Safety Newsletter No: 80 - Why Cleaning Safety really matters

While often operating behind the scenes, just about all businesses rely on cleaners to keep workplaces safe, hygienic, and operational.

Despite employing nearly 1.5 million people in the UK alone - 5% of the entire workforce - cleaning remains one of the most under-recognised sectors in terms of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH).

Recent data highlights a worrying trend: over 3,000 serious accidents involving cleaners are reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) each year. With widespread underreporting, the real figures are undoubtedly higher. This newsletter, based on a recent IOSH article, identifies the risks cleaning operatives face, and the responsibility employers hold to protect them, even if your cleaners are not employees they will certainly be classed as workers.

Employers' Duty: Legal and Ethical

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employer, including those who subcontract cleaning services, must ensure the safety of workers on their premises.

This means:

• Conducting site-specific risk assessments

• Providing comprehensive induction and ongoing training

• Making sure they have adequate PPE and equipment

• Ensuring clear communication and escalation routes

Cleaning is not a peripheral activity - it is central to a healthy, functioning workplace. Recognising and addressing the risks faced by cleaning operatives is not only morally right, it is legally required.

Hazards Hidden in Plain Sight

Cleaning tasks take place in a wide range of environments, from hotels and offices through to warehouses and industrial facilities. Each setting brings its own unique risks, making tailored health and safety planning essential.

According to the British Institute of Cleaning Science, cleaners are commonly exposed to:

• Repetitive strain and musculoskeletal injuries

• Respiratory issues from inhaling dust or cleaning agents

• Infections from contaminated surfaces

• Manual handling injuries

• Chemical exposure to the cleaning agents being used

Working at height is also a major risk. In just two years, the UK saw two fatalities, both self-employed window cleaners who fell. Even seemingly minor tasks like standing on a chair to clean ceiling fans can have serious consequences.

Electric cleaning equipment, often overlooked, requires regular maintenance, inspection, and safe use - just like any other machinery.

The Human Factor: Pressure, Fatigue, and Mental Health

Time pressure, staff shortages and the 'invisible' nature of cleaning work create a mental load on cleaning operatives that can't be ignored. Many cleaners feel undervalued, face unrealistic expectations, or are expected to correct poor workplace behaviour from other staff.

This can lead to:

• Stress and anxiety

• Decreased concentration

• Increased likelihood of physical injury

And let's not forget: working alone or at unsociable hours can increase feelings of isolation, and heighten vulnerability to violence or abuse, especially for women and migrant workers - both of whom are overrepresented in the cleaning workforce, and may be working 2nd or 3rd jobs.

Working Alone: A Risk in Itself

Lone working is common in the cleaning industry. While some businesses have taken proactive steps, such as using technology, improving communication, and conducting risk assessments, many have not.

Cleaners working alone face greater exposure to:

• Physical injury with no immediate support

• Verbal and physical abuse

• Stress and burnout due to lack of supervision or peer interaction

Employers have a non-delegable duty of care, even if cleaners are self-employed or contracted via third parties. It is vital to assess how long cleaners are working alone, whether check-ins or panic alarms are in place, and if incident response plans are robust.

Communication Barriers: Language and Literacy

A significant portion of the cleaning workforce speak English as a second language, and many face challenges with literacy and numeracy. Even native English speakers may struggle to interpret health and safety documentation if it is overly technical, or not provided in accessible formats.

Key risks here include misunderstandings about:

• Chemical dilution

• Evacuation and emergency procedures

• Reporting incidents or near misses

Training must be inclusive, visual, hands-on and, if necessary, available in multiple languages. Every cleaner, regardless of background, deserves to fully understand the risks of their work.

Modern Slavery: A Hidden Danger

The UK cleaning industry is, unfortunately, a prime target for human traffickers and exploitative employers. Vulnerable individuals are often coerced into cleaning roles under false promises or illegal conditions.

Initiatives like Stamp Out Slavery are working with industry groups to help employers recognise the warning signs, and build ethical recruitment and vetting practices. We strongly encourage all businesses to review their supply chains and employment practices.

Actions: A Practical Risk-Reduction Framework

Tech solutions are widely available on the market to help manage your risks, but these are not always affordable or relevant for many smaller businesses, but you can make an immediate impact by applying a five-point risk management approach without additional software costs:

1. Identify tasks causing risk - e.g. moving furniture, chemical use, working at height.

2. Assess the likely harm - strain injuries, slips, chemical burns, emotional stress.

3. Eliminate the risk if possible - can heavy items be avoided or removed from the task?

4. Reduce the risk - use equipment, buddy systems or split heavy items.

5. Implement systems - safe work procedures, checklists, training and monitoring tools.

Ask:

• How often is this task performed?

• Can the cleaner's size, strength or existing health issues affect safety?

• Are support systems in place for lone workers?

Final Thoughts: Raise the Profile, Reduce the Risk

The British Institute of Cleaning Science calls for businesses to raise the profile of our often-unseen cleaners, by acknowledging that they keep our businesses running, our teams healthy, and our spaces clean, by investing in their safety, respect and well-being.

Call the BackupHR team for help and guidance on risk assessment and management.  We can offer a range of simple to use tools and straightforward practical advice to reducing your workplace risks.

Clients are welcome to raise any concerns with our Consultant team, who would be pleased to advise you on any element of the issues arising from this newsletter.