Pimlico Cleaners Health and Safety Policy

Pimlico Cleaners is committed to providing cleaning services in a manner 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 across all locations where we operate and for all services we provide, including domestic, commercial and specialist cleaning.

We recognise our duty to maintain safe working conditions, safe systems of work and appropriate supervision and training. We expect every person working for Pimlico Cleaners to take reasonable care of themselves and others who may be affected by their acts or omissions and to cooperate fully with our health and safety arrangements.

Health and Safety Objectives

Our primary objectives are to prevent accidents, injuries, work-related ill health and damage to property. We aim to identify and control hazards associated with cleaning activities, including the use of chemicals, equipment, manual handling, lone working and work at client premises. We strive for continuous improvement in our health and safety performance and review this policy regularly.

Management Responsibilities

The management team of Pimlico Cleaners has overall responsibility for ensuring that this policy is implemented, monitored and reviewed. Managers will lead by example and promote a positive health and safety culture throughout the company. They are responsible for ensuring that risk assessments are completed, that suitable control measures are implemented and maintained, and that staff receive appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision.

Managers will investigate all reported accidents, incidents and near misses, identify any underlying causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. They will ensure that all relevant health and safety records are maintained and that staff are consulted on health and safety matters that may affect them.

Employee Responsibilities

Every employee has an important role in helping Pimlico Cleaners maintain a safe and healthy working environment. All staff must follow the company’s health and safety procedures, use equipment and cleaning products correctly, wear any required personal protective equipment and report hazards or concerns without delay. Employees must not undertake tasks for which they have not been trained or authorised.

Staff are required to cooperate fully with managers and supervisors in the implementation of this policy and any related procedures. Failure to follow safe working practices or deliberate disregard of health and safety rules may result in disciplinary action.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We conduct risk assessments for our cleaning activities and for the premises where we work, so far as is reasonably practicable. These assessments consider hazards such as slips and trips, working at height for tasks like high dusting or window cleaning, manual handling of equipment and materials, electrical equipment safety and the safe use and storage of cleaning chemicals.

Based on these assessments, Pimlico Cleaners implements safe systems of work and method statements that detail how tasks should be carried out safely. Staff are briefed on these procedures and are expected to follow them at all times. Where the work environment changes, or new tasks or products are introduced, we review and update our risk assessments accordingly.

Chemical Safety and COSHH

Pimlico Cleaners uses cleaning products appropriate to the specific tasks and surfaces involved, following manufacturer instructions and safety data. We are committed to the safe management of substances that could be hazardous to health. All staff receive training on safe handling, dilution, application and disposal of cleaning chemicals, as well as what to do in the event of spills or exposure.

Where possible, we select environmentally considerate and low hazard products without compromising effectiveness or safety. Chemicals are always stored securely and transported safely to and from client premises.

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment is provided where identified as necessary by risk assessment. This may include items such as gloves, masks, eye protection, footwear, protective clothing and other task specific equipment. Employees must use and look after the protective equipment provided and report any loss or damage so that replacements can be arranged promptly.

Training, Information and Supervision

We recognise that effective training is essential to safe working. Pimlico Cleaners provides induction training for all new staff, covering our health and safety policy, emergency procedures, incident reporting, manual handling, chemical safety, equipment operation and site-specific requirements. Refresher training is provided when needed and whenever work practices, equipment or products change.

Supervisors ensure that employees understand the tasks they are performing and are competent to carry them out safely. Written instructions and guidance are made available in clear and accessible language.

Accident, Incident and Near Miss Reporting

All accidents, incidents and near misses, however minor, must be reported to a supervisor or manager as soon as possible. This enables Pimlico Cleaners to provide any necessary first aid or medical assistance, to record details, and to investigate the circumstances. Learning from incidents is used to improve procedures and prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Lone Working and Client Premises

Many cleaning tasks take place at client premises and sometimes involve lone working. Pimlico Cleaners assesses the risks associated with lone working and adopts appropriate controls such as check-in procedures, communication arrangements and clear instructions on what to do in emergencies. Employees must follow site-specific rules and respect any health and safety requirements in place at client locations.

We ask clients to inform us of any hazards present at their premises, such as restricted access areas, security systems or delicate equipment, so that our staff can work safely and responsibly.

Wellbeing and Occupational Health

Pimlico Cleaners is committed to protecting the physical and mental wellbeing of its employees. We seek to organise workloads and schedules reasonably, promote good manual handling techniques to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders, and encourage staff to raise any health concerns related to their work. Where necessary, tasks or equipment may be adapted to meet individual needs and capabilities.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

We encourage open communication on health and safety matters and welcome suggestions from staff and clients on ways to improve safety and working conditions. This policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective, relevant and aligned with our operational needs and any applicable legal requirements.

By working together and following the principles set out in this health and safety policy, Pimlico Cleaners aims to deliver high quality cleaning services while maintaining a safe, healthy and respectful environment for everyone involved.