Cleaner Hackney Health and Safety Policy

Cleaner Hackney is committed to providing professional cleaning services in a manner that safeguards the health, safety and welfare of our employees, clients, contractors and members of the public. This Health and Safety policy sets out our key principles, responsibilities and arrangements to ensure our work is carried out safely and responsibly at all times.

Our Commitment to Health and Safety

We recognise our duty to manage health and safety risks associated with cleaning activities in domestic, commercial and communal environments. We will take all reasonably practicable steps to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health. Health and safety considerations are integral to the way we plan, deliver and review our services.

We will continually improve our health and safety performance by monitoring our activities, learning from incidents and updating our procedures and training as needed.

Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Cleaner Hackney rests with senior management, who ensure that this policy is implemented, communicated and reviewed regularly. Management is responsible for providing appropriate resources, information, training, supervision and equipment to enable all employees to work safely.

Supervisors, team leaders and coordinators must ensure that daily operations follow this policy and all related procedures. They are responsible for carrying out or supporting risk assessments, enforcing safe systems of work, reporting accidents and near misses, and ensuring that staff are competent for their tasks.

Every employee has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Staff must follow instructions, use equipment correctly, wear any required personal protective equipment, and report hazards, accidents or unsafe practices without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We conduct suitable and proportionate risk assessments for our cleaning activities. These assessments identify potential hazards, evaluate who may be harmed and how, and set out control measures to minimise risks. Risk assessments are reviewed regularly and whenever there is a significant change in work practices, equipment or locations.

Safe working procedures are developed based on these assessments. They cover tasks such as general cleaning, deep cleaning, washroom cleaning, use of machinery, working in stairwells and common areas, and handling of waste. All staff are trained in the relevant procedures and are expected to follow them at all times.

Chemical Safety and COSHH

Many cleaning tasks require the use of chemical products. Cleaner Hackney manages chemical safety through careful selection, safe storage and correct use of all substances. We follow appropriate control of substances hazardous to health principles in order to minimise exposure and prevent harm.

We obtain and retain safety data sheets for relevant products, carry out assessments where required, and ensure staff are trained in dilution, application, ventilation requirements and emergency actions. Chemicals are clearly labelled, stored securely when not in use and never decanted into unmarked containers. Staff are instructed never to mix incompatible products and to avoid the use of unnecessary or overly aggressive chemicals.

Personal Protective Equipment

Cleaner Hackney provides personal protective equipment appropriate to the tasks undertaken. This may include gloves, masks, eye protection, aprons, footwear or other items as identified in our risk assessments. Employees must use the equipment provided, keep it in good condition and report any damage or loss so that replacements can be arranged promptly.

PPE is not a substitute for safe systems of work but an additional layer of protection. We aim to control risks at source, while using PPE to further reduce exposure where necessary.

Equipment, Manual Handling and Safe Use of Machinery

All tools and equipment, including vacuum cleaners, floor machines and other machinery, are selected for safety, maintained in good working order and inspected at appropriate intervals. Staff receive training in correct operation, pre-use checks, cable management and safe storage.

Cleaning work frequently involves manual handling, such as moving equipment, supplies and waste. We train employees in safe lifting techniques, encourage the use of trolleys or other aids, and plan tasks to avoid unnecessary carrying or awkward postures. Staff must not attempt to move loads that are too heavy or bulky and must seek assistance where needed.

Slips, Trips and Falls

Slips and trips are common hazards in cleaning work, particularly on wet floors and in stairwells and corridors. We reduce these risks by using appropriate signage, adopting safe mopping and drying techniques, controlling access to freshly cleaned areas where possible, and ensuring that cables and equipment do not create tripping hazards.

Employees are instructed to keep work areas tidy, report damaged flooring or poor lighting, and wear suitable footwear that provides grip and stability.

Health, Hygiene and Welfare

Cleaner Hackney promotes good hygiene practices, including frequent handwashing, appropriate use of gloves and avoidance of cross-contamination between areas such as kitchens and washrooms. Colour coded equipment and clear procedures are used where appropriate to minimise the risk of spreading germs.

We are committed to preventing work-related ill health by considering factors such as exposure to cleaning agents, repetitive movements, lone working, and stress. Where relevant, we will consult with employees on health concerns and adjust work methods or schedules to support their wellbeing.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff receive induction training that covers core health and safety principles, emergency procedures, use of equipment, chemical safety and reporting requirements. Task-specific training is provided for particular cleaning activities, machinery and environments.

We ensure that staff are supervised appropriately, especially when new to a role or activity, and that they have access to clear written instructions where necessary. Ongoing refresher training and toolbox talks are used to reinforce safe behaviours and address any new or emerging risks.

Accidents, Incidents and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported promptly in accordance with our internal procedures. This enables us to investigate causes, learn lessons and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Records are kept and reviewed to identify trends and areas for improvement.

Employees are briefed on emergency procedures relevant to the premises in which they work, including fire evacuation routes, assembly points and first aid arrangements. They must cooperate with building managers, clients and emergency services at all times.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

Cleaner Hackney monitors health and safety performance through inspections, audits, feedback from staff and clients, and analysis of incident reports. This policy and the associated procedures are reviewed regularly to ensure they remain effective and reflect current best practice and legal requirements.

We encourage open communication about health and safety and expect everyone working with or for Cleaner Hackney to contribute to a positive safety culture. By working together, we aim to maintain a safe, clean and healthy environment in every property we service.