Health and Safety Policy for Cleaners Urrey

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the standards, responsibilities, and working practices expected when carrying out cleaning services under Cleaners Urrey. The aim is to protect staff, clients, visitors, and any other people who may be affected by cleaning activities. A safe working environment is essential for effective cleaning, and every task must be completed with care, planning, and attention to risk.

The company is committed to maintaining safe cleaning operations through clear procedures, proper training, and the correct use of equipment and products. All cleaners are expected to work in a way that reduces harm, avoids unsafe shortcuts, and supports a culture of prevention. Health and safety is not an extra step; it is part of every cleaning job.

At Cleaners Urrey, the policy applies to all work locations, including homes, offices, and shared premises. It covers routine tasks, deep cleaning, waste handling, lifting, use of chemicals, and the movement of equipment. It also applies to temporary staff, supervisors, and anyone else involved in delivering cleaning services.

Responsibilities and Safe Working Practices

Managers and supervisors must ensure that workers receive suitable induction, ongoing instruction, and supervision where needed. Cleaners must follow safe systems of work, report hazards promptly, and stop tasks if conditions become unsafe. Everyone shares responsibility for keeping work areas orderly and preventing accidents before they happen.

Risk assessment is central to this policy. Before starting work, cleaners should identify hazards such as wet floors, sharp objects, poor lighting, unstable furniture, or exposure to substances. Where a risk cannot be removed, it must be controlled using the safest available method. This may include warning signs, restricted access, personal protective equipment, or changing the work sequence.

Training must cover manual handling, safe use of cleaning products, spill response, and correct equipment use. Workers should never use machinery or chemicals without understanding the risks and required controls. If a cleaner is unsure about a task, they must seek guidance before continuing. A cautious approach supports both worker safety and service quality.

Cleaning Chemicals and Equipment

All cleaning products must be stored, labelled, and used according to instructions. Mixing chemicals is strictly prohibited unless the product information specifically allows it. Protective gloves, eye protection, or other PPE should be used whenever there is a risk of skin contact, splash, or inhalation. Good ventilation should be maintained when working with stronger substances.

Equipment must be checked before use and cleaned after each shift. Damaged tools, frayed cables, broken handles, and faulty machines must be taken out of service immediately. Electrical equipment should only be used in dry conditions unless it is designed for a different purpose. Cleaners Urrey requires workers to keep machines tidy, secure cords safely, and avoid overloading sockets.

Waste disposal must be carried out in a hygienic and controlled manner. Sharps, broken glass, contaminated materials, and general waste should each be handled according to the appropriate procedure. Hands should be washed after handling waste, chemicals, or dirty equipment. These habits help prevent contamination and support the overall health and safety policy.

Manual Handling, Slips, and Emergency Actions

Cleaning work often involves carrying equipment, moving supplies, and shifting lightweight furniture. Workers must use correct lifting techniques, keep loads manageable, and ask for help when needed. Trolleys and carrying aids should be used where possible to reduce strain. Repetitive awkward movements should also be minimized by planning tasks sensibly.

Slips and trips are among the most common cleaning hazards. Floors should be kept clear, warning signs placed where surfaces are wet, and spills cleaned promptly. Cords, hoses, and tools must be positioned carefully to avoid obstructing walkways. A tidy workplace is a safer workplace and reflects a strong safety-first approach.

In the event of an accident, fire, injury, or chemical exposure, cleaners must follow the emergency procedure for the location and inform the relevant person as soon as possible. First aid must be sought immediately where needed. Incidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions should be recorded and reviewed so that controls can be improved. Learning from events is an important part of keeping cleaning operations safe.

Health Protection and Wellbeing

Cleaners may be exposed to dust, mould, bodily fluids, allergens, or strong scents. Where necessary, suitable control measures should be used to reduce exposure and protect health. Workers with skin sensitivity, breathing conditions, or other relevant concerns should notify management so reasonable adjustments can be considered.

Hygiene is essential in all cleaning tasks. Hands should be washed regularly, gloves changed when contaminated, and uniforms kept clean. Eating, drinking, and smoking should never take place in areas where cleaning products or waste are handled. These standards help protect both workers and the people using the premises.

Fatigue, stress, and rushed working can also increase the chance of accidents. Work should be planned so that staff have realistic time to complete tasks safely. If workload, access, or site conditions create pressure that could affect safety, this must be reported. Cleaners Urrey encourages open communication so concerns can be addressed early.

Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective, practical, and suitable for the work carried out. Updates may be made after incidents, changes in procedures, introduction of new equipment, or changes in cleaning products. All workers are expected to follow revised instructions promptly.

Compliance with this policy is mandatory. Failure to follow health and safety requirements may result in corrective action, retraining, or removal from specific duties. The goal is not punishment but prevention. By maintaining high standards, Cleaners Urrey protects people, supports reliable service, and creates a safer working environment for everyone involved.