DIRECTORS’ LIABILITY - 12.11.2012

Why choosing the right cleaner is so important

You’ve been using the same cleaner for quite a few years, but he’s about to retire. Should you look for another one-man band or switch to a professional cleaning contractor?

Times (and rules) have changed

For the past 15 years Bob has been cleaning your company’s offices, but soon he intends to hang up his mop and bucket for the last time. You’re now forced to find a new cleaner. However, times have changed since Bob started doing the job; health and safety rules and environmental awareness have moved on considerably.

Can a cleaner put you at risk?

Directors can be held personally responsible and fined if health and safety rules are breached. The position might be worse still if an employee slips and is injured because, for example, the wrong type of cleaning fluid was used on the floor. Plus, as you probably know, there’s now a raft of environmental rules that have to be taken into account when disposing of different types of waste.

Cleaning contractor advantages

A cleaning contractor can lift some of the burden from your shoulders as they should be au fait with all the current practices and regulations. Also they ought to be able to supply you with a full risk assessment report as part of their tendering process. Another advantage over a one-man operation is that they will be able to provide cover in the event your particular cleaner goes sick.

Finding the right cleaner

Recommendations are probably the best way of finding a good contractor, so ask around your local customers and suppliers. But even where they come highly recommended you shouldn’t forego obtaining references from their current and previous clients. If they are unable, or unwilling, to provide references or other similar information then this should set alarm bells ringing. Another thing to look for is whether they have a British Standards or ISO accreditation.

Tip. Set out your requirements before you hire, i.e. what needs to be done and how frequently. This should stop arguments later about what was and wasn’t included in the contract. Appoint an employee as liaison. This way gripes you or your workers have can be properly formulated and resolved with the contractor rather than being allowed to fester.

The X factor

There are hidden benefits to a properly cleaned office for both you and your staff in terms of safety, productivity and even morale. And you shouldn’t underestimate its potential commercial importance in terms of the image your workplace portrays to potential customers. Ask yourself whether you would be put off signing up to a deal with a supplier whose offices were filthy and littered with papers?

Don’t write off the little man

The one-man band does score some advantages over the big boys; greater control, flexibility to take on one-off jobs and, often, lower costs. But if you decide to go down this route you should at least carry out a risk assessment in tandem with the cleaner to reduce the risk of running into health and safety troubles (see The next step).

For a free sample risk assessment,visit http://companydirector.indicator.co.uk (CD 14.04.06).

Contract cleaning companies should know the ropes on health and safety issues etc. which removes some of this burden from your shoulders. However, they can be expensive and less flexible than a one-man band. If you opt for the latter, you should carry out a risk assessment in tandem with them.

© Indicator - FL Memo Ltd

Tel.: (01233) 653500 • Fax: (01233) 647100

subscriptions@indicator-flm.co.ukwww.indicator-flm.co.uk

Calgarth House, 39-41 Bank Street, Ashford, Kent TN23 1DQ

VAT GB 726 598 394 • Registered in England • Company Registration No. 3599719