Wandsworth Cleaners Health and Safety Policy

Wandsworth Cleaners is committed to providing professional cleaning services in a manner that safeguards the health, safety and welfare of our employees, clients, visitors and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy explains our approach, responsibilities, and arrangements for managing risks associated with cleaning operations.

Policy Statement

Our policy is to conduct all cleaning activities safely and to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and environmental harm. We will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice, and we will continually seek to improve our standards.

Health and safety considerations are integral to planning and delivering our services in homes, offices and commercial premises. We expect every member of staff and every person working on our behalf to follow this policy and act responsibly.

Management Responsibilities

Senior management at Wandsworth Cleaners has overall responsibility for health and safety within the company. This includes:

Ensuring appropriate policies and procedures are in place and kept up to date. Providing suitable resources for health and safety, including training, equipment and supervision. Setting clear objectives for safe working and monitoring performance against them. Reviewing incidents, near misses and feedback to prevent recurrence and improve our systems.

Managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy on a day-to-day basis, ensuring that staff understand and follow safe working procedures at all cleaning sites.

Employee Responsibilities

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 work. Employees must:

Follow company policies, safe systems of work and instructions provided by supervisors. Use cleaning materials, tools and equipment safely and only for their intended purpose. Wear any personal protective equipment issued for specific tasks. Report hazards, defects, accidents, near misses or health concerns to management without delay. Cooperate with any health and safety initiatives, risk assessments or investigations.

No employee is expected to work in conditions that they believe to be unsafe. Any concerns must be raised immediately so that appropriate action can be taken.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We conduct risk assessments for our cleaning activities to identify potential hazards and implement appropriate control measures. Risk assessments cover, as relevant, the use of cleaning chemicals, manual handling, slips, trips and falls, work at height, electrical equipment, lone working and site-specific risks at client premises.

From these assessments, we establish safe systems of work and method statements that are communicated to staff. These procedures are reviewed periodically and whenever circumstances change, for example when new products, equipment or work environments are introduced.

Use of Cleaning Chemicals and Hazardous Substances

Cleaning chemicals are selected and used to minimise risks to health and the environment while still providing an effective service. We obtain and follow manufacturers guidance and relevant safety data for all products used.

Employees receive instruction on dilution, application, storage and disposal of chemicals, and on recognising signs of overexposure. Where necessary, personal protective equipment such as gloves, eye protection or masks is provided and must be used as directed.

Equipment Safety and Maintenance

All cleaning equipment supplied by Wandsworth Cleaners, including vacuum cleaners, floor machines and electrical tools, is maintained in a safe condition. Routine checks are carried out, and defective equipment is removed from use until repaired or replaced.

Employees are trained in the correct use, handling and storage of equipment. Cables, leads and accessories must be positioned to avoid trip hazards and damage. Only authorised and competent persons may repair or modify equipment.

Training, Information and Supervision

We provide our staff with appropriate health and safety training at the start of their employment and on a regular basis thereafter. Training includes induction to company procedures, safe use of chemicals and equipment, manual handling techniques, emergency procedures and site-specific requirements.

Supervision is provided according to the level of risk and the competence of the employee. Additional guidance and refresher training are given whenever new tasks, methods or products are introduced.

Manual Handling and Ergonomics

Cleaning work often involves lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling and repetitive actions. We aim to reduce manual handling risks by planning work, using smaller containers, suitable trolleys and equipment designed to minimise strain.

Staff are instructed in safe lifting techniques, correct posture and the importance of avoiding excessive loads. Where a task is assessed as presenting a significant manual handling risk, it is redesigned, aided by equipment, or carried out by more than one person.

Slips, Trips, Falls and Site Safety

We take reasonable steps to prevent slips, trips and falls during our cleaning operations. This includes using appropriate signage on wet floors, managing cables safely, and keeping walkways, stairs and access routes clear of obstructions during work.

At each client site, staff are expected to familiarise themselves with emergency exits, fire alarms and building rules. Any damage, unsafe conditions or obstructions noticed while working must be reported to the client contact or supervisor.

Lone Working and Personal Security

Where cleaning is carried out outside normal hours or at locations where staff may work alone, we assess the risks and implement measures to protect their safety. This may include check-in procedures, established communication methods and clear instructions on when to cease work and seek assistance.

Employees are advised never to place themselves at risk in relation to security concerns, access disputes or aggressive behaviour. Any such incidents must be reported promptly.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, near misses, injuries, cases of ill health and dangerous occurrences arising from our cleaning activities must be reported to management. We investigate incidents to identify root causes and prevent recurrence. Records are maintained in accordance with legal requirements.

Employees are briefed on what to do in an emergency, including raising the alarm, contacting emergency services where appropriate, and following the instructions of the client or building management.

Client Cooperation and Shared Responsibilities

Health and safety is a shared responsibility between Wandsworth Cleaners and our clients. We rely on clients to provide relevant information about site-specific hazards, building rules, restricted areas and emergency procedures. In return, we provide details of our working methods and any requirements that may affect other occupants of the premises.

We will cooperate with clients, other contractors and building management to coordinate safe working arrangements and minimise risks to everyone present.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

We monitor our health and safety performance through inspections, audits, incident reviews and staff feedback. This policy and associated procedures are reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry standards or the nature of our work.

Wandsworth Cleaners aims to foster a positive health and safety culture in which everyone feels responsible for safety and empowered to raise concerns and suggest improvements.