Wormwood Scrubs Carpet Cleaners Health and Safety Policy
Wormwood Scrubs Carpet Cleaners is committed to providing carpet, rug, and upholstery cleaning services in a way that protects the health, safety, and welfare of our employees, clients, visitors, contractors, and members of the public. This policy outlines our approach to managing risks associated with professional cleaning and maintaining a safe working environment at all times.
Health and Safety Policy Statement
Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health, and to promote a positive health and safety culture throughout our cleaning operations. We will comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice relevant to professional cleaning services.
Management accepts ultimate responsibility for health and safety performance and will provide effective leadership, resources, information, instruction, and supervision so that this policy is implemented and maintained.
Responsibilities
Management is responsible for:
Ensuring that suitable and sufficient risk assessments are carried out for all cleaning activities and that appropriate control measures are implemented and reviewed regularly.
Providing appropriate training, equipment, and personal protective equipment to employees and ensuring they are competent to carry out their work safely.
Ensuring that all cleaning chemicals, machinery, and equipment are selected, stored, used, and maintained safely.
Promoting clear communication so that employees understand their duties and can raise any health and safety concerns.
Employees are responsible for:
Taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work.
Following all safe working procedures, training, and instructions provided by the company.
Using personal protective equipment and safety equipment correctly, and reporting any defects or concerns immediately.
Reporting accidents, incidents, and near misses promptly to enable investigation and prevention of recurrence.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We conduct risk assessments for typical carpet and upholstery cleaning tasks, including on-site work at homes, offices, and commercial premises. These assessments consider hazards such as slips, trips and falls, manual handling, electrical equipment, chemical use, and working in occupied environments.
Based on these assessments, we implement safe systems of work tailored to our services. Staff are required to follow these systems at all times, including using warning signs, planning access routes, managing cables and hoses, and communicating with clients about any temporary restrictions in areas being cleaned.
Chemical Safety and COSHH
Carpet and upholstery cleaning often involves the use of cleaning agents, spot treatments, and stain removers. We only use products appropriate for professional use and ensure they are handled in accordance with manufacturer instructions and relevant safety requirements.
Safety data information for each product is obtained, reviewed, and used to determine necessary control measures such as ventilation, personal protective equipment, dilution, storage, and disposal. Staff are trained in the safe handling of chemicals, the meaning of hazard symbols, and what to do in the event of spills, skin contact, or accidental exposure.
Use and Maintenance of Equipment
Our carpet cleaning equipment, including extraction machines, vacuums, agitation tools, and accessories, is maintained in good working order. Regular inspections are carried out and any defective equipment is removed from service until repaired or replaced.
All electrical equipment is used in accordance with safety guidance. Staff are instructed to check equipment visually before use, avoid overloading sockets, and route cables to minimise trip hazards. Only trained personnel are authorised to operate specialised machinery.
Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls
Wet floors, hoses, and cables can create slip and trip hazards during cleaning. To reduce these risks, our teams:
Display appropriate warning signage while cleaning is in progress.
Plan cable and hose routes to keep walkways clear where possible.
Work with clients to restrict access to areas being cleaned until surfaces are safe to use.
Clean up spills promptly and monitor drying times when using wet cleaning methods.
Manual Handling and Ergonomics
We recognise the risks associated with lifting and moving equipment, water containers, and furniture. Staff receive guidance on safe lifting techniques, using handles and wheels correctly, and seeking assistance when moving heavy or bulky items.
Where practicable, equipment is designed or selected to minimise manual handling risks, such as using wheeled machines and portable units. Employees are instructed not to attempt to move items beyond their capability and to report any manual handling concerns.
Working in Client Premises
Our services are often delivered in occupied homes and business premises. We take care to protect the safety of building occupants, pets, visitors, and our own staff by:
Conducting a quick on-site safety check before starting work.
Discussing any potential hazards or access issues with the client, such as loose flooring, restricted escape routes, or sensitive areas.
Keeping equipment organised, minimising noise and obstruction, and maintaining clear escape routes at all times.
Ensuring that children and pets are kept away from chemicals, cables, and machinery while work is in progress.
Training, Information, and Supervision
All employees receive induction training covering our health and safety policy, emergency procedures, safe use of equipment, and chemical safety. Additional task-specific training is provided for specialist cleaning methods or new equipment.
Supervisors monitor working practices, especially for newer staff, and provide ongoing guidance and refresher training where needed. Instructions and safety information are communicated clearly and updated when processes or products change.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, incidents, and near misses, however minor, must be reported to the company as soon as possible. We investigate such events to identify causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Employees are instructed in emergency procedures, including how to respond to injuries, chemical exposure, electrical faults, and fire alarms when working at client premises. First aid arrangements are made appropriate to the size of our workforce and the nature of our work.
Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement
We regularly monitor our health and safety performance through inspections, incident reviews, staff feedback, and periodic policy reviews. Where improvements are identified, we update our procedures, training materials, and risk assessments accordingly.
This policy is reviewed at regular intervals, or sooner if there are significant changes in our operations, legislation, or best practice guidance. Wormwood Scrubs Carpet Cleaners is dedicated to maintaining safe, high-quality cleaning services and expects all employees and contractors to support and follow this policy at all times.
