Cleaners Kingston Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Cleaners Kingston manages health, safety, and welfare for employees, contractors, clients, visitors, and members of the public affected by our cleaning activities. Our aim is to provide and maintain safe and healthy working conditions while delivering professional cleaning services in homes, offices, and commercial premises.

We are committed to complying with all applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards. This policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains relevant to our services and the locations where we operate.

Health and Safety Objectives

Cleaners Kingston is committed to:

Identifying, assessing, and controlling risks associated with cleaning tasks and environments.

Preventing accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health through robust planning and supervision.

Ensuring cleaners and supervisors are properly trained, competent, and equipped to work safely.

Maintaining safe systems of work, including the safe use, storage, and disposal of cleaning chemicals and equipment.

Promoting a strong health and safety culture where all staff understand their responsibilities and feel empowered to raise concerns.

Responsibilities for Health and Safety

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who will ensure that adequate resources, information, instruction, and supervision are provided to implement this policy effectively.

Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that cleaners follow agreed procedures, use equipment correctly, and report hazards promptly. They must also monitor work sites and enforce the use of personal protective equipment where required.

All cleaners and operatives have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must cooperate with the company by following safety instructions, attending training, reporting incidents, and using equipment properly.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before commencing work at any premises, Cleaners Kingston will identify and assess the risks associated with the tasks to be carried out. Risk assessments may cover issues such as slips, trips and falls, manual handling, working at height, use of chemicals, electrical safety, lone working, and security arrangements.

Where specific risks are identified, appropriate control measures will be implemented. These may include method statements, use of signage, barriers, or cones, restrictions on access, designated work areas, and specific personal protective equipment.

Our cleaners will follow agreed safe systems of work at all times and will not carry out tasks for which they are not trained or authorised. Any change in work methods or introduction of new equipment or substances will be reviewed to ensure that risks remain controlled.

Use of Cleaning Chemicals and Hazardous Substances

Cleaners Kingston recognises that cleaning chemicals must be handled safely to protect cleaners, clients, and building users. We will ensure that all substances used are assessed for health risks and that appropriate control measures are in place.

Only approved and labelled products will be used by our cleaners. Safety data information will be available for all chemicals, and operatives will receive training on safe dilution, application, and disposal methods. Chemicals will be stored securely when not in use, away from children, pets, food, and ignition sources.

Cleaners will wear suitable protective equipment, such as gloves or eye protection, where required. Sprays and aerosols will be used in well-ventilated areas, and any spillages will be dealt with promptly and safely.

Equipment Safety and Maintenance

All equipment supplied by Cleaners Kingston, including vacuum cleaners, floor machines, steam cleaners, and manual tools, will be maintained in a safe condition. Regular checks will be carried out, and defective items will be removed from service until repaired or replaced.

Only trained personnel will operate specialised equipment. Cables will be routed to minimise trip hazards, and electrical equipment will not be used if there are signs of damage or faults. Cleaners will be instructed on correct lifting techniques when moving heavier machinery or furnishings.

Manual Handling and Physical Safety

Many cleaning tasks involve lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling. To reduce the risk of strains and injuries, Cleaners Kingston will provide training on safe manual handling techniques and will use trolleys, handles, and other aids where appropriate.

Staff are instructed not to move items that are excessively heavy or awkward without assistance and to request help if they are unsure about the safety of a task. Work schedules will be planned to avoid unnecessary repetition and to allow for reasonable breaks.

Working in Client Premises

When working in clients premises, our cleaners will act with care to protect both themselves and others. This includes maintaining clear access routes, using warning signs where floors are wet, and ensuring that doors and windows are left in a secure and safe condition after work.

Cleaners Kingston staff will respect household or site-specific safety rules, including fire evacuation procedures, security requirements, and any access restrictions. We will take particular care in environments where children, older people, or vulnerable individuals may be present.

Training, Information, and Supervision

All cleaners receive initial and ongoing training appropriate to their roles. This includes training in general health and safety, safe use of chemicals and equipment, manual handling, use of protective equipment, and emergency procedures.

Supervisors will provide on-site guidance and monitor compliance with safety procedures. Health and safety information will be communicated clearly, and any updates or changes to safe practices will be shared promptly with staff.

Accidents, Incidents, and Near Misses

Cleaners Kingston encourages the prompt reporting of all accidents, incidents, and near misses, whether they result in injury or not. This helps us to investigate causes, implement corrective actions, and prevent recurrence.

Where required, incidents will be recorded and, if necessary, reported to the relevant authorities. We will cooperate with clients in providing information relating to any incident occurring on their premises, while respecting confidentiality requirements.

Health, Welfare, and Wellbeing

We recognise that good health and safety management includes supporting the general wellbeing of our staff. Cleaners Kingston will take reasonable steps to ensure that workloads, schedules, and working conditions do not place undue strain on employees.

Staff are encouraged to raise any concerns related to health, safety, or welfare without fear of reprisal. Where appropriate, adjustments to tasks or equipment may be made to support individual needs.

Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when necessary, for example when there are changes in legislation, our working methods, or the nature of the premises we service.

Cleaners Kingston will monitor performance through inspections, feedback from staff and clients, and analysis of incident reports. We are committed to continuous improvement and to maintaining a high standard of health and safety across all cleaning operations.

This policy is communicated to all employees and is available to clients and other interested parties on request.