damaged flooring or other hazards.
Clients are requested to cooperate by keeping access routes clear and informing our teams of any known hazards, such as loose carpets, uneven surfaces or restricted lighting in stairwells.
Personal Protective Equipment
Where risks cannot be fully controlled by other means, Cleaners Dulwich provides appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, eye protection, masks or protective footwear. Employees must use this equipment as instructed and report any defects or discomfort so that it can be replaced or adjusted.
Training, Supervision and Communication
All new employees receive health and safety induction training before commencing work, covering safe working procedures, emergency arrangements and the correct use of equipment and cleaning products. Additional task-specific training and refresher training are provided as needed.
Supervisors monitor working practices and provide guidance and correction where necessary. Health and safety issues, incidents and improvements are discussed with staff to encourage open communication and continual learning.
Accidents, Incidents and First Aid
Any accident, injury, near-miss or incident involving our staff or arising from our activities must be reported to management as soon as possible. Cleaners Dulwich keeps records of incidents, investigates underlying causes and takes action to prevent recurrence.
First aid arrangements are in place appropriate to the size and nature of our operations. Staff are informed of the location of first aid supplies and procedures to follow in the event of an emergency at a client site.
Health, Welfare and Occupational Health
We are committed to supporting the overall wellbeing of our employees. Where health conditions could be affected by cleaning tasks, we seek to adjust duties, provide additional equipment or modify working methods where reasonably practicable.
Employees are encouraged to raise any health concerns that may impact their work, including allergies, respiratory issues or existing injuries, so that appropriate measures can be considered.
Cooperation with Clients and Other Parties
Cleaners Dulwich recognises that effective health and safety management requires cooperation with clients, building managers and other contractors who may be working on the premises. We will liaise with relevant parties to share information on hazards, access arrangements and emergency procedures.
Clients are asked to provide accurate information about site-specific risks such as restricted areas, alarm systems, hazardous materials or security arrangements before cleaning begins.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy is monitored on an ongoing basis and formally reviewed at regular intervals or whenever significant changes occur in our services, work practices or legal requirements. Lessons learned from incidents, staff feedback and client comments are used to improve our procedures.
By implementing this policy, Cleaners Dulwich aims to deliver high quality cleaning services while maintaining a safe and healthy environment for staff, clients and the wider community.