How to Write a Cleaning Health & Safety Policy
A health and safety policy sets out how your cleaning business manages safety. If you employ five or more people, having one in writing is a legal requirement under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. Even smaller cleaning businesses benefit from one — clients increasingly ask for it. Here's what yours should contain.
The three parts of a health & safety policy
- A statement of intent — your commitment to health and safety, signed and dated
- Responsibilities — who is responsible for what across your business
- Arrangements — the practical steps you take to control risks day to day
What to cover in the arrangements section
- Risk assessments and COSHH assessments
- Training and supervision of cleaning staff
- Accident reporting and first aid
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Safe use and storage of cleaning chemicals
- Manual handling and working at height
- Lone working, where relevant to your teams
When is a written policy legally required?
If your cleaning business has five or more employees, you must have a written health and safety policy. Below that threshold it's not legally mandatory, but it's strongly recommended — and many commercial clients will require one before awarding a contract regardless of your headcount.
Keep it current
Your policy should be reviewed at least once a year and whenever your business changes significantly — new services, new equipment, more staff. An out-of-date policy signed three years ago undermines confidence during an audit or tender.
Generate a professional health & safety policy
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