Health And Safety Policy

Hackney Cleaners Health and Safety Policy

Hackney Cleaners is committed to providing professional cleaning services in a manner that protects the health, safety, and welfare of our employees, clients, visitors, contractors, and members of the public who may be affected by our work. This policy sets out our approach to health and safety management across all cleaning services we deliver in residential, commercial, and communal environments.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

Our primary objectives are to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health, and to continuously improve our health and safety performance. We aim to identify and control hazards associated with cleaning activities, including the use of chemicals, equipment, and access to client premises, and to promote a positive safety culture throughout the company.

Legal Compliance and Responsibilities

Hackney Cleaners will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation, regulations, and approved codes of practice applicable to cleaning operations. We will maintain appropriate insurance coverage and keep up to date with changes in health and safety requirements, ensuring that our procedures and working practices remain compliant and effective.

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who will provide leadership, resources, and support for implementing this policy. Supervisors are responsible for day-to-day management of health and safety on site, including monitoring working practices and ensuring staff follow agreed procedures. 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, and to cooperate fully with the company in implementing this policy.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We will carry out suitable and proportionate risk assessments for our cleaning tasks, premises, equipment, and substances. These assessments will be reviewed regularly, and whenever there are significant changes to work methods, locations, or equipment. The findings of risk assessments will be used to develop safe systems of work and clear instructions for our cleaning teams.

Where specific risks are identified, such as working at height, manual handling, or use of hazardous substances, we will introduce appropriate control measures. These may include substitution of less hazardous products, use of mechanical aids, restricted access to higher-risk areas, and enhanced training or supervision.

Chemicals and Hazardous Substances

Cleaning products and chemicals will be selected, stored, transported, and used in accordance with manufacturers' instructions and relevant regulations. We will maintain up-to-date safety data information for products used by our teams and ensure that employees understand the hazards and control measures associated with each substance.

Chemicals will only be decanted or diluted as instructed and will always be labelled clearly. Staff are prohibited from mixing cleaning products unless specifically directed by the product instructions. Personal protective equipment will be provided where necessary to protect against splashes, vapours, or skin contact, and staff will be trained in its correct use and maintenance.

Personal Protective Equipment

Hackney Cleaners will provide appropriate personal protective equipment, which may include gloves, eye protection, footwear, masks, or other items as required by the risk assessment. Employees must use the equipment as instructed, keep it in good condition, and report any loss or defect immediately. Replacement equipment will be supplied as necessary to ensure ongoing protection.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Many cleaning tasks involve lifting, carrying, and moving equipment or materials. We will assess manual handling risks and adopt methods that minimise strain and the likelihood of injury. Where possible, loads will be reduced and mechanical aids used.

All cleaning equipment, including vacuum cleaners, floor machines, and other powered tools, will be maintained in safe working order. Electrical equipment will be subject to regular visual checks and formal inspection where required. Employees will receive instruction in the safe use, cleaning, and storage of equipment and must not use damaged or faulty items.

Working on Client Premises

When working at client premises, our employees must respect and follow any local safety rules, access controls, and security arrangements. We will liaise with clients to understand any site-specific hazards, such as restricted areas, fragile surfaces, shared access routes, or special requirements related to their business activities.

Staff will ensure that warning signs are displayed where floors are wet or slippery, equipment and materials are positioned to prevent slips, trips, and falls, and routes remain clear for building users. Efforts will be made to minimise disruption and to protect client property and belongings at all times.

Training, Information, and Supervision

All employees will receive health and safety induction training and job-specific instruction before carrying out cleaning tasks independently. Training will cover safe use of chemicals and equipment, personal protective equipment, manual handling, emergency procedures, and reporting of hazards or incidents. Refresher training will be arranged where needed and when work methods or products change.

Supervision will be proportionate to the level of risk and the experience of the employee. New and young workers will receive closer supervision until their competence is fully established.

Accidents, Incidents, and Near Misses

All accidents, incidents, and near misses involving our staff or arising from our activities must be reported promptly so that they can be recorded, investigated, and, where necessary, notified to the relevant authorities. We will take appropriate corrective actions to prevent recurrence and will share lessons learned across the company.

Emergency Procedures

We will ensure that employees are aware of emergency arrangements for the locations in which they work, including fire evacuation routes, assembly points, and procedures for raising the alarm. Staff must comply with client site rules during drills and real emergencies and must never obstruct fire exits or safety equipment with cleaning materials or tools.

Health, Welfare, and Wellbeing

Hackney Cleaners recognises the importance of general health and wellbeing in maintaining a safe workforce. We will encourage good hygiene, provide guidance on safe working postures and pacing of work, and take reasonable steps to adjust tasks where an employee has a medical condition that may affect their ability to work safely.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

We value feedback from employees and clients in improving our health and safety performance. Staff are encouraged to raise any concerns or suggestions regarding safety without fear of criticism. Management will review this policy regularly, and at least annually, to ensure it remains relevant, effective, and aligned with our commitment to safe, high-quality cleaning services.

This Health and Safety Policy is approved by management and applies to all activities carried out by Hackney Cleaners.