Health and Safety Policy — Gardener Southwark

Policy statement: Gardener Southwark is committed to providing safe, healthy and secure gardening and landscaping services. This health and safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks for staff, clients, contractors and members of the public across our service area. Our aim is to reduce accidents, prevent ill health and maintain high standards in all garden maintenance, planting, pruning and soft landscaping work.

Scope and objectives

This policy applies to all activities undertaken by the gardening team, including routine maintenance, tree work, hedge trimming, planting operations and the use of powered equipment. Our objectives are to identify hazards, assess and control risks, promote safe working practices and ensure compliance with relevant safety standards for garden contractors and landscaping operatives. The policy supports continual improvement in health and safety performance.

Responsibilities

Management is responsible for implementing and reviewing this policy, ensuring resources for training, equipment and safe systems of work. Supervisors and team leaders must communicate procedures to operatives and monitor compliance. Each operative has a duty to follow instructions, use personal protective equipment and report hazards. Everyone on site must cooperate to maintain a safe working environment.

Risk assessment and safe systems — Before starting any job, a written or documented risk assessment will be carried out to identify potential hazards such as uneven ground, buried services, manual handling, use of chemicals or exposure to operating machinery. Safe systems of work will be prepared and communicated to the team. High-risk tasks will be supervised and only carried out by trained staff or suitable subcontractors.

We will maintain an up-to-date hazard log and method statements for repetitive and non-routine tasks. Where necessary, permits or site-specific controls will be used for accessing confined spaces, carrying out demolition of structures or when working at height on ladders or elevated platforms. Controls include exclusion zones, appropriate signage and traffic management when working close to roads or pathways.

Training and competence — Staff will receive induction training, regular toolbox talks and job-specific instruction on safe use of hand tools, chainsaws, brushcutters, ride-on mowers and other powered equipment. Qualifications and certificates for pesticide application, tree climbing or chainsaw use will be checked and recorded. Ongoing competency checks and refresher training ensure the gardening workforce remains competent and confident in their roles.

PPE, equipment and maintenance

Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety boots, gloves, eye and ear protection, high-visibility clothing and respiratory protection will be provided where risks are identified. Equipment will be maintained, inspected and serviced according to manufacturers' guidance. Damaged tools and machines will be removed from service until repaired. Charging and fuel storage are managed to prevent fire and spillage risks.

All vehicles and trailers used by the gardening crew will be kept roadworthy and equipped with secure storage for tools and materials. Loads are to be safely restrained and lifting aids provided for heavy items. Electrical equipment used in landscaping work will be subject to regular testing and portable appliance testing where appropriate.

Chemicals and waste — Where fertilizers, pesticides or other chemicals are used, we will follow product labels and COSHH-style controls: safe storage, correct dilution, use of PPE and environmental precautions to avoid contamination of watercourses and soil beyond intended areas. Green waste, cuttings and removed materials will be disposed of responsibly in accordance with environmental best practice.

Manual handling and health

Manual handling risks are controlled by using mechanical aids, team lifts and correct handling techniques. Staff are encouraged to report health concerns and use occupational health services where required. Wellbeing measures include hydration, protection from extreme weather and rest breaks during physically demanding tasks.

Emergency preparedness covers first aid provision, clear reporting lines and procedures for accidents, near misses and incidents. First aid kits are provided on vehicles and at depots. All serious incidents are investigated and lessons learned are used to update risk assessments and procedures to prevent recurrence.

Monitoring, review and continuous improvement — The policy will be reviewed annually or after significant incidents, changes in work methods or new legislation. Regular site inspections, safety audits and performance reviews will identify opportunities for improvement. We will set measurable targets for reducing incidents and improving compliance with safe working standards.

Contractor arrangements and subcontractors — All subcontractors engaged for specialist tasks must demonstrate suitable health and safety arrangements and adequate insurance. They will be required to follow site-specific rules and coordinate with the lead gardening team to ensure safe interaction between different trades and to minimise risks to staff and the public.

Communication and consultation — Health and safety is a collective responsibility. Staff will be consulted on changes to procedures and encouraged to suggest improvements. Safety briefings and documentation will be accessible and updated. Records of training, risk assessments, equipment checks and incident reports will be maintained to support transparency and continual learning.

Commitment — Gardener Southwark is committed to implementing this policy in practice, fostering a safety culture across our gardening services. This document underpins our promise to clients and the public that work will be carried out responsibly, with a focus on preventing harm and protecting the environment.