OCS employee honoured for 50 years of service


Portugal, Spain, Thailand, South Africa and New Zealand.


In 1961, Frank lived in Southampton and spent his time building up a window cleaning round in the town. At the time, OCS owned a lot of buildings in the area and Frank bought his first house from the company to enable him to get on the property ladder.


Since Frank began his career, the window cleaning industry has seen many changes which have brought untold benefits in terms of Health and Safety and service efficiencies for clients. The Bosun’s Chair has been replaced by abseiling; three part ladders by water-fed pole systems; and rope cradles – literally a cradle containing a cleaner, being pulled up a building on a rope by a partner – which has been replaced by electric cradles.


One of the newest systems that has transformed the industry and day-to-day working was the introduction of the PDA system by OCS in 2008. The PDA system replaced the traditional paper-based work bill or work instruction and allowed continuous review of work practices and performance by both operational management and health and safety teams within the company.


The PDA system acts as a continuous prompt and records the fact that a safe and systematic approach is being used. Window cleaning team managers now electronically acknowledge and sign off instruction and review procedures, so that if any are by-passed, the system actively locks out a task and stops the work bill being issued to the hand-held PDA.


OCS is very proud to congratulate Frank Stevens who has worked with our company for 50 years as a window cleaning operative. Frank started work with OCS on the 12th November in 1961, his first job since leaving school.


Back then, OCS was purely a window cleaning company that had come a long way since Frederick Goodliffe founded the business as a sole trader in 1900. The company was thriving when Frank joined, with new expansions into Scotland, the Midlands, the North and Wales. In Frank’s time with the company, he has seen the business grow through the acquisition of UK-wide companies, covering a range of facilities services across all sectors, and our expansion across the globe, including


Two years ago Frank’s manager, Ted Jasper, asked him if he would like to retire. At 66 years old, Frank refused explaining that he loved what he was doing and would like to carry on as long as he could. Today, Frank continues his rounds across Hampshire, working with retail outlets in the town centre. Although his main focus is window cleaning, he is also happy to support the stores by cleaning fixtures, fittings and floors.


Ted comments that Frank can always be relied upon: “He is a fantastic, model employee and I could do with another 10 like him! He is a very dedicated worker and I can trust him to get on with things. He is always keen to help out and sorts out any problems with no worries or grumbling.”


Martin Gammon, Managing Director of OCS said: “The Company has seen a lot of changes over the last 50 years and it’s amazing to know that Frank has been with us the whole time. People like Frank, enable us to provide first class customer service through their dedication and commitment and by really knowing the business inside out.”


An FWC safety talk: working at ground level


Nowadays, more and more of us have eliminated, or vastly reduced the need to work from height by the use of systems such as telescopic or water-fed poles.


However there are still many risks to consider when working at floor level and this safety talk should be used to communicate safety considerations and measures for all those who carry out window cleaning with both feet on the floor.


We are going to aim this talk at the safe cleaning of windows that are reachable from ground or floor level, as well as the cleaning of doorways and entrances.


Equipment required: Squeegee, micro-fibre cloth or scrim, leather, bucket, water, detergent and warning signs.


PPE required: High-visibility jacket or vest, protective clothing, neoprene gloves and safety footwear.


What to do?


Always check that you have the correct equipment for the job and as important, that it is suitable, safe and fit for use. General window cleaning tools are relatively inexpensive, and if they are unsuitable then replace them. Not only will defective equipment compromise your safety but they will also have negative effect on your productivity;


Always check the work areas before starting work. Look for any unusual or temporary obstructions or hazards that may make it unsafe for you to carry out your work. If you do find anything that affects your safety then do not proceed, but report the fact to someone who can make the area safe or remove the hazard or obstruction;


Check out the condition of the floor or ground where you are going to be working. Look for loose stones or other objects that may affect your footing. Also be aware of any changes in the levels of the ground or floor;


Avoid working on ground or floor conditions that are slippery as these will increase the chances of you having a fall;


Only ever clean the glass that is within your own reach and enables you to keep both feet on the floor. Avoid the temptation to work off your tip-toes or elevate one foot slightly as this will make your working position unstable and again you risk a fall.


Always:


Ensure that you position your work equipment and tools sensibly. Keep them away from entrances, doors and walkways to avoid them becoming a trip hazard;


Use caution boards, signs or cones to signal to others that you are engaged in a window cleaning activity;


Close off entrances and doors when working on them to prevent their use; Always wipe up any spillages and splashes immediately;


Be especially careful when working around electrical equipment and cover to prevent any water ingress;


Never stand on tables, desks or other furniture when cleaning windows. If you cannot reach higher glass then consider another method such as a telescopic pole or small work platform.


Finally when working in environments where there is a danger of coming into contact with vehicles or other moving machinery or equipment, the prepare yourself and put in place a traffic management system, or even better, isolate the area until your work is complete.


Always protect yourself and others who may be harmed by your activities, or may have the ability (unintentional) to harm you whilst you are engaged in your work activities! FWC Executive Paul Thrupp.


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