Health and Safety Policy for Canarywharf Cleaner

Canarywharf Cleaner is committed to maintaining a safe, healthy, and responsible working environment for all staff, clients, and anyone who may be affected by our cleaning activities. This health and safety policy sets out the principles, duties, and control measures that guide our operations. It applies to all cleaning services delivered by the company and supports a culture of prevention, awareness, and continuous improvement.

Our aim is to reduce risks as far as reasonably practicable by planning work properly, training employees effectively, and using suitable equipment and products. We believe that safe working practices are not separate from good service; they are an essential part of it. Every employee is expected to take personal responsibility for their actions, report hazards promptly, and cooperate with safety procedures at all times.

We will regularly review this policy to ensure it remains effective, relevant, and aligned with the nature of our work. The policy is supported by practical procedures covering cleaning operations, emergency response, equipment handling, chemical use, and workplace conduct. Health and safety is everyone’s responsibility, and the company will provide the leadership and resources needed to uphold this commitment.

Canarywharf Cleaner recognises that cleaning work can involve a range of hazards, including slips, trips, manual handling strains, exposure to substances, electrical risks, and the use of tools or machinery. These hazards will be assessed before work begins and monitored throughout each task. Where necessary, the company will introduce controls such as signage, protective equipment, task rotation, and restricted access to reduce the likelihood of injury or illness.

All cleaners must follow safe systems of work and use equipment only for its intended purpose. This includes checking that tools are in good condition, reporting damaged items immediately, and avoiding improvisation that may create unnecessary risk. The company expects workers to remain alert, avoid rushing, and maintain good housekeeping to keep work areas tidy and free from avoidable hazards.

Special attention is given to slips, trips, and falls, which are among the most common causes of workplace injury in cleaning environments. Floors must be clearly marked during cleaning, spills should be dealt with swiftly, and appropriate warning signs must be used whenever surfaces are wet or hazardous. Staff should wear suitable footwear with adequate grip and keep routes clear of obstacles.

The safe use of cleaning chemicals is a key element of this policy. All substances must be stored correctly, labelled clearly, and used in line with manufacturer instructions and internal procedures. Employees should never mix chemicals unless specifically authorised to do so. Protective gloves, eye protection, and other personal protective equipment must be worn when required, and hands should be washed after handling cleaning products.

Training and instruction are central to our health and safety approach. New employees will receive induction training covering hazards, safe methods, emergency procedures, and reporting responsibilities. Refresher training will be provided when equipment, products, or processes change. Supervisors will monitor performance and reinforce safe behaviour through regular checks, communication, and support. We expect all staff to understand the risks associated with their duties and to ask for clarification when needed.

Manual handling is another important risk area, especially when moving waste, lifting equipment, or carrying supplies. Staff should assess each task before lifting and use mechanical aids where possible. Loads should be kept manageable, posture should be maintained correctly, and team lifting should be used for heavier items. The company will make reasonable adjustments where a task can be completed more safely by changing the method rather than increasing physical effort.

To support safe working, all employees must use the correct personal protective equipment supplied for the task. This may include gloves, aprons, masks, goggles, or safety footwear depending on the work being carried out. PPE must be worn correctly, inspected before use, and replaced when worn or damaged. While PPE is important, it should be seen as the final layer of protection rather than the only control measure.

Emergency preparedness is also covered by this policy. Employees must know how to respond to accidents, fire alarms, spills, and other incidents relevant to their working environment. First aid arrangements should be understood at each site, and any accident or near miss must be recorded and reported as soon as possible. Prompt reporting helps the company identify trends, prevent recurrence, and improve overall safety performance.

We will also protect worker wellbeing by promoting reasonable workloads, suitable rest breaks, and respectful communication. Cleaning work can be physically demanding, so supervisors should remain alert to signs of fatigue, stress, or illness that may affect safety. The company encourages an open culture in which employees can raise concerns without fear of blame. A strong safety culture helps ensure hazards are addressed before they lead to harm.

Equipment safety is managed through regular inspection, maintenance, and correct storage. Electrical items must be checked before use, and any faulty equipment must be removed from service immediately. Cables should be positioned to avoid trip hazards, and machinery should only be operated by trained staff. Where relevant, isolation procedures must be followed before cleaning or maintaining powered equipment.

Contractors, temporary workers, and visitors may also be affected by our activities, so all employees must act with care and consider the safety of others. Work areas should be communicated clearly, hazards should be signposted, and access should be restricted when necessary. Our aim is to ensure that every cleaning task is delivered with professionalism, attention, and respect for the surrounding environment.

This policy will be reviewed periodically, and sooner if there are changes in work practices, equipment, legislation, or incident patterns. Feedback from inspections, audits, and incident investigations will be used to improve standards. By following this policy, Canarywharf Cleaner will continue to provide reliable cleaning services while protecting the health and safety of everyone involved.

Senior management is responsible for ensuring that this policy is implemented effectively and that adequate resources are provided to support safe operations. Managers and supervisors must lead by example, reinforce good practice, and take prompt action where standards fall short. Employees are expected to work cooperatively, follow instructions, and contribute to a workplace where safety, wellbeing, and professionalism remain a shared priority.