Health And Safety Policy

Canary Wharf Cleaners Health and Safety Policy

Canary Wharf Cleaners is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, clients, visitors, contractors and members of the public who may be affected by our cleaning activities. We recognise that effective health and safety management is an integral part of delivering high quality cleaning services and maintaining trust with our customers.

This policy outlines our approach to identifying, controlling and reducing health and safety risks associated with commercial and residential cleaning work. It applies to all staff, including temporary workers and subcontractors, at every site where we operate.

Health and Safety Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who ensure that appropriate resources, systems and supervision are in place. Managers are responsible for implementing this policy, communicating safe working procedures and ensuring that staff understand and follow them at all times.

Supervisors are responsible for day to day monitoring of health and safety on site, including ensuring that suitable equipment and personal protective equipment are available, that work areas are kept safe and tidy, and that any hazards or incidents are reported promptly.

All employees have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff must follow training and instructions, use equipment safely, wear protective equipment where required, and report any hazards, defects, near misses or accidents without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We carry out risk assessments for all regular cleaning tasks, special projects and new sites. These assessments identify significant hazards, evaluate the level of risk, and specify control measures to reduce risks as far as reasonably practicable.

Based on the findings of risk assessments, we develop safe systems of work and method statements covering, for example, the use of chemicals, operation of cleaning machinery, work at height, lone working, manual handling and waste handling. These systems are reviewed periodically and whenever there are changes in work practices, equipment or locations.

Safe Use of Cleaning Chemicals

Cleaning chemicals are selected and used in accordance with manufacturer instructions and relevant safety data sheets. We store chemicals securely, in clearly labelled containers, and ensure that incompatible products are kept apart.

Staff receive training on safe handling, correct dilution, appropriate application methods, ventilation requirements and what to do in case of spills or accidental contact. Personal protective equipment such as gloves, eye protection and masks is provided and must be used as indicated in the risk assessments.

Equipment and Electrical Safety

All cleaning machinery and electrical equipment is selected, maintained and inspected to ensure it is safe and suitable for its intended use. Faulty or damaged equipment must be reported immediately and taken out of service until repaired or replaced.

Staff are trained in the correct use of vacuum cleaners, floor scrubbers, buffers, steam cleaners and other specialist equipment. Cables are managed to prevent trip hazards, and equipment is never used in wet conditions unless designed and approved for that purpose.

Manual Handling and Ergonomics

Manual handling tasks, such as moving equipment, shifting furniture or transporting waste, are assessed to minimise the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Wherever possible, mechanical aids, trolleys or team lifting methods are used to reduce strain.

Employees receive guidance on safe lifting techniques, posture, load assessment and task planning. We encourage staff to report early signs of discomfort so that tasks and equipment can be reviewed and adjusted where necessary.

Working Environment and Site Safety

We work closely with clients to maintain safe conditions at all premises where we provide cleaning services. This includes agreeing access routes, safe working hours, security procedures and emergency arrangements.

Our teams keep work areas tidy, manage cables and equipment to prevent trips, use signs to warn of wet floors, and store materials safely. Particular care is taken in shared spaces, corridors, stairwells, washrooms, kitchens and reception areas where members of the public or client staff may be present.

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment is provided free of charge where required by risk assessments, including items such as gloves, aprons, masks, eye protection and safety footwear. Employees are responsible for using this equipment correctly, keeping it in good condition and reporting any loss or damage.

We ensure that protective equipment is suitable for the task and fits the individual wearer. Alternative options are offered where practicable to accommodate specific needs or sensitivities.

Training, Information and Supervision

All new employees receive an induction covering our health and safety procedures, emergency arrangements, safe use of cleaning products and equipment, and accident reporting processes. Task specific training is provided before staff undertake new duties or work with unfamiliar equipment.

Refresher training is arranged as needed to keep knowledge up to date, reinforce safe practices and introduce new procedures or technologies. Supervisors provide ongoing guidance and monitoring to ensure that training is applied consistently in day to day work.

Accidents, Incidents and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported and recorded. We investigate these events to identify root causes and take corrective action to prevent recurrence. Lessons learned are shared with relevant staff and incorporated into updated risk assessments and procedures.

Emergency arrangements, including fire safety, first aid and evacuation procedures, are communicated to all staff working on site. Employees must familiarise themselves with local arrangements at each location, including alarm signals, escape routes and assembly points.

Health, Welfare and Wellbeing

We recognise the importance of protecting both the physical and mental health of our workforce. Workloads, schedules and shift patterns are planned to reduce excessive fatigue and allow reasonable rest. We encourage open communication about any health concerns that may affect an individual’s ability to work safely.

Where necessary, adjustments may be considered to accommodate health conditions or to support a safe return to work after illness or injury. Confidentiality is respected at all times in dealing with personal health information.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

We value input from employees, supervisors and clients in improving health and safety performance. Staff are encouraged to suggest improvements, raise concerns and participate in discussions about safer ways of working.

This policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains relevant, effective and aligned with current practices and expectations. Revisions are communicated to all employees, and updated procedures are implemented without undue delay.

By working together, following training and guidance, and maintaining a proactive attitude, we aim to deliver cleaning services that protect the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone involved.