Health and Safety Policy for Gardening Services Golders Green

Purpose: This Health and Safety policy sets out the commitment of Gardening Services Golders Green and affiliated garden teams to maintain a safe working environment for staff, clients, contractors and members of the public. It applies to garden maintenance, landscaping, soft and hard landscaping operations, and any ancillary activities carried out by our garden care operatives across the service area. The policy promotes practical measures that reduce risk, ensure clear responsibilities and support continual improvement in safety performance.

Scope and commitment: Our company (operating as a local garden and landscape contractor) recognises that good safety practice is integral to professional garden services. We will provide appropriate resources, training and supervision so that all gardening tasks — from hedge cutting and tree pruning to turfing and the use of powered equipment — are performed safely. The organisation commits to regular safety reviews and to fostering a culture where staff raise concerns without fear of penalty.

Responsibilities and roles

Managers and team leaders are responsible for implementing this policy on a day-to-day basis. They must ensure that risk assessments are carried out, that team members understand safe systems of work and that suitable equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) are provided. All employees have a duty to follow safety instructions, report hazards, and participate in safety training. Contractors working on behalf of our garden company must demonstrate equivalent safety standards before starting any project.

Risk assessment and safe systems of work form the backbone of our approach. Before work starts, supervisors will carry out and document a site-specific risk assessment that identifies hazards such as slopes, buried services, traffic, overhead lines, poisonous plants and the presence of children or pets. The assessment will define control measures — for example, exclusion zones for powered tools, appropriate lifting techniques, and tool inspection routines. These measures will be reviewed whenever conditions change.

Training, competence and supervision: We ensure that operatives undertaking garden tasks are competent through induction, on-the-job training and periodic refresher sessions. Training covers equipment operation, manual handling, ladder and height safety, use of hand tools, and the safe handling and storage of fuel and garden chemicals. Supervision levels are matched to competence and task risk, with additional oversight for new staff or high-risk operations.

Equipment and maintenance: All machinery and tools used by our garden teams are maintained to manufacturer standards. Daily pre-start checks and routine servicing reduce the likelihood of malfunction. Sharp tools are kept secure, guards and safety devices are used where fitted, and powered machinery is only operated by trained personnel wearing appropriate PPE, including eye protection, gloves and hearing protection where necessary. Fuel and flammable materials are stored responsibly.

Emergency planning and first aid provisions are in place at every site activity. Teams carry first aid kits, mobile communication devices and locations of the nearest medical services are known. In the event of an accident, the priority is to secure the scene, administer first aid and summon assistance. Incidents and near misses are recorded, investigated and used to inform changes to procedures to prevent recurrence.

Hazard control and chemical safety

The safe use of pesticides, herbicides and other garden chemicals is managed through clear procedures. Where hazardous substances are used, Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are available, and storage, dilution and disposal follow manufacturer guidance. Only authorised staff apply restricted products and they must use PPE and follow exclusion times when public access could be affected. Spill kits are available and staff are trained in containment measures.

Working near public spaces and traffic: Many gardening jobs are carried out close to footpaths, driveways and roads. We use signage, barriers and high-visibility clothing to protect the public and workers. When working near moving vehicles we adopt safe positioning, use spotters where required and implement traffic management measures appropriate to the site. Our teams maintain polite, professional communication with residents and passers-by to reduce risk and confusion.

Monitoring, review and continuous improvement: This policy is reviewed at least annually and after significant incidents or changes in operations. Performance is monitored through site inspections, toolbox talks, training records and incident analysis. We encourage suggestions from staff to improve safety and will take appropriate action on recommendations. Regular audits help ensure consistency across all garden services and subcontracted teams.

Key safety commitments include:

• Maintaining a trained, competent workforce for garden and landscaping tasks.
• Carrying out documented risk assessments and implementing control measures.
• Ensuring equipment is properly maintained and PPE is used where necessary.
• Managing hazardous substances responsibly and keeping emergency procedures current.
• Protecting the public and preventing environmental harm during operations.

Summary: Gardening Services Golders Green and associated garden teams take health and safety seriously. Our policy sets clear responsibilities, practical controls and a commitment to safer working for everyone affected by our gardening and landscaping activities. Staff are expected to work safely, report hazards and support an ongoing programme of improvement that keeps both people and gardens safe.