Health And Safety Policy

Greenwich Cleaner Health and Safety Policy

Greenwich Cleaner is committed to providing cleaning services in a way that protects the health, safety, and wellbeing of our employees, clients, visitors, contractors, and the general public. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks in all cleaning activities carried out on client premises and in any operational locations used by our business.

Health and Safety Objectives

Our primary health and safety objectives are to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health arising from our cleaning operations. We aim to maintain safe and healthy working conditions, equipment, and systems of work, and to foster a culture in which safety is an integral part of every task. We continually review our performance to identify opportunities for improvement.

Management Responsibilities

Senior management at Greenwich Cleaner has overall responsibility for health and safety. This includes ensuring that adequate resources are made available to implement this policy, setting clear expectations, and reviewing performance regularly. Managers and supervisors are responsible for communicating health and safety requirements to staff, monitoring working practices, and ensuring that corrective actions are taken where necessary.

Management will ensure that workplace risks are assessed and controlled as far as is reasonably practicable, that cleaning equipment is suitable and properly maintained, and that employees receive appropriate training, information, and supervision to carry out their duties safely.

Employee Responsibilities

Every employee has 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. Staff must follow all safety instructions, use personal protective equipment as required, and report hazards, accidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions without delay.

Employees are expected to co-operate fully with Greenwich Cleaner in fulfilling health and safety obligations. This includes attending relevant training, following safe systems of work, and not interfering with or misusing anything provided for health, safety, or welfare.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Greenwich Cleaner undertakes risk assessments for its cleaning tasks and work environments. These assessments identify potential hazards such as slips and trips, manual handling, use of chemicals, working at height, electrical equipment, lone working, and interaction with building users.

Based on the outcome of risk assessments, we develop safe systems of work and method statements that specify how cleaning tasks should be carried out to minimise risk. These safe procedures are communicated to staff through training and on-site instruction. Risk assessments are reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes in processes, equipment, or the work environment.

Chemicals and Hazardous Substances

Cleaning products and any other hazardous substances used by Greenwich Cleaner are selected, stored, and used in accordance with manufacturers' instructions and applicable safety guidance. Safety data sheets are obtained and kept available for all relevant substances.

We ensure that only trained personnel handle and use cleaning chemicals. Appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves, eye protection, or masks, is provided and must be worn as indicated in the risk assessment and product guidance. Containers are clearly labeled, and decanting into unmarked containers is prohibited. Chemicals are stored securely to prevent unauthorised access, leaks, or spills.

Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

All cleaning machinery, tools, and equipment used by Greenwich Cleaner must be suitable for the job, regularly inspected, and maintained in good working order. Defective equipment is taken out of service immediately and reported to management. Staff are trained in the correct and safe operation of each type of equipment they use.

Personal protective equipment is provided where a risk cannot be adequately controlled by other means. This may include gloves, safety footwear, hi-visibility clothing, eye protection, or respiratory protection. Staff must use PPE as instructed, keep it in good condition, and report any damage or loss. The company is responsible for the provision, replacement, and maintenance of PPE.

Manual Handling and Working Practices

Greenwich Cleaner aims to minimise manual handling risks by using suitable equipment and methods, such as trolleys, mop systems, and lightweight tools. Where manual handling cannot be avoided, employees receive training in safe lifting and handling techniques to reduce the risk of strain or injury.

Safe working practices include maintaining clear walkways, using caution signs on wet floors, restraining or safely positioning cables and hoses, and following set procedures for working at height, including the proper use of ladders or step stools where required. Staff must never take shortcuts that compromise safety.

Incident Reporting and First Aid

All accidents, incidents, and near misses occurring during cleaning operations or on sites where Greenwich Cleaner is working must be reported promptly to a supervisor or manager. Records of incidents are maintained, and investigations are carried out where appropriate to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.

Suitable first aid arrangements are maintained, including access to first aid supplies and trained personnel where required. Employees are informed of first aid procedures relevant to the locations in which they work.

Training, Communication, and Consultation

Health and safety training is provided to all new employees as part of their induction and is refreshed periodically or when there are changes in work processes or equipment. Training covers general health and safety awareness, safe use of equipment and chemicals, emergency procedures, and any specific hazards associated with the cleaning tasks undertaken.

Greenwich Cleaner promotes open communication on health and safety matters. Employees are encouraged to raise concerns, suggestions, or questions, and these will be considered and addressed in a timely manner. Where appropriate, employees are consulted on significant changes that may affect their health and safety.

Emergency Procedures

Emergency arrangements are in place to deal with fire, spills, medical emergencies, and other incidents that may occur during cleaning activities. Staff are briefed on evacuation routes, assembly points, and relevant site-specific emergency procedures. When working on client premises, employees must comply with the client's emergency arrangements as well as Greenwich Cleaner procedures.

Policy Review

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains appropriate to the nature and scale of Greenwich Cleaner operations and reflects current legal requirements and good practice. Reviews will also take account of lessons learned from incidents, audits, and feedback from employees and clients.

By working together to follow this policy and associated procedures, Greenwich Cleaner and its employees contribute to a safe and healthy environment for everyone affected by our cleaning services.