Queen's Park Cleaners Health and Safety Policy

Queen's Park Cleaners is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, clients, visitors, contractors, and members of the public who may be affected by our cleaning activities. We integrate health and safety into all aspects of our operations and expect everyone involved in our services to share this commitment.

Policy Aims

The purpose of this Health and Safety Policy is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property arising from our work. We aim to identify and control risks associated with cleaning services, promote safe working practices, and continually improve our health and safety performance.

Management Responsibilities

Management at Queen's Park Cleaners has overall responsibility for health and safety. This includes ensuring that suitable resources, training, and supervision are provided so that work is carried out safely and in compliance with applicable health and safety requirements. Management will:

Carry out and review risk assessments for all main cleaning tasks and environments. Provide clear procedures and safe systems of work for staff to follow. Supply suitable equipment and cleaning products that are safe for their intended use. Maintain equipment in a safe, serviceable condition. Monitor health and safety performance and investigate accidents, incidents, and near misses. Review this policy periodically and update it as needed.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety, as well as the safety of others who may be affected by their actions. Employees must:

Follow company procedures, safety instructions, and training at all times. Use cleaning chemicals, equipment, and personal protective equipment correctly. Report accidents, incidents, near misses, and hazards as soon as possible. Cooperate with management on health and safety matters, including attending training. Avoid misuse or interference with any safety equipment or controls.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Queen's Park Cleaners undertakes risk assessments to identify hazards associated with cleaning activities and to determine appropriate control measures. Assessments cover, where relevant, manual handling, work at height, use of ladders and steps, electrical equipment, wet floors, slips and trips, sharps or broken glass, and confined or restricted spaces.

Safe working procedures are communicated to all staff. Employees must observe these procedures at all times, including setting up warning signs, using barriers where appropriate, and leaving work areas in a safe condition at the end of each job.

Use of Cleaning Chemicals

Cleaning chemicals and substances are selected and used to minimise risk to health while achieving effective cleaning results. Assessments of hazardous substances are carried out, and clear instructions for dilution, storage, handling, and disposal are provided. Employees must:

Read and follow product labels and safety information before use. Wear any specified protective equipment such as gloves, masks, or goggles. Never mix chemicals unless explicitly instructed by the manufacturer. Store chemicals securely, upright, and away from children or unauthorised persons. Clean up spills promptly and safely in accordance with guidance.

Personal Protective Equipment

Where risks cannot be eliminated by other means, Queen's Park Cleaners provides appropriate personal protective equipment, which may include gloves, masks or respirators, goggles or eye protection, protective footwear, and protective clothing. Employees must use and care for this equipment correctly and report any loss or damage immediately so it can be repaired or replaced.

Manual Handling and Equipment Safety

Manual handling tasks such as lifting, carrying, and moving equipment or supplies are assessed to reduce the risk of injury. Staff receive guidance on correct lifting techniques and are encouraged to use trolleys or other aids whenever possible. Electrical and mechanical equipment, including vacuum cleaners, floor machines, and other tools, is maintained in safe condition and checked regularly. Employees must not use damaged or faulty equipment and must report defects immediately.

Working on Client Premises

When working on client premises, Queen's Park Cleaners respects and follows site-specific health and safety rules. Before starting work, staff consider potential hazards such as access routes, security procedures, occupants, pets, and any special restrictions. Warning signs are used to highlight wet floors or other temporary hazards, and work areas are kept as tidy as possible to reduce slip and trip risks. Staff are expected to conduct themselves professionally and safely at all times.

Accidents, Incidents, and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported so they can be recorded, investigated, and used to improve safety measures. First aid arrangements are made appropriate to the size and nature of our operations. In an emergency, employees must follow agreed procedures, which may include raising the alarm, contacting emergency services, evacuating the area, and cooperating with any on-site emergency response arrangements.

Training, Information, and Supervision

Queen's Park Cleaners provides health and safety induction and ongoing training for all relevant staff. This may include training on safe use of equipment and chemicals, manual handling, hazard awareness, site-specific procedures, and emergency arrangements. Supervisors are responsible for monitoring working practices, offering guidance, and addressing unsafe behaviour or conditions promptly. Information is communicated in a way that is clear and practical for all employees.

Environmental and Public Safety

We recognise our responsibility to limit the environmental impact of our cleaning activities and to protect members of the public. Where reasonably practicable, we select products and methods that reduce waste, avoid unnecessary use of water and energy, and minimise harmful emissions. Waste materials, including used containers and cleaning residues, are disposed of safely and responsibly. Work is planned to minimise disruption and prevent risks to people nearby.

Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes in our activities, working methods, or applicable requirements. Queen's Park Cleaners seeks feedback from employees and clients to improve safety standards and ensure that our practices remain effective, practical, and aligned with our commitment to a safe and healthy environment for everyone involved in our services.