Canary Wharf Cleaner Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the standards and working practices for cleaners operating in and around Canary Wharf. Our aim is to provide a safe, healthy working environment for our employees, clients, visitors, and members of the public who may be affected by our activities. We are committed to preventing accidents, work-related ill health, and unsafe conditions in every location where we provide cleaning services.

Policy Statement and Objectives

We recognise our duty to manage health and safety risks arising from our work and to integrate safe working practices into all cleaning operations. Our objectives are to minimise hazards, protect the wellbeing of our staff and clients, and comply with applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice.

We will review this policy regularly to ensure it remains relevant and effective as our services, equipment, and working environments evolve.

Responsibilities for Health and Safety

Senior management is responsible for establishing this policy, providing appropriate resources, and ensuring that safe systems of work are in place. Supervisors are responsible for day-to-day implementation, monitoring compliance, and promptly addressing health and safety concerns raised by staff or clients.

All cleaners and operatives share responsibility for working safely, following training and instructions, using equipment correctly, and reporting hazards, near misses, and incidents. Every employee is expected to co-operate fully with health and safety requirements and contribute to a positive safety culture.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We carry out risk assessments for all key cleaning tasks and environments, including offices, communal areas, washrooms, corridors, reception spaces, lifts, and stairwells. These assessments identify potential hazards such as slips and trips, manual handling, chemical exposure, electrical risks, lone working, and out-of-hours activities.

Based on these risk assessments, we develop safe systems of work and clear procedures. These are communicated to all relevant staff and reviewed regularly. Any significant changes in the work environment, equipment, or cleaning products will trigger a review and update of the associated risk assessments.

Training, Information and Supervision

We provide appropriate health and safety training for all cleaners before they start work and at regular intervals thereafter. This includes induction training, task-specific instructions, and refresher training when needed. Topics include safe use of cleaning chemicals, equipment operation, manual handling, use of personal protective equipment, emergency procedures, and accident reporting.

Supervisors monitor work practices to ensure training is followed in practice. Where new equipment or materials are introduced, additional training and information will be given to all affected staff.

Chemical Safety and COSHH

Cleaning products are selected with safety and effectiveness in mind. We maintain information and assessments for all hazardous substances used in our cleaning operations. Cleaners are trained to read and follow product labels and safety information, and to never mix chemicals or decant them into unlabelled containers.

Chemicals are stored securely when not in use, out of reach of unauthorised persons. Only the minimum quantities necessary are taken into work areas, and all containers are closed properly after use.

Personal Protective Equipment

Where risks cannot be fully controlled by other means, suitable personal protective equipment is provided. This may include gloves, eye protection, masks, or other protective items appropriate to the task. Employees must use, store, and maintain PPE as instructed and report any loss or damage immediately so that replacements can be arranged.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

We aim to reduce manual handling risks by using appropriate tools, trolleys, and equipment wherever possible. Staff are trained in correct lifting techniques and encouraged to seek help when handling heavy or awkward items such as waste bags, machinery, or furniture.

All cleaning equipment, including vacuum cleaners, floor machines, and extension poles, is maintained in a safe condition. Faulty or damaged equipment must be taken out of use immediately and reported to a supervisor.

Slip, Trip and Housekeeping Controls

Good housekeeping is central to our cleaning work. To prevent slips and trips, we ensure that wet floors are clearly signposted, walkways are kept clear, and any spills are cleaned up promptly and safely. Cables, tools, and materials are kept in an orderly manner, and waste is removed regularly to avoid obstructions.

Working in Client Premises

We respect and follow all site-specific safety requirements and security procedures set by the client. Our cleaners are briefed on local access arrangements, emergency exits, fire alarm procedures, and any specific restrictions or rules applicable to the premises where they work.

We co-operate with building management and other service providers to manage shared risks, especially in busy office areas, lobbies, and shared facilities.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported to a supervisor as soon as possible. Records are kept and reviewed to identify patterns and prevent recurrence. Where required, incidents will be reported to the relevant enforcing authorities.

Cleaners receive instruction on what to do in emergencies, including fire, medical incidents, and building evacuations. First aid arrangements, alarm points, and escape routes are explained during induction on each site.

Health, Wellbeing and Occupational Ill Health

We recognise the importance of physical and mental wellbeing. We take steps to minimise the risk of work-related ill health, including skin problems from frequent wet work, respiratory issues from poor chemical handling, and musculoskeletal injuries from repetitive tasks or poor posture.

Employees are encouraged to report any health concerns they believe may be connected with their work so that adjustments can be considered and appropriate support provided.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

We monitor compliance with this policy through site inspections, audits, supervision, and feedback from staff and clients. Where improvements are identified, we update procedures, provide additional training, or invest in safer equipment and materials.

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed at least annually, and sooner if there are significant changes in our operations or in relevant legislation or guidance. We are committed to raising safety standards continually across all cleaning services delivered in the Canary Wharf area.