Cleaners Soho Health and Safety Policy
Cleaners Soho is committed to providing cleaning services in a way that safeguards the health, safety and welfare of our employees, clients, visitors and the general public. We recognise our responsibilities under relevant health and safety legislation and apply industry best practice across our operations. This policy sets out the principles and procedures that guide our work in homes, offices and commercial premises.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
Our primary objectives are to prevent accidents, reduce work-related ill health and promote a safe working culture for everyone involved in our cleaning services. We aim to identify and control hazards associated with cleaning tasks, use suitable equipment and materials, and ensure that all team members are competent and properly supervised. We work to continuously improve our health and safety performance and review our arrangements regularly.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Cleaners Soho has overall responsibility for health and safety. This includes putting in place appropriate policies, systems and resources to manage risks effectively. Management will ensure that health and safety considerations are integrated into business planning, service delivery, staff selection and training, procurement of equipment and the choice of cleaning products. We appoint competent persons to assist with the implementation and monitoring of health and safety measures.
Managers and supervisors must ensure that risk assessments are carried out before or at the start of work, that control measures are followed, and that equipment is maintained in a safe condition. They are responsible for providing clear instructions, information and supervision to employees, and for taking prompt action to address any concerns raised by staff or clients regarding safety.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees, contractors and temporary workers have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work. Staff must follow all safety procedures, use equipment correctly, wear appropriate personal protective equipment when required, and report any defects, hazards, incidents or near misses to their manager without delay. Employees must not misuse or interfere with anything provided for health, safety or welfare.
Every member of the Cleaners Soho team is expected to co operate with management in achieving high standards of safety and to participate in training and refresher sessions when requested. Failure to follow agreed health and safety rules may result in disciplinary action.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Before delivering cleaning services at any premises, we assess the risks associated with the tasks, equipment, environment and substances involved. These risk assessments inform safe systems of work that are communicated to staff. Assessments cover typical hazards such as slips and trips, manual handling, working at height for certain tasks, use of electrical equipment, exposure to cleaning chemicals and security arrangements when working on client sites.
We review and update risk assessments when there are significant changes to work activities, equipment, products or locations, or following accidents or near misses. Staff are encouraged to contribute to the assessment process with feedback on practical controls and suggestions for improvement.
Use of Cleaning Chemicals and Materials
Cleaners Soho selects cleaning products with regard to both effectiveness and safety. We obtain and review safety data sheets for all chemicals and conduct assessments to ensure compliance with applicable regulations on hazardous substances. Products are stored, transported, diluted and used strictly in accordance with manufacturer instructions and our internal procedures.
Employees receive training in the safe handling and use of chemicals, including the correct use of personal protective equipment, ventilation requirements, and what to do in case of spills, splashes or accidental exposure. Wherever reasonably practicable, we seek to use less hazardous or environmentally considerate products without compromising cleaning quality.
Equipment Safety and Maintenance
We provide suitable and well maintained equipment for all cleaning tasks, including vacuum cleaners, floor machines, ladders where required, and specialist tools. Electrical equipment is subject to regular checks and inspection. Any defective item must be removed from service immediately and reported so that repair or replacement can be arranged.
Staff are trained in the correct setup, operation and storage of equipment. They must never override safety features or use tools or machinery for purposes other than those intended. Only authorised and trained personnel may use specialist equipment.
Manual Handling and Ergonomics
Cleaning work often involves lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling equipment and materials. To reduce the risk of strain and injury, we assess manual handling tasks and introduce controls such as lighter loads, use of trolleys and appropriate handling techniques. Staff receive guidance on posture, lifting methods and the importance of taking reasonable breaks from repetitive activity.
We encourage employees to report early signs of discomfort so that tasks or equipment can be reviewed and adjusted where possible.
Working on Client Premises
When working in client locations, our staff must follow both Cleaners Soho procedures and any site specific rules provided by the client. This includes signing in where required, respecting restricted areas, using designated access routes and cooperating with emergency arrangements such as fire evacuation plans.
We take care to minimise disruption and ensure that cleaning activities do not create avoidable hazards. This may involve the use of warning signs for wet floors, careful routing of cables, secure storage of equipment and chemicals, and maintaining clear escape routes at all times.
Training, Information and Supervision
Cleaners Soho provides induction training for all new staff that covers core health and safety responsibilities, safe working practices and emergency procedures. Additional task specific training is provided according to roles and locations. Refresher training is arranged as necessary, particularly following changes in work methods, equipment or products.
Supervisors monitor working practices to ensure that training is applied in day to day activities. Information on risks and controls is communicated clearly and updated when required. We maintain records of training and instructions provided.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported as soon as possible so that appropriate action can be taken and lessons learned. We keep records of incidents and investigate them to identify root causes and necessary improvements to procedures or equipment.
Our employees receive guidance on what to do in case of fire, injury, chemical spills or other emergencies while working on site. They must familiarise themselves with local emergency exits, alarms and meeting points at each client location.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
We believe that effective health and safety management relies on open communication. Cleaners Soho consults with employees on matters affecting their health and safety and encourages comments and suggestions on how to make work safer and healthier. Feedback from clients is also welcomed and used to refine our systems.
This policy and the associated procedures are reviewed regularly to ensure they remain suitable, effective and aligned with current legislation and best practice. Updates are communicated to all relevant personnel, and training is provided where changes require new or revised skills.
Policy Review and Availability
The Cleaners Soho Health and Safety Policy is reviewed at least annually, or more frequently if there are significant changes to our activities, legal requirements or organisational structure. The latest version is made available to all employees and can be provided to clients on request. Everyone working with or on behalf of Cleaners Soho is expected to understand and support the aims of this policy and contribute to a safe working environment.