Health and Safety Policy for Cleaner Greenwich

Cleaner Greenwich is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, clients, visitors, contractors, and members of the public who may be affected by our cleaning activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks and promoting safe practices in all locations where we operate.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

We aim to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing effective control measures. We strive to continuously improve our health and safety performance through regular review, training, and responsible management of our cleaning services.

Management Responsibilities

The management team at Cleaner Greenwich has overall responsibility for ensuring that this policy is implemented and maintained. Management will provide appropriate resources, information, and supervision to support safe working practices and compliance with applicable health and safety legislation and guidance.

Management responsibilities include:

Ensuring that risk assessments are carried out for all relevant cleaning tasks and premises. Establishing safe systems of work and clear procedures for staff to follow. Providing appropriate personal protective equipment and ensuring it is used correctly. Investigating accidents, incidents, and near misses, and implementing corrective actions. Reviewing and updating this policy and associated procedures on a regular basis.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees of Cleaner Greenwich have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Employees are expected to cooperate fully with management in implementing this policy and all associated procedures.

Employee responsibilities include:

Following training, instructions, and safe working procedures at all times. Using equipment, materials, and cleaning products only as directed. Wearing and maintaining any personal protective equipment provided. Reporting hazards, defects, spillages, or unsafe conditions without delay. Informing supervisors of any accidents, incidents, near misses, or health concerns related to work.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Cleaner Greenwich will conduct and maintain suitable and sufficient risk assessments for cleaning activities, including regular, deep, and specialist cleans. These assessments will consider physical, chemical, biological, and ergonomic risks relevant to the tasks carried out.

From these assessments, we will establish safe working practices, such as correct methods for handling waste, safe use of ladders and step stools, appropriate manual handling techniques, and secure storage of cleaning equipment and substances. Employees will be informed of the findings of risk assessments and the control measures required.

Use and Storage of Cleaning Chemicals

Cleaning chemicals will be selected, used, stored, and disposed of safely to minimise risks to health and the environment. Safety data and instructions provided by manufacturers will be followed at all times.

Key measures include:

Ensuring chemicals are clearly labelled and stored in suitable containers. Keeping chemicals in secure areas away from unauthorised persons and food preparation zones. Using only the recommended quantities and dilutions. Avoiding mixing chemicals and ensuring good ventilation where products are used. Providing appropriate gloves, eye protection, or other equipment where needed.

Personal Protective Equipment

Cleaner Greenwich will provide suitable personal protective equipment where identified by risk assessments or manufacturer guidance. This may include gloves, masks, eye protection, or other items appropriate to the task.

Employees are required to use the equipment as instructed, keep it in good condition, and report any loss or damage so that replacement can be arranged promptly.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

To reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries, employees will be trained in safe lifting and carrying techniques and in the proper use of trolleys, vacuums, mops, and other cleaning equipment. Heavy or awkward loads should be avoided wherever possible or handled using mechanical aids or team lifting.

All electrical and mechanical equipment used for cleaning will be maintained in a safe condition. Defective equipment must not be used and must be reported immediately to a supervisor for repair or replacement.

Slips, Trips, and Falls Prevention

Many cleaning tasks involve wet floors, trailing cables, and movement of equipment, which can increase the risk of slips, trips, and falls. Cleaner Greenwich will minimise these risks by using clear signage for wet floors, keeping walkways free from obstructions, and using safe methods for routing cables.

Employees must place warning signs when cleaning floors, remove signs promptly when areas are safe, and maintain good housekeeping standards in all work areas.

Working in Client Premises

When operating at client locations, Cleaner Greenwich staff will respect and follow any on-site safety instructions, emergency arrangements, or access controls. We will coordinate with clients to understand specific risks, such as restricted areas, security procedures, or special equipment, and integrate these into our working methods.

Employees must act politely and professionally at all times and take care not to create unnecessary disruption or hazards for building users.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, near misses, or dangerous occurrences must be reported as soon as possible to the appropriate supervisor or manager. Cleaner Greenwich will record and investigate these events to identify causes and prevent recurrence.

Employees will be made aware of emergency procedures at each site, including fire evacuation routes, assembly points, and the location of first aid supplies where applicable. Staff must follow emergency instructions promptly and assist others where it is safe to do so.

Training, Information, and Supervision

Cleaner Greenwich will provide appropriate induction and ongoing training to ensure that employees understand this policy, the specific risks associated with their work, and the safe methods required to control those risks. Training may cover topics such as safe use of chemicals, manual handling, equipment operation, lone working, and emergency response.

Supervision will be provided in line with the experience and competence of staff, with additional support where new tasks or environments are introduced.

Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

We will regularly monitor compliance with this Health and Safety Policy through site checks, reviews of incident reports, and feedback from clients and employees. Lessons learned from these activities will be used to improve our procedures, training, and working methods.

Cleaner Greenwich is committed to maintaining high standards of health and safety and expects all employees, clients, and partners to support and uphold this policy in all aspects of our cleaning services.