Cleaners N4 Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and procedures that Cleaners N4 follows to protect the wellbeing of our employees, clients, visitors and members of the public. We are committed to providing cleaning services in a safe, responsible and professional manner across our service areas.
Our aim is to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing effective control measures. This policy applies to all employees, contractors and temporary staff engaged by Cleaners N4, regardless of location or type of cleaning work being carried out.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
Cleaners N4 is committed to:
Promoting a positive health and safety culture at every level of the organisation. Ensuring that all cleaning activities are planned and carried out with safety as a priority. Providing and maintaining safe systems of work, safe equipment and suitable personal protective equipment. Ensuring that all substances and cleaning products are handled, stored and used safely. Providing information, instruction, training and supervision to enable employees to work safely and competently. Continually reviewing and improving our health and safety performance.
Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the management of Cleaners N4. Management is responsible for ensuring that this policy is implemented, communicated, monitored and reviewed on a regular basis.
Supervisors are responsible for day to day health and safety management, including ensuring that staff follow safe working procedures, use the correct equipment and report hazards and incidents promptly.
All employees have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions. Employees must cooperate with Cleaners N4 on all health and safety matters, follow training and instructions, and use any equipment or protective clothing provided.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Before starting work at any client site, Cleaners N4 will identify potential hazards and carry out appropriate risk assessments. These may include risks related to slips, trips and falls, manual handling, working at height, use of electrical equipment, exposure to chemicals and lone working.
Based on the findings of risk assessments, we will implement safe systems of work, such as appropriate work methods, restricted access, signage, supervision and the provision of suitable tools and personal protective equipment.
Risk assessments will be reviewed periodically, and whenever there are significant changes to work practices, equipment, premises or legislation.
Use of Chemicals and COSHH
Cleaners N4 recognises the potential risks associated with cleaning chemicals and other substances used in the course of our work. We will ensure compliance with relevant regulations governing the control of substances hazardous to health.
We will maintain information on all products used, including safety data and recommended protective measures. Staff are trained in the correct dilution, application, storage and disposal of chemicals, and must always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and company procedures.
Substances will be clearly labelled and stored securely, away from unauthorised persons and incompatible materials. Where possible, we will select products that minimise risks to health and the environment while still delivering effective cleaning results.
Equipment, Personal Protective Equipment and Maintenance
All equipment provided by Cleaners N4, including vacuum cleaners, floor machines and other tools, will be maintained in a safe condition and serviced at appropriate intervals. Defective or damaged equipment must be reported immediately and taken out of use until repaired or replaced.
Personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks, eye protection, protective clothing and safety footwear will be provided where identified by risk assessment. Employees are required to use protective equipment correctly, to take reasonable care of it and to report any defects or issues without delay.
Training, Information and Supervision
Cleaners N4 provides training and information to ensure that staff understand their responsibilities and are competent to carry out their tasks safely. This includes induction training for new starters, task-specific training for particular equipment or methods, and refresher training where necessary.
Training covers safe working practices, correct use of chemicals, manual handling techniques, emergency procedures, use of personal protective equipment and reporting procedures for accidents or near misses.
Supervisors provide ongoing guidance, monitor work practices and ensure that safety standards are maintained at all times.
Accident, Incident and Near Miss Reporting
All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported as soon as possible to a supervisor or manager. Accurate records will be maintained and investigated to identify underlying causes and to prevent recurrence.
Where appropriate, corrective actions will be implemented, including changes to procedures, additional training or improvements to equipment and working conditions. Employees are encouraged to report hazards and suggestions for improving safety without fear of blame, as part of our commitment to continuous improvement.
Emergency Procedures
Cleaners N4 ensures that staff are familiar with the emergency procedures relevant to the premises in which they are working, including fire evacuation routes, assembly points and the location of first aid facilities where provided by the client.
Employees must comply with all emergency instructions, alarms and signage, and must not obstruct fire exits or emergency equipment with cleaning tools, waste or other materials.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy will be monitored on an ongoing basis and formally reviewed at regular intervals, or sooner if there are significant changes to operations, legislation or identified risks. Feedback from employees, clients and safety inspections will be taken into account when updating procedures.
Cleaners N4 is committed to continually improving health and safety performance, fostering a culture in which everyone understands their role in maintaining a safe working environment and is encouraged to participate actively in health and safety matters.
By following this policy, Cleaners N4 seeks to provide a professional cleaning service that protects the health, safety and welfare of all those who may be affected by our work.