Cleaner Harringay Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Cleaner Harringay manages the safety, health and welfare of employees, clients, visitors, contractors and members of the public who may be affected by our cleaning activities. We are committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment and to continually improving our health and safety performance across all services and locations we operate in.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Cleaner Harringay will, so far as is reasonably practicable, prevent accidents, work related ill health and unsafe conditions arising from our work. We will identify hazards, assess risks and implement effective control measures before work begins. Our objectives are to reduce incidents, promote safe behaviours, use suitable cleaning methods and materials, and comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and industry best practice for cleaning operations.

Responsibilities for Health and Safety

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Cleaner Harringay rests with senior management, who ensure that adequate resources, training and supervision are provided. Managers are responsible for implementing this policy on all sites, carrying out risk assessments, communicating safe working procedures and monitoring compliance.

Supervisors must ensure that staff follow safe systems of work, use equipment correctly, wear appropriate personal protective equipment and report hazards, incidents and near misses promptly. They must also verify that products and machinery are suitable for the task and maintained in safe condition.

All employees share a duty of care for their own health and safety and that of others. Staff must cooperate with the company on all health and safety matters, follow instructions and training, report any concerns, and never misuse equipment or substances. Every individual has the authority to stop work they believe is unsafe and to raise the matter with a supervisor or manager without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Before starting work at any site, Cleaner Harringay carries out risk assessments to identify potential hazards associated with cleaning tasks, equipment, substances and the specific environment. Based on these findings, we develop safe systems of work that cover access and egress, use of ladders and steps, handling of waste, operating machinery, working around occupants and security of premises.

Written procedures and method statements are used where appropriate and are reviewed regularly, particularly when there are changes in work activities, equipment, premises layout, or when new information on risks or controls becomes available. Control measures may include substitution of safer products, restrictions on high risk tasks, use of appropriate personal protective equipment and scheduling work to minimise exposure to occupants.

Chemical Safety and COSHH

Cleaner Harringay recognises the specific risks associated with chemical cleaning agents and other hazardous substances used in the cleaning industry. We assess all substances in accordance with relevant regulations and maintain information on safe use, handling, storage and disposal. Only approved products are used and they must remain in their original, clearly labelled containers.

Employees receive training in reading and following product instructions, dilution ratios, safe mixing procedures, avoiding dangerous combinations and responding to spills or accidental exposure. Personal protective equipment, such as gloves, eye protection and suitable clothing, is provided where the risk assessment indicates it is required and staff are trained in its proper use, storage and replacement.

Equipment, Machinery and Workplace Safety

All equipment and machinery, including vacuum cleaners, floor machines, steam cleaners and any powered tools, are selected to be suitable for the intended tasks and maintained in safe working order. Regular inspections and servicing are carried out, and any defective or damaged equipment is taken out of use immediately until repaired or replaced.

Cables, tools and materials are managed to reduce tripping hazards and obstruction of walkways. Wet floors and other temporary hazards are clearly signposted with warning signs and barriers where needed. Particular care is taken when working in occupied premises to ensure safe movement of people, control of access to work areas and protection of property.

Manual Handling and Ergonomics

Many cleaning tasks involve manual handling of equipment, supplies and waste. Cleaner Harringay undertakes manual handling risk assessments and aims to minimise lifting and carrying by using trolleys, appropriate containers and safe working methods. Staff are trained in correct lifting techniques, posture, team lifting and recognising their own limitations.

We consider ergonomic factors, such as adjustable handles, lightweight tools and practical work organisation, to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Employees are encouraged to report early signs of strain or discomfort so that adjustments can be made before conditions worsen.

Training, Information and Supervision

Cleaner Harringay provides health and safety induction training for all new employees, as well as task specific training for the equipment, chemicals and procedures they will use. Refresher training is delivered at suitable intervals or when there are changes in methods, materials, regulations or work locations.

Training may cover safe work practices, emergency procedures, accident reporting, chemical safety, infection control, electrical safety, use of personal protective equipment and site specific rules. Supervisors monitor competence in practice and provide additional guidance and support whenever needed.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, near misses and hazardous conditions must be reported to a supervisor or manager as soon as possible. Cleaner Harringay maintains records of such events, investigates root causes and implements corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Emergency procedures are in place for fire, spillages, injuries and other incidents. Staff are trained to raise alarms, evacuate safely, use basic spill control measures and provide first aid support appropriate to their level of training. We cooperate closely with clients to ensure our arrangements align with their site specific emergency procedures and evacuation plans.

Health, Welfare and Wellbeing

Cleaner Harringay recognises that a safe workplace includes attention to welfare facilities, hygiene and wellbeing. We promote good personal hygiene, particularly for tasks involving sanitary areas, waste or potential biological contaminants. Where appropriate, we encourage the use of hand washing facilities or sanitising products and the proper disposal of contaminated materials.

We seek to avoid excessive working hours, provide adequate breaks and manage workloads responsibly. Any concerns about health, stress or fitness for work are treated seriously and discussed confidentially, with adjustments considered where reasonable to support individuals.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

Cleaner Harringay values the input of employees and clients in improving health and safety performance. We encourage staff to raise ideas, discuss issues and participate in reviews of working methods. Periodic audits and inspections are conducted to evaluate compliance with this policy and identify opportunities for improvement.

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes in legislation, operations or organisational structure. Updated versions are communicated to all employees and made available to clients on request.

By working together and maintaining high standards of care, Cleaner Harringay aims to deliver professional cleaning services while protecting the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone affected by our activities.