Soho Cleaner Health and Safety Policy

Soho Cleaner is committed to providing cleaning services in a way that protects the health, safety, and welfare of our employees, clients, visitors, contractors, and members of the public who may be affected by our work. This policy sets out the framework we follow to manage health and safety risks associated with commercial and residential cleaning activities.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing practical controls. We aim to maintain safe working environments in all properties where we operate and to promote a culture where health and safety considerations are integral to everyday decision making.

Management is responsible for ensuring that appropriate resources, training, and supervision are provided so that all employees can carry out their duties safely and competently. Every member of staff has a duty to follow this policy, cooperate with management, and take reasonable care for their own safety and that of others.

Legal Compliance and Responsibilities

Soho Cleaner complies with all applicable health and safety legislation and industry guidance relating to cleaning operations, use of work equipment, and handling of cleaning chemicals. We keep our procedures under review and update them when there are changes in legislation or in the nature of our services.

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the senior management of Soho Cleaner, who ensure that this policy is implemented and reviewed. Supervisors are responsible for day to day monitoring of safe working practices on client premises, while employees are required to follow training, use equipment correctly, and report hazards or incidents without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before starting work at a site, Soho Cleaner carries out risk assessments to identify hazards linked to cleaning tasks, such as slips and trips, manual handling, electrical equipment, lone working, and interaction with building users. Risk assessments are reviewed periodically and whenever conditions change, for example when new equipment or products are introduced.

From these assessments, safe systems of work are developed and communicated to staff. These include procedures for entering and leaving premises safely, securing work areas, using warning signs, and coordinating with building managers where necessary. Staff must follow site specific instructions, including any security or access rules set by clients.

Use of Cleaning Chemicals and COSHH

Cleaning products can present risks if not used, stored, or disposed of correctly. Soho Cleaner conducts assessments for substances that may be hazardous to health and ensures that only approved products are used. Safety data information for each product is made available to staff in an accessible format.

Employees receive training in the safe dilution, application, and storage of cleaning chemicals, including the importance of never mixing incompatible substances. All containers must be clearly labelled and kept in designated areas when not in use. Adequate ventilation must be maintained, and personal protective equipment must be worn as specified in product instructions and risk assessments.

Personal Protective Equipment

Where risks cannot be eliminated by other means, Soho Cleaner provides suitable personal protective equipment. This may include gloves, masks, eye protection, aprons, and non slip footwear depending on the task. Employees are required to use the equipment provided, keep it in good condition, and report any loss or damage so that replacements can be arranged.

Training is provided on correct fitting, use, and maintenance of protective equipment. PPE must not be altered or misused, and it should be stored in appropriate areas when not in use to prevent contamination or damage.

Manual Handling and Work Equipment

Many cleaning tasks involve lifting, carrying, and moving equipment, supplies, or waste. Soho Cleaner aims to reduce manual handling risks by using trolleys, mechanical aids, and sensible work planning. Staff are trained in correct lifting techniques and are instructed not to move loads that are beyond their capability.

All work equipment, including vacuum cleaners, floor machines, and extension tools, is selected, maintained, and inspected to ensure it is safe to use. Employees must check equipment before use, report defects immediately, and never bypass safety features.

Slips, Trips, Falls and Site Safety

Keeping work areas safe is a key part of our service. Floors must be cleaned using appropriate methods and products, and wet floor signs or barriers must be used whenever surfaces are damp or pose a slip risk. Cables and hoses should be routed to minimise tripping hazards and removed promptly when work is completed.

Staff are instructed to maintain good housekeeping at all times, keeping access routes clear and storing equipment neatly. Any hazards such as damaged flooring, poor lighting, or blocked exits must be reported to both Soho Cleaner management and the client contact as appropriate.

Training, Information and Supervision

Soho Cleaner provides induction training for all new employees, covering core health and safety responsibilities, emergency procedures, and safe cleaning methods. Further task specific training is provided for specialised activities, new equipment, or products. Refresher training is given periodically and whenever risk assessments indicate a need.

Supervisors monitor working practices to ensure that procedures are followed and to identify areas for improvement. Staff are encouraged to raise concerns or suggestions about health and safety, and these are reviewed as part of our continuous improvement process.

Accidents, Incidents and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported to Soho Cleaner management as soon as possible. An internal record is kept, and investigations are carried out to identify root causes and implement corrective actions. Where required, incidents are communicated to appropriate external bodies.

Employees must familiarise themselves with the emergency arrangements at each site, including fire exits, assembly points, and local first aid provision. Staff are expected to cooperate fully with client emergency procedures and to follow instructions issued by building managers or emergency services.

Health, Welfare and Lone Working

Soho Cleaner recognises its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of employees, including those who work outside normal hours or alone. Where lone working is necessary, we assess the risks and implement measures such as check in systems, clear communication protocols, and agreed response procedures.

We aim to prevent work related ill health by controlling exposure to hazardous substances, managing workloads sensibly, and encouraging early reporting of any health concerns that may be affected by cleaning duties.

Monitoring, Review and Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective and appropriate to the scale and nature of Soho Cleaner operations. Reviews take into account any changes in legislation, industry best practice, client requirements, and lessons learned from risk assessments and incident investigations.

Soho Cleaner is committed to continual improvement in health and safety performance and to maintaining open communication with employees and clients on safety matters related to our cleaning services.