Health and Safety Policy for Gardening Raynes Park

Gardening Raynes Park is committed to ensuring the health, safety and welfare of all staff, contractors and members of the public affected by our garden maintenance and landscaping activities. Our policy sets out the practical steps we take to reduce risk, promote safe working practices and maintain a safe service area for all types of garden care in Raynes Park and surrounding communities. This document applies to gardening staff, supervisors and subcontractors engaged in garden maintenance Raynes Park and related outdoor work.

We will identify hazards, assess risks and implement controls to reduce harm from common activities such as mowing, hedge cutting, pruning, use of powered tools, chemical application and manual handling. Management responsibilities include establishing clear procedures, providing suitable equipment, and ensuring that personnel are competent. Employees have a duty to follow policies, use PPE and report unsafe conditions without delay.

The scope of this policy covers routine landscaping, planting, turf care and seasonal work. It recognises that tasks vary in hazard and requires a proportionate approach. Risk assessments will be carried out before starting significant tasks and when conditions change. These risk assessments will consider weather, site layout, nearby hazards, public access and the nature of the machinery or substances in use.

Supervisors and managers will ensure that safe systems of work are documented and accessible. This includes written safe operating procedures for key activities, toolbox talks before higher risk jobs, and a schedule of maintenance for equipment. Staff will receive induction training and periodic refreshers covering hazard awareness, correct use of power tools, and emergency procedures specific to landscaping services Raynes Park.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided where risks cannot be eliminated. Typical PPE includes safety boots, eye protection, ear defenders, gloves and hi-visibility clothing. Employees are responsible for ensuring PPE is used correctly, stored properly and inspected before use. Faulty or damaged PPE must be replaced immediately.

We maintain a clear policy on the safe use of machinery. Machines will only be operated by trained and authorised staff. Pre-operational checks are mandatory and guard systems must remain in place. Petrol and battery-powered equipment will be stored and refuelled in designated areas away from ignition sources, and batteries charged in line with manufacturer guidance.

Manual handling is a frequent activity in garden work; therefore staff will be trained in safe techniques and encouraged to use mechanical aids when available. Chemical handling follows COSHH principles in practice: substances used for pest control or weed management are stored securely, used only by trained handlers and applied using appropriate application equipment. Records of materials and application methods will be kept to support responsible garden care.

Lone working and working near public access areas require additional controls. Staff must follow communication protocols, carry mobile phones or radios, and confirm check-in arrangements. Where the public may be present, work areas will be cordoned off and clear signage used to reduce the risk of injury to passersby. Public safety is treated with the same priority as employee safety.

Emergency procedures are established for incidents such as major injuries, fire or hazardous spills. First aid provisions are available appropriate to the size and nature of the work. All employees are informed of emergency contacts and the location of first aid kits and spill kits. Incident reporting and investigation help us identify root causes and prevent recurrence.

We keep training records, equipment maintenance logs and risk assessment documentation to ensure continuous improvement. Regular site inspections and audits assess compliance with this policy and identify opportunities to enhance safety. Monitoring also includes reviewing procedures after any significant event or when new equipment or methods are introduced.

Communication is central to our approach: safety briefings, visible signage and clear supervision help embed safe behaviour across all levels of the organisation. Subcontractors and temporary staff are required to read and acknowledge key safety information before commencing work and must comply with the same expectations as direct employees.

Commitment: Gardening Raynes Park strives to maintain a culture where safety is integral to every task. We will provide the resources necessary to manage risks effectively, consult with staff on health and safety matters and review this policy regularly to reflect changes in work practice or industry standards. By working together we ensure safe, high quality garden care for clients and a secure working environment for our team.