Health and Safety Policy for Cleaners Oho

This health and safety policy sets out how Cleaners Oho maintains a safe, healthy, and well-managed working environment for all cleaning staff, supervisors, and anyone affected by our activities. Our aim is to prevent injury, reduce risk, and support consistent safe working practices in every task, from routine cleaning to specialist site care. We expect all team members to take responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others by following approved procedures, using equipment correctly, and reporting concerns promptly.

Health and safety is part of everyday work, not an extra task. Cleaning services can involve wet floors, chemicals, lifting, waste handling, electrical equipment, and working in occupied buildings. Because of this, our approach is based on planning, awareness, training, and supervision. We encourage a culture where hazards are identified early, control measures are respected, and work is carried out with care and attention.

All cleaners are expected to understand the risks related to their duties and to follow instructions on product labels, task sheets, and site-specific procedures. No one should begin a job unless the area, tools, and materials are suitable for safe use. If conditions change during work, staff must pause and reassess the situation before continuing. Safety always takes priority over speed.

Our Core Safety Principles

We apply a simple but effective principle: prevent harm before it happens. That means reducing exposure to hazards through proper training, suitable equipment, regular checks, and clear communication. Every cleaner is expected to work in a way that protects themselves, clients, visitors, and colleagues.

Risk assessment is central to our policy. Before starting unfamiliar work or entering a new environment, we consider possible hazards such as slippery surfaces, blocked exits, poor lighting, sharp objects, or chemical exposure. Where needed, additional controls are introduced, including warning signage, restricted access, safer tools, or changed working methods.

We also maintain standards for personal protective equipment and safe storage. Gloves, masks, aprons, and non-slip footwear may be required depending on the task. Equipment and cleaning products must be stored in a secure, tidy way to prevent misuse, contamination, or accidental spills. Any damaged item must be removed from use until it has been checked or replaced.

Training, Supervision, and Safe Conduct

All staff receive instruction appropriate to their role, including safe handling of cleaning materials, correct use of machinery, manual handling, and emergency response. New starters are not expected to work unsupervised until they understand the relevant procedures. Ongoing supervision helps ensure that standards remain consistent and that safe habits are reinforced.

Manual handling is a common part of cleaning work and must be done carefully. Cleaners should avoid unnecessary strain by planning lifts, keeping loads manageable, using both hands where possible, and asking for assistance when items are heavy, awkward, or difficult to move. Repetitive tasks should be varied where practical to reduce fatigue and overuse injuries.

Behaviour also matters. Rushing, ignoring warnings, bypassing controls, or using unsuitable tools can lead to accidents. Staff are expected to remain alert, follow instructions, and speak up if a task appears unsafe. Where work involves multiple people, communication must remain clear so that everyone understands what is being done and which areas are being cleaned.

Equipment, Chemicals, and Workplace Hazards

Cleaning equipment must be inspected before use and kept in good working order. Leads, plugs, hoses, brushes, vacuums, and floor machines should not be used if they are damaged or unsafe. Electrical items must be handled with particular care, and cleaners must keep water away from live equipment and sockets whenever possible.

Cleaning chemicals are used responsibly and only for their intended purpose. Products must be labelled correctly, diluted as instructed, and never mixed unless the manufacturer specifically allows it. Staff should wash their hands after use and avoid unnecessary contact with concentrated substances. Good ventilation should be maintained where products may release fumes.

Spill control is essential. Any spill, leak, or breakage must be dealt with quickly and safely using the correct procedure. Wet areas should be marked or isolated until they are safe. If a hazard cannot be controlled immediately, the job must stop until suitable action is taken. This applies equally to glass, sharps, waste, and any contamination that could cause harm.

Accidents, Emergencies, and Incident Reporting

All accidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions must be reported as soon as possible. Early reporting helps us identify patterns, correct problems, and prevent repeat incidents. Even minor events matter if they reveal a weakness in equipment, training, or procedure.

In an emergency, cleaners should act calmly and follow the agreed response for the site. This may include stopping work, warning others, isolating an area, or seeking first aid. Staff must know the basic arrangements for evacuation, alarm signals, and emergency exits. No one should put themselves at unnecessary risk while trying to manage an incident.

First aid supplies and emergency equipment should be kept accessible and checked regularly. Where tasks involve higher risk, additional precautions may be required. The key expectation is that everyone remains alert, responds quickly, and supports a safe outcome for all involved.

Workplace Wellbeing and Responsibility

Health and safety includes wellbeing as well as physical protection. Fatigue, stress, poor posture, and excessive workload can all affect safe performance. We encourage staff to take reasonable breaks, stay hydrated, and report concerns about workload or repeated physical discomfort before they become more serious.

Managers and supervisors have a duty to make sure this policy is followed, but every cleaner shares responsibility for safe working. A positive safety culture depends on cooperation, honesty, and attention to detail. When everyone contributes, the risk of harm is reduced and work can be completed more reliably.

Cleaners Oho is committed to reviewing this policy regularly and improving it whenever new risks, better methods, or new equipment make changes necessary. Safety standards must remain practical, clear, and consistently applied. By working together and respecting these rules, we protect people, property, and the quality of our service.