Introduction
Cleaners often work in environments where slips, chemical exposure, and manual handling risks are common. These hazards can lead to serious injuries that affect your ability to work and manage daily life. If you were injured while working as a cleaner and employer negligence played a role, you may be entitled to claim compensation.
This page explains common cleaner accidents, when employers are responsible, evidence that supports your case, and how much you could claim.
At a glance
- Around 22,000 workers were injured in the accommodation and food services sector between 2021/22 and 2023/24, a rate of 930 injuries per 100,000 workers (Source: WAAC analysis of the HSE LFS data published 12/2024)
- Cleaner injuries often involve slips, trips, chemical burns, musculoskeletal injuries, and cuts from sharp objects.
- Employers must comply with COSHH and health and safety laws to reduce risks.
- Compensation can include pain and suffering, lost wages, treatment and rehabilitation costs, and future care needs.
- You normally have three years from the accident date or diagnosis to start a claim.
Report your injury and take quick photos of spills, broken kit or poor lighting. Note rotas, understaffing and training. Keep GP advice and time off details - these simple records can help your claim.
John Kushnick
Legal Operations Director
National Accident Law
What is a cleaner injury?
Cleaner injuries occur when hazards in the workplace are not properly managed. Risks are found in offices, hospitals, schools, hotels and factories. Common accidents include:
- Slips, trips and falls – often from wet or freshly cleaned floors without warning signs.
- Chemical burns and skin conditions – caused by cleaning agents if COSHH procedures are not followed.
- Manual handling injuries – back strain or hernias from moving furniture or heavy waste bags.
- Needle stick and sharp object injuries – particularly in healthcare or hospitality cleaning roles.
- Falls from height – when using ladders or step stools unsafely.
Examples of cleaner accidents and injuries
| Accident type | Cause | Possible injury |
|---|---|---|
| Slip on wet floor | No warning signs or poor footwear | Fractures, sprains, back injuries |
| Chemical burn | No PPE or COSHH training | Skin irritation, burns, respiratory issues |
| Manual handling accident | Lifting heavy bins or furniture without training | Back strain, hernia, musculoskeletal disorder |
| Needle stick injury | Unsafe disposal of sharps | Risk of infection, puncture wounds |
| Fall from ladder | Unstable step stool or poor supervision | Head injury, broken bones |
Am I eligible to claim?
You may be able to claim if:
- Your cleaner accident happened in the last three years, and
- Your employer failed to provide safe equipment, PPE, training, or risk assessments, and
- Medical evidence confirms the injury and its link to your work.
If you are unsure, see Do I have a claim and The claim process.
How much compensation can I claim?
The value of a cleaner injury claim depends on your individual circumstances. Compensation is made up of two parts:
- General damages: for the pain, suffering and impact on your quality of life.
- Special damages: for financial losses such as lost earnings, medical treatment, rehabilitation and travel expenses.
Our compensation calculator uses the latest Judicial College Guidelines to estimate how much you could claim. It considers the type and seriousness of your injuries, multiple injuries where relevant, and any additional financial losses.
When is my employer responsible?
Employers must comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and the COSHH Regulations.
Employers must:
- Carry out risk assessments for slips, chemicals, manual handling and sharps.
- Provide PPE such as gloves, aprons, goggles and slip-resistant footwear.
- Give training in safe handling of cleaning substances and equipment.
- Ensure waste disposal systems are safe and sharps are correctly contained.
If they fail to meet these duties, they may be liable for your injury. For chemical accidents, see COSHH regulations explained.
Employment status and cleaner/housekeeper injury claims
Cleaners face risks from wet floors, chemicals and manual handling. Where safety failings caused harm, a claim is usually possible regardless of contract type. See how employment status affects your claim:
Evidence that strengthens a claim
- Medical records describing the injury and treatment.
- Accident book entries and workplace incident reports.
- Photographs of the scene, chemicals or equipment involved.
- Training and PPE records from your employer.
- Witness statements from colleagues.
Time limits for cleaner injury claims
The general time limit is three years from the date of the accident or when you realised your injury was linked to your work. Exceptions apply for children and people who lack capacity. See time limits for injury claims.
FAQs
New to claims? Start with our work injury claim guide, or see the full work injury claim FAQs.
Can agency cleaners claim compensation?
Yes. Agency workers have the same rights to a safe workplace. See Agency worker injury claims.
What if I did not report the accident at the time?
You may still claim if medical evidence supports your case. However, reporting strengthens your claim. See How to report and record a work accident.
Do I need a medical assessment?
Yes. An independent medical expert will assess your injury and provide a report to help value your claim. See What happens at a medical appointment.
Call now for free specialist advice
We'll put you straight through to an experienced work injury advisor:
- Advice that's right for your case
- Check if you can claim
- No Win, No Fee explained clearly
If you decide to make a compensation claim, we'll connect you with the right solicitor.
Work Accident Advice Centre (WAAC) a Claims Management Company regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Ref number: 835858). Registration is recorded on the FCA website https://register.fca.org.uk/. Calls are confidential and are handled by our partners at National Accident Helpline. Our privacy policy explains how we protect your data.
About the author
Chris Salmon is a legal commentator and co-founder of Quittance Legal Services. He has written extensively about workplace accidents, employment rights and the claims process. Chris's work has been cited in national media and he regularly contributes practical guidance to help injured workers understand their options.
Last reviewed October 2025 by Chris Salmon
External references
- HSE: Health and safety in cleaning - guidance for cleaners on safe work practices and chemical handling.
- HSE: Slips and trips at work - advice on preventing accidents from wet floors and spillages.
- HSE: Manual handling at work - employer legal duties to assess and reduce risks when lifting, carrying or moving loads.
- HSE: COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) - safe use of cleaning chemicals and hazardous substances.
- NHS: Back pain - treatment and self-care advice for musculoskeletal issues common in cleaning work.
- NHS: Burns and scalds
- PPE at Work Regulations 2002