Cleaner Soho Health and Safety Policy

Cleaner Soho is committed to providing cleaning services in a way that protects the health, safety and welfare of our employees, clients, contractors, visitors and the wider public. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety across all cleaning activities, including office cleaning, commercial premises, residential properties and communal areas.

Our aim is to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing effective control measures. Health and safety is a core part of how we manage and deliver our cleaning services, and we expect everyone associated with Cleaner Soho to play an active role in maintaining high standards.

Management Commitment and Responsibilities

Senior management at Cleaner Soho is responsible for establishing, maintaining and regularly reviewing this Health and Safety Policy. Management provides the resources, information, instruction and supervision needed to ensure that work is carried out safely and in compliance with applicable health and safety requirements.

Managers and supervisors must ensure that cleaning tasks are properly planned, that staff are competent and trained for the work they do, and that safe systems of work are in place and followed. They are responsible for reporting incidents, investigating causes and implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Every employee has a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Staff must follow safety instructions, use equipment correctly, wear any required personal protective equipment, and immediately report hazards, near misses or unsafe conditions to their line manager.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Cleaner Soho undertakes regular risk assessments for the range of cleaning activities we perform. This includes, but is not limited to, general cleaning, floor care, washroom services, high level dusting, waste handling and any specialist cleaning tasks. We identify potential hazards, evaluate the risk and put in place control measures to eliminate or reduce those risks so far as is reasonably practicable.

Site-specific risk assessments and method statements are prepared where appropriate, particularly for larger or more complex premises. Staff are briefed on the findings of risk assessments and are expected to follow safe working procedures at all times. Risk assessments are reviewed and updated when there are significant changes to work practices, locations, equipment or materials.

Chemical Safety and COSHH

Cleaning work frequently involves the use of chemical products. Cleaner Soho manages the risks associated with these substances through careful selection, safe storage, proper labelling and controlled use. We obtain and maintain up-to-date safety data sheets for all hazardous substances used in our operations.

Staff receive training on the correct dilution, application and disposal of cleaning chemicals, and on actions to take in the event of spills, exposure or accidental ingestion. Chemicals are never mixed unless specifically intended and authorised, and products are always used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. We aim to use environmentally considerate products where possible without compromising hygiene or safety.

Equipment, PPE and Manual Handling

Cleaner Soho ensures that all equipment used in the delivery of our services, such as vacuum cleaners, floor machines, ladders and trolleys, is suitable for its intended purpose, properly maintained and inspected at appropriate intervals. Faulty or damaged equipment must be taken out of use immediately and reported so that it can be repaired or replaced.

Personal protective equipment may include gloves, eye protection, masks, safety footwear or other items depending on the task and risk assessment. Where PPE is required, it is provided by the company and must be worn and cared for correctly by employees.

Manual handling risks are controlled through training and the use of handling aids wherever practical. Staff are instructed how to lift, carry and move loads safely, including waste bags, equipment and supplies. Heavy or awkward items should be moved by more than one person or with mechanical assistance.

Workplace Environment and Welfare

Our staff often work at client premises, so cooperation between Cleaner Soho and our clients is essential to maintain a safe working environment. We liaise with clients to understand site rules, emergency procedures, restricted areas and any known hazards before commencing work.

We expect our employees to maintain good standards of housekeeping at all times. This includes keeping walkways clear, storing equipment and chemicals safely, keeping cables and hoses tidy to prevent trips, and promptly cleaning up spills. We also encourage regular breaks, good personal hygiene and access to suitable welfare facilities where available.

Training, Communication and Consultation

Cleaner Soho provides induction training for all new employees, including information on health and safety responsibilities, safe working practices, emergency procedures and the correct use of equipment and chemicals. Ongoing training is provided when new tasks, equipment or products are introduced, and refresher training is given as needed.

We communicate health and safety information to employees through briefings, toolbox talks, written instructions and signage. Staff are encouraged to raise health and safety concerns and suggestions, and we consult with employees on changes that may affect their health and safety at work.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, near misses and unsafe conditions must be reported promptly to a supervisor or manager. Cleaner Soho investigates these events to identify causes and implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Records are kept in accordance with relevant requirements.

Employees are made aware of emergency arrangements at each site, including fire exits, assembly points, alarms and procedures for contacting emergency services. Staff must cooperate fully with evacuation instructions and any site-specific safety rules issued by the client.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

Cleaner Soho regularly monitors health and safety performance through inspections, audits, incident reviews and feedback from staff and clients. Findings from this monitoring are used to improve our policies, procedures and training.

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, to ensure that it remains current, effective and aligned with our commitment to safe cleaning practices across our service areas.