Arkley Cleaners Health and Safety Policy

Team of Arkley Cleaners staff preparing equipment for work Arkley Cleaners is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, customers and visitors. This policy outlines the principles and practical steps the company takes to manage occupational health and safety across our cleaning operations. Our aim is to prevent harm, reduce risks and promote wellbeing through active management and employee engagement.

Policy Intent and Scope

This health and safety policy applies to all activities undertaken by Arkley Cleaners, including on-site cleaning, specialist treatments, transport and equipment maintenance. The policy covers risk control, safe systems of work, training, incident management and continual improvement. It is intended to be clear, practical and accessible so it can be implemented consistently across all services and locations.

Supervisor reviewing safe work procedures with cleaning team

Leadership and Responsibilities

Responsibility for health and safety rests at all levels of the organisation. Senior management will provide visible leadership and adequate resources. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day-to-day safety oversight. Individual workers are expected to follow safety procedures, use provided protective equipment and report hazards. Key responsibilities include:

Senior management: set standards, allocate resources and support safety culture.
Supervisors: ensure safe working methods and effective communication.
Employees: work safely, participate in training and report concerns.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems

All tasks carried out by Arkley Cleaners are subject to risk assessment to identify hazards such as slips, trips, manual handling, exposure to cleaning agents, working at height and use of powered equipment. We implement control measures that follow the hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative controls and personal protective equipment (PPE). These measures are embedded into safe systems of work and job plans.

Well-maintained cleaning machine and PPE ready for use

Training, Competence and Communication

We invest in regular training to ensure staff are competent in safe cleaning techniques, correct use of chemicals, equipment operation, manual handling and customer site protocols. Training is delivered through classroom briefings, hands-on instruction and toolbox talks. Communication of safety information is through briefings, posters, written procedures and digital updates. Staff are encouraged to raise safety ideas and to participate in safety reviews.

Managing Chemicals and COSHH-style Controls

Arkley Cleaners manages cleaning agents and solvents with a precautionary approach. Substitution of less hazardous products is prioritised where effective. Material handling information is provided, and preparations for spill response and containment are in place. Employees are trained to follow manufacturer guidance and to use appropriate PPE. Storage and transport arrangements minimise the risk of accidental release or exposure.

Equipment and machinery safety is maintained through scheduled inspections, maintenance and pre-use checks. Powered cleaning machines, vacuums and pressure washers are operated only by trained personnel. Lock-off/tag procedures are used for maintenance tasks and clear instructions are provided for safe operation and transport of equipment.

Personal Protective Equipment and Hygiene

Where hazards cannot be fully controlled by other measures, appropriate PPE is provided and must be used. This includes gloves, eye protection, respiratory protection where necessary and footwear suitable for wet floors. Hand hygiene and decontamination procedures are promoted to protect staff and customers. PPE selection is matched to task risk and reviewed periodically.

Emergency equipment and first aid station in a workplace

Incident Reporting and Response

All incidents, near misses and ill health potentially related to work activities must be reported promptly so we can investigate, identify root causes and implement corrective actions. Incident reporting ensures lessons are learned and similar events are prevented. Emergency procedures, including first aid and evacuation plans, are in place and rehearsed regularly.

Monitoring, audit and review form part of our continual improvement approach. Regular workplace inspections, performance monitoring and periodic audits are conducted to assess compliance and effectiveness. Findings drive action plans, training updates and revisions to procedures. Senior management reviews safety performance and policy at planned intervals to ensure relevance and effectiveness.

Staff meeting focused on wellbeing and safety practices

Wellbeing, Inclusion and Continuous Improvement

Arkley Cleaners recognises that health and safety extends beyond immediate physical risks to include mental wellbeing, fatigue management and a supportive working culture. We encourage open dialogue about workload, stress and health concerns and provide access to support where available. Continuous improvement is achieved through employee involvement, data-driven decisions and ongoing investment in safer tools and processes.

Core commitments:

Maintain a safe working environment through proactive risk management.
Provide training, equipment and supervision to enable safe work.
Encourage reporting and learning from incidents to prevent recurrence.
Promote health, dignity and wellbeing for all employees and stakeholders.

Arkley Cleaners safety policy is reviewed periodically and updated to reflect operational changes, new risks or improvements. Everyone working with Arkley Cleaners has a role to play in keeping our workplaces safe and healthy. By working together we maintain high standards of occupational safety, protect people and safeguard the quality of our cleaning services.