Health and Safety Policy — Gardener Erith

Purpose and scope: This Health and Safety Policy sets out the approach of Gardener Erith to managing risks and protecting everyone affected by our work. It applies to all operations carried out by the team, whether routine garden maintenance, landscaping, tree work or specialised grounds care. The policy is built to be practical for an independent Erith gardener or a small gardening company operating across a local service area, addressing hazards common to horticultural and grounds-keeping activities.

We are committed to preventing harm, promoting safe working practices and ensuring that our gardening services in the locality are delivered without undue risk to employees, contractors, clients, members of the public and the environment. This commitment is reflected in our day-to-day supervision, provision of suitable equipment and ongoing training. Safety is integral to planning every job, from risk assessment to completion.

Responsibilities

The following outlines roles and responsibilities. These responsibilities ensure the Erith gardening services team operates with clear accountability:

• Management: ensure resources, policies and procedures are in place, review performance and maintain records.
• Supervisors: carry out site assessments, communicate risks to operative(s) and confirm control measures are implemented.
• Operatives and contractors: follow instructions, use personal protective equipment, report defects, incidents and near-misses promptly.

Risk assessment and control measures

Before work starts, a proportionate risk assessment is completed for each task and location. Assessments consider ground conditions, proximity to pedestrians, underground services, wildlife and weather. Controls are applied to eliminate hazards where possible and otherwise to reduce risk to an acceptable level. Controls include task sequencing, exclusion zones, signage, traffic management and safe manual handling techniques.

Safe use of tools and machinery

Tools and powered equipment are inspected before use and routinely maintained. Operatives receive instruction in safe operation and are required to keep guards and safety devices in place. Only competent, trained staff may use chainsaws, stump grinders, ride-on mowers or hedge cutters. Where appropriate, permits or documented checks are maintained to demonstrate compliance with safe use procedures.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided and must be worn as required by the task assessment. Typical PPE includes safety boots, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, hi-visibility clothing and chainsaw protective wear. PPE does not replace engineering controls but is used as part of a layered approach to safety.

Training, competence and supervision are central to our health and safety approach. New staff receive induction covering policies, common hazards and emergency arrangements. Operational training is matched to the duties performed and refreshed periodically. Supervision levels are tailored to the complexity of the work; apprentices and less experienced staff receive closer oversight until competency is demonstrated.

Working at heights, vehicle use and lone working require additional controls. For heights, ladders are only used where safe alternatives are impractical; harnessing and edge protection are applied for higher risk tasks. Vehicles and trailers are regularly checked; loads are secured and traffic movements are planned to minimise exposure to public and staff.

Environmental protection is part of safe working. Waste materials and green residues are managed to prevent slip hazards, fire risk and pollution. Chemical use is minimised and when necessary follows safe storage, handling and application practices. Spill kits and containment measures are available where herbicides, oils or fuels are in use.

Incident reporting and emergency procedures ensure swift, proportionate responses. All accidents, incidents and near-misses are reported, recorded and investigated to identify root causes and preventive actions. First aid provision is maintained on site or nearby, and staff know how to access emergency services. In situations involving serious harm, the priority is immediate medical care and securing the scene to prevent further injury.

Monitoring, review and continuous improvement

The policy is reviewed regularly and after significant incidents or changes to operations. Performance is monitored through site checks, audits and reviews of incident records. Learning is shared across the team to embed improvements. Continuous improvement ensures that the gardening company adapts to new equipment, evolving best practices and lessons learned from everyday operations.

Commitment and acknowledgement — By following this policy, all staff and contractors contribute to a safer working environment. Management commits to providing the resources necessary to deliver this policy and expects full cooperation from the team. This policy supports a culture of care where safety and quality of service are mutually reinforcing elements of professional gardening in the area.