Health And Safety Policy

Sutton Cleaner Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Sutton Cleaner manages and maintains safe working practices for all cleaning activities. It applies to all employees, subcontractors and anyone who may be affected by our work, including clients, visitors and members of the public. Our aim is to prevent accidents, protect health and create safe, well managed working environments in all premises where we provide cleaning services.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

Sutton Cleaner is committed to achieving high standards of health, safety and welfare. We will identify and control risks associated with cleaning tasks, equipment, chemicals and the environments in which we operate. We seek to continuously improve our performance through regular review, staff consultation and training.

Management will provide the resources, information and supervision necessary to ensure that safe practices are followed and that all relevant health and safety obligations are met.

Responsibilities and Management

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who ensure that this policy is implemented, communicated and reviewed. Management will set clear expectations, monitor performance and lead by example in all aspects of safe working.

Supervisors are responsible for day to day implementation of procedures on site, including monitoring working conditions, checking that equipment is used correctly and addressing any unsafe behaviour or hazards identified by staff or clients.

All employees and subcontractors have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must follow instructions and training, report hazards and incidents promptly and use equipment and cleaning products as directed.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Sutton Cleaner carries out risk assessments for its cleaning services to identify potential hazards such as slips and trips, manual handling, work at height, chemical exposure and electrical risks. Where necessary, we prepare method statements or safe systems of work to detail how tasks should be performed safely.

These assessments and procedures are reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to working practices, equipment, products used or client premises. Staff are informed of any updates and must follow the agreed safe methods at all times.

Use of Cleaning Chemicals and Hazardous Substances

We manage cleaning products and other substances to ensure they are stored, handled and used safely. Safety data and manufacturer guidance are consulted before use, and only approved substances are used for our cleaning operations.

Employees receive training on the safe use, dilution, application and disposal of cleaning chemicals. They must always use the appropriate protective equipment, keep products in their original containers and never mix chemicals unless specifically instructed by the manufacturer. Any spills or accidental exposure must be reported immediately so that appropriate actions can be taken.

Equipment, Machinery and Personal Protective Equipment

All cleaning equipment and machinery used by Sutton Cleaner is selected, inspected and maintained to support safe and efficient work. Faulty or damaged equipment must not be used and is removed from service until repaired or replaced. Staff are trained in the correct use of vacuum cleaners, floor machines, extension poles and any other tools required for their duties.

Personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks, eye protection, aprons and safety footwear is provided where risks cannot be adequately controlled by other means. Employees must use this equipment as instructed, keep it in good condition and report any loss or damage so replacements can be arranged.

Manual Handling and Work at Height

Manual handling tasks, such as moving equipment, waste bags or supplies, are assessed and planned to minimise the risk of injury. Staff are trained in safe lifting techniques, correct posture and the use of trolleys or other aids wherever practical.

Work at height, such as cleaning high surfaces or windows within reach, is only carried out using appropriate equipment and methods. Staff must not use unsafe access methods and must follow instructions on the use of steps, platforms or extension tools designed for safe height work.

Slips, Trips, Housekeeping and Site Safety

Preventing slips and trips is a priority in all cleaning activities. We ensure that wet floors are clearly signposted, that cables and equipment are positioned to avoid creating obstacles and that tools are removed promptly after use.

Good housekeeping is maintained at all times. Waste is collected and disposed of safely, storage areas are kept tidy and walkways are kept clear. Where we work in occupied premises, consideration is given to building users and visitors so that disruption and risk are kept to a minimum.

Health, Welfare and Infection Control

Sutton Cleaner recognises its duty to protect the health and welfare of staff. We promote safe hygiene practices, provide appropriate facilities where possible and adopt cleaning processes that support infection control and hygiene standards.

Where tasks involve sanitary areas, medical settings or increased risk of contamination, additional controls may be implemented such as enhanced protective equipment, specific cleaning products and stricter disposal procedures. Staff are instructed not to work if they are unfit for duty due to illness that could pose a risk to others.

Training, Communication and Consultation

All staff receive health and safety induction training and role specific instruction before starting work on client premises. Refresher training is provided as needed, particularly when equipment, products or methods change. Toolbox talks and briefings are used to reinforce key safety messages and address any issues that arise.

We encourage open communication about health and safety matters. Employees are invited to raise concerns, suggest improvements and report near misses without fear of blame. This feedback is taken seriously and is used to improve our procedures and performance.

Accidents, Incidents and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported to a supervisor or manager as soon as possible. Records are kept so that trends can be identified and preventative measures can be implemented. Where necessary, investigations are carried out to understand the causes and reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

Emergency procedures are discussed with staff and, where appropriate, with clients so that everyone understands what to do in the event of fire, evacuation, serious injury, chemical exposure or other incidents. Employees must follow building specific instructions, including signing in or out where required and complying with local emergency arrangements.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

Sutton Cleaner regularly monitors health and safety performance through site visits, equipment checks, incident reviews and staff feedback. This policy is reviewed periodically and updated to reflect changes in our services, industry standards and best practice.

By working together, management, supervisors, employees and clients contribute to a safe, healthy and professional cleaning service that protects people, property and the environment in every location where we operate.