Health & Safety Policy — Gardener Tooting

Introduction: This Health and Safety policy sets out the approach of Gardener Tooting to delivering safe, reliable gardening and grounds maintenance services. It is written for staff, contractors and clients to explain our commitment to protecting people, property and the environment while carrying out landscaping, planting, lawn care and hedge work across our service area.

Policy Statement

Gardener Tooting undertakes to maintain a culture of safety where risk reduction and continuous improvement are central. We recognise that safe work practices are essential to quality gardening services, and we will allocate appropriate resources, training and supervision to make this happen.

Scope

This policy covers all activities undertaken by our team including routine garden maintenance, tree and shrub pruning, turf management, planting, seasonal clearing and use of powered equipment. It applies to employees, subcontractors and any visitors to work sites within Tooting and surrounding neighbourhoods.

Responsibilities: The management team has overall responsibility for health and safety. Supervisors and team leads are responsible for on-the-ground compliance and for ensuring safe systems of work. Every worker is required to take reasonable care for their own safety and for others affected by their actions. Reporting hazards and near misses is mandatory so we can learn and prevent recurrence.

Risk assessment and planning: We carry out documented risk assessments for all regular tasks and for new or unusual sites. Assessments consider manual handling, slips and trips, contact with sharp tools, powered machinery, working at height, exposure to chemicals and biological hazards. Controls are selected in order of priority: elimination, substitution, engineering measures, administrative controls and finally, personal protective equipment.

Training and competence: Staff receive induction training and job-specific instruction before operating equipment or performing hazardous tasks. We maintain records of training and competency checks and schedule periodic refreshers. Apprentices and new starters are supervised until they demonstrate safe practice.

Equipment and maintenance: All tools, mowers, trimmers and powered machinery are inspected before use and serviced at recommended intervals. Faulty equipment is taken out of service until repaired. PPE such as gloves, eye protection, ear defenders, sturdy footwear and high-visibility clothing is provided and must be worn where risk assessments require it.

Chemicals and storage: Where herbicides, pesticides or fertilisers are used, we follow manufacturer guidance and safe handling procedures. Substances are stored securely in labelled containers and kept away from public access. Material Safety Data Sheets are available to staff and stored centrally.

Working near others and public safety: Many jobs are carried out in residential streets, parks or communal gardens. We set up clear exclusions zones when using machinery, use signage and cordons when required and take measures to protect members of the public, clients and pets. Traffic management is applied where roadside work creates hazards.

Emergency procedures: We have protocols for first aid, emergency evacuation and dealing with spills or fires. First aid kits and at least one trained first aider are available on-site for larger jobs. Incidents are recorded, investigated and reviewed to improve controls.

Health and welfare: We promote good manual handling techniques, regular breaks, hydration and protection from extreme weather. Staff are encouraged to report health concerns that might affect their ability to work safely. We take steps to avoid excessive noise and vibration exposure during prolonged equipment use.

Monitoring, review and continuous improvement: We audit performance through site checks, toolbox talks and management reviews. Findings lead to action plans, further training or revised procedures. This policy is reviewed at least annually and updated as necessary to reflect changes in operations, equipment or best practice.

Communication and consultation

We consult staff on health and safety matters and encourage active participation in risk control decisions. Clear instructions, permits-to-work where needed and accessible documentation ensure everyone understands expectations and responsibilities.

Contractors and client sites

When we work alongside other contractors or on client-managed sites, we align our controls with site rules and coordinate on shared risks. Prior to starting, we agree on responsibilities and confirm that appropriate insurance and competency checks are in place.

Commitment: Gardener Tooting is committed to delivering professional gardening services while protecting the safety of our team, clients and the public. By following this policy and embedding safe working practices, we aim to achieve reliable, high-quality outcomes with minimal risk.

• Review frequency: Annual or upon significant change
• Responsible officer: Designated health & safety lead
• Document control: Policy versioning and distribution to all staff