Health and Safety Policy for Colliers Wood Cleaners

Colliers Wood Cleaners is committed to providing professional cleaning services in a way that protects the health, safety and welfare of our employees, clients, visitors and members of the public. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks in all areas of our cleaning operations, including domestic, commercial and specialist cleaning work.

Management Commitment and Responsibilities

Senior management has overall responsibility for ensuring that this Health and Safety Policy is implemented, maintained and reviewed. Management will provide appropriate resources, instruction and supervision to support safe working practices and continuous improvement in health and safety performance.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day-to-day implementation of this policy on all cleaning assignments. They must ensure that staff understand relevant safety procedures, use equipment correctly and report any concerns or incidents without delay.

Every employee of Colliers Wood Cleaners has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work. All employees must co-operate fully with the company in complying with legal obligations and following safe systems of work.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We identify and assess hazards associated with our cleaning activities and the environments in which we operate. Risk assessments are carried out for typical tasks such as general cleaning, floor care, high-level dusting, waste handling and use of cleaning chemicals, as well as for any non-routine work.

Based on these assessments, Colliers Wood Cleaners establishes safe systems of work to minimise risk. These systems include clear instructions for staff, use of appropriate personal protective equipment, correct handling and storage of materials, and safe use of machinery and tools. Risk assessments and procedures are reviewed periodically and whenever working methods or conditions change.

Training, Instruction and Supervision

All employees receive induction training covering general health and safety responsibilities, emergency procedures, accident reporting and safe working practices relevant to cleaning services. Further task-specific training is provided for activities such as handling chemicals, using machinery, working at height and managing waste.

Training records are maintained to ensure that staff are competent for the work they undertake. Supervision is provided in proportion to the level of risk and the experience of the worker. Refresher training is arranged when necessary or when new equipment, materials or methods are introduced.

Use of Chemicals and Hazardous Substances

Cleaning chemicals and any other hazardous substances are managed to reduce risks to health. Colliers Wood Cleaners obtains and follows product safety information, and ensures that substances are stored, diluted, used and disposed of in line with manufacturer guidance and legal requirements.

Where appropriate, less hazardous alternatives are selected. Staff are trained in the correct use of chemicals, including the importance of never mixing incompatible products, using adequate ventilation and wearing required protective equipment. Containers are clearly labelled and kept secure when not in use.

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment is provided when risks cannot be adequately controlled by other means. Examples include gloves, eye protection, masks or respirators, protective footwear and high-visibility clothing where necessary.

Employees must use the equipment provided, take reasonable care of it and report any defects or loss. The company is responsible for providing suitable equipment, ensuring it fits correctly, maintaining it in good condition and replacing it when worn or damaged.

Safe Use of Cleaning Equipment and Machinery

All cleaning equipment and machinery used by Colliers Wood Cleaners is selected, maintained and operated with safety in mind. This includes vacuum cleaners, floor machines, buffing equipment, steam cleaners and any other powered or manual tools.

Staff receive instruction on safe operation, including checking equipment before use, using cables and plugs safely, avoiding trip hazards, isolating equipment before maintenance and reporting any faults immediately. Equipment is serviced at appropriate intervals and removed from use if it is unsafe.

Slips, Trips and Falls Prevention

Our cleaning activities are planned to minimise the risk of slips, trips and falls for workers, clients and visitors. This includes using correct signage when floors are wet, working in sections to limit exposed wet areas, managing trailing cables, and promptly cleaning up spillages.

Where work at height is unavoidable, such as high-level dusting or cleaning elevated surfaces, suitable access equipment and safe methods are used. Improvised access, such as standing on furniture, is strictly prohibited.

Manual Handling and Ergonomics

Colliers Wood Cleaners recognises the risks associated with lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling during cleaning work. We aim to reduce manual handling by using appropriate trolleys, tools and equipment, and by planning work to avoid unnecessary handling.

Employees receive guidance in safe lifting techniques, correct posture, and methods for moving equipment and waste. Heavy or awkward loads are assessed and, where necessary, team lifts or mechanical aids are used to prevent injury.

Health, Welfare and Hygiene

We promote good hygiene practices, especially where work involves contact with waste, washrooms or potentially contaminated surfaces. Suitable washing facilities, cleaning materials and protective equipment are provided as appropriate to the work environment.

Employees are encouraged to report any health issues that may affect their ability to work safely, and to seek medical advice when necessary. Where work involves exposure to particular hazards, monitoring and control measures are put in place to protect staff well-being.

Accidents, Incidents and Near Miss Reporting

All accidents, incidents and near misses that occur during cleaning operations must be reported promptly. Colliers Wood Cleaners records and investigates these events to determine root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Where required, incidents will be notified to the relevant authorities. Lessons learned from investigations are communicated to staff and reflected in revised risk assessments and procedures.

Emergency Procedures

Emergency arrangements are established for fire, medical emergencies, chemical spills and other foreseeable events. Employees are briefed on alarm signals, evacuation routes, assembly points, and how to raise the alarm or request assistance when working at client premises.

Where our teams work in buildings managed by others, we comply with local emergency procedures and ensure staff are familiar with site-specific requirements before starting work.

Consultation, Communication and Review

Colliers Wood Cleaners values input from employees, clients and other stakeholders on health and safety matters. Staff are encouraged to raise concerns, suggest improvements and participate in discussions regarding safe working practices.

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective and up to date with current legislation, industry standards and the nature of our cleaning services. Revisions are communicated to all employees and implemented across our operations.

By following this policy, Colliers Wood Cleaners aims to deliver high-quality cleaning services while maintaining a safe and healthy environment for everyone affected by our work.