Cleaner Canary Wharf Health and Safety Policy

Cleaner Canary Wharf is committed to providing professional cleaning services in a manner that protects the health, safety and welfare of our employees, clients, visitors and any other persons who may be affected by our activities. We recognise our duty to comply with relevant health and safety legislation and to promote a strong safety culture across all cleaning operations.

Policy Aims and Objectives

The aim of this policy is to set out clear principles and responsibilities for managing health and safety in connection with all cleaning services we provide. Our objectives are to prevent accidents and work-related ill health, reduce risks arising from our activities, provide safe equipment and systems of work, and maintain safe and hygienic conditions at all client premises.

This policy applies to all employees, subcontractors and temporary staff engaged by Cleaner Canary Wharf while working on any site, and it forms part of our wider commitment to high-quality, reliable and safe cleaning services.

Management Responsibilities

Senior management is responsible for ensuring that effective arrangements are in place to manage health and safety. This includes providing adequate resources, ensuring that risk assessments are completed and reviewed, setting and monitoring safety standards, and ensuring that the contents of this policy are communicated and understood throughout the organisation.

Managers and supervisors must lead by example, promote a positive safety culture, investigate incidents, implement corrective actions and ensure that all staff follow agreed safe working practices. They are also responsible for liaising with clients regarding site-specific safety rules, access arrangements, emergency procedures and any special risks relevant to the cleaning work.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees have a legal and personal responsibility to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Staff must cooperate with management in implementing this policy and follow all safety instructions, training and procedures provided.

Employees must use equipment, machinery and cleaning products correctly and in accordance with training, report any hazards, defects, accidents or near misses without delay, wear the appropriate personal protective equipment provided, and refrain from any behaviour or misconduct that could create risk to themselves or others.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Cleaner Canary Wharf carries out risk assessments for all significant hazards associated with our cleaning operations. These assessments consider the nature of the tasks, the environment in which work is undertaken and the people who may be affected. Control measures are implemented to reduce risks to an acceptable level and are communicated to staff through training, instructions and supervision.

Safe systems of work are developed for tasks such as office cleaning, washroom cleaning, waste handling, use of machinery, and cleaning at height. These procedures are reviewed periodically and when there are changes in equipment, methods or workplace conditions.

Use of Chemicals and Hazardous Substances

Cleaning chemicals and other substances are used in accordance with manufacturers instructions and relevant safety data. Assessments are conducted to identify risks associated with exposure, storage, use and disposal of such products. Only authorised and trained staff may handle chemicals, and they must follow labelling information and instructions provided during training.

Suitable personal protective equipment is provided where necessary, including gloves, eye protection and protective clothing. Chemicals are stored securely, clearly labelled and kept away from unauthorised persons, food areas and incompatible substances. Spills and leaks are dealt with promptly using appropriate materials and methods.

Equipment, Tools and Machinery

All cleaning equipment, including vacuum cleaners, floor machines, steam cleaners, trolleys and other tools, is selected to be suitable for the tasks undertaken. Equipment is maintained in a safe condition, subject to regular inspection, and removed from service if found to be defective.

Employees receive instruction in the safe use, transportation and storage of equipment. Cables are managed to reduce trip hazards, machinery is not left unattended while running where there is risk to others, and safety guards or features are not removed or bypassed under any circumstances.

Manual Handling and Working at Height

Manual handling risks are assessed and reduced as far as reasonably practicable through the use of trolleys, measured loads, and suitable techniques. Staff are trained to lift and carry loads safely, avoid twisting and overreaching, and to seek assistance when an item is too heavy or awkward to move alone.

Working at height, including the use of step ladders, is only undertaken by trained staff following safe procedures. Equipment used for height work is checked before use and positioned on stable, level surfaces. Overreaching, leaning and climbing on furniture or makeshift platforms are strictly prohibited.

Personal Protective Equipment and Hygiene Standards

Cleaner Canary Wharf provides appropriate personal protective equipment based on the risks identified in our assessments. This may include gloves, masks, high-visibility clothing, protective footwear and eye protection. Employees must use this equipment correctly, keep it in good condition and report any damage or loss.

High standards of hygiene are integral to our work. Staff are instructed in safe hand washing practices, the safe handling and disposal of waste, and appropriate measures for infection prevention and control, especially in washrooms, kitchens and high-touch areas. Extra precautions may be adopted where there is increased risk of infection.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff receive health and safety induction training and task-specific instruction relevant to their role. This includes training on hazard awareness, emergency arrangements, proper use of chemicals, equipment operation, manual handling and incident reporting procedures. Refresher training is provided when appropriate.

Supervision is proportionate to the level of risk and the competence of employees. New staff, young workers and those undertaking unfamiliar tasks receive closer supervision until they demonstrate the required level of competence to work safely and independently.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, near misses and hazardous conditions encountered during cleaning work must be reported to management as soon as reasonably practicable. Records are maintained and incidents are investigated to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.

Employees are made aware of site-specific emergency procedures, including fire evacuation routes, assembly points and any client-specific security or alarm arrangements. Staff must comply with instructions issued by client representatives or emergency services in the event of an incident.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

Cleaner Canary Wharf monitors compliance with this policy through supervision, inspections, audits and review of incident reports. We seek feedback from employees and clients to improve our practices and ensure that health and safety remains central to the delivery of our cleaning services.

This health and safety policy is reviewed regularly and updated when legislation, work practices or organisational structures change, or where improvements are identified. All revisions are communicated to employees, and any necessary additional training or guidance is provided.

By working together and consistently applying the principles set out in this policy, Cleaner Canary Wharf aims to provide a clean, safe and healthy environment for everyone who uses the premises we service.