Health and Safety Policy
We are committed to providing gardening services in a safe, responsible, and well-managed way. This policy sets out the standards we follow to protect our staff, clients, visitors, and anyone else who may be affected by our work. It applies to all garden maintenance, landscaping, clearance, planting, pruning, lawn care, waste handling, and related services carried out by our team.
Our commitment
Our aim is to prevent accidents and work-related ill health by planning work carefully, identifying hazards in advance, and using suitable controls. We expect everyone working on our behalf to take health and safety seriously and to follow safe working practices at all times. We will provide the supervision, information, and equipment needed to complete jobs safely and to a professional standard.
Responsibilities
Management is responsible for making sure health and safety procedures are understood and followed. This includes assessing risks, maintaining equipment, arranging training, and ensuring that work is planned realistically. Employees and contractors are responsible for working safely, using protective equipment correctly, reporting hazards, and stopping work if conditions become unsafe. Clients are asked to make us aware of any known risks on site, including access issues, hidden services, aggressive animals, or areas that may require extra care.
Risk assessment and planning
Before starting work, we assess the site and the tasks to be carried out. We consider ground conditions, weather, access, nearby traffic, slopes, ponds, trees, sharp tools, chemicals, manual handling, and the presence of children, pets, or members of the public. Where necessary, we adjust methods, sequence the work differently, or postpone tasks if conditions are unsuitable. Jobs are planned so that safe access, safe movement, and safe disposal of waste can be maintained throughout the visit.
Safe use of tools and equipment
All tools and equipment must be suitable for the task, properly maintained, and used only by competent people. Guards, safety devices, and protective covers must not be removed or bypassed. Equipment is checked before use and taken out of service if it is damaged or unsafe. Fuel, charging equipment, cutting tools, ladders, and power tools are handled with care and stored securely when not in use. We also take care to prevent damage to lawns, borders, paving, and property while using machinery and hand tools.
Protective equipment and hygiene
Personal protective equipment is used where required and may include gloves, eye protection, sturdy footwear, hearing protection, hi-vis clothing, and other items appropriate to the task. Staff are expected to wear suitable clothing for outdoor work and changing weather conditions. Good hygiene is also important, especially when handling soil, compost, waste, or chemicals. Hands are washed regularly, cuts are cleaned and covered promptly, and any contamination is dealt with quickly and safely.
Chemicals, plants, and waste
Where products such as fertilisers, weed control treatments, or cleaning agents are used, they are handled according to safe instructions and stored away from unauthorised access. We aim to use the least hazardous product suitable for the job. Care is taken with thorny, toxic, irritating, or allergenic plants, and staff are trained to recognise common risks. Green waste, soil, and other materials are collected, contained, and removed in a safe manner to reduce hazards on site and to keep work areas tidy.
Manual handling and work at height
Many gardening tasks involve lifting, carrying, bending, reaching, and repetitive movements. We reduce manual handling risks by using mechanical aids where possible, breaking heavy loads into smaller ones, and working in a way that avoids unnecessary strain. Work at height is kept to a minimum and only carried out when suitable equipment and safe access are available. Ladders and similar equipment are used carefully, on stable ground, and only when the task can be completed safely.
Weather and environmental conditions
Outdoor work is affected by rain, wind, heat, frost, and poor light. We monitor conditions and may change the timing or method of work if weather creates a greater risk. In hot weather, staff take suitable breaks and stay hydrated. In cold or wet conditions, extra care is taken to avoid slips, reduced visibility, and loss of control of tools. We also protect the surrounding environment by avoiding unnecessary damage to wildlife habitats, trees, and planted areas.
Incident reporting and review
Any accident, near miss, injury, equipment fault, or unsafe situation must be reported as soon as possible so that action can be taken. Incidents are reviewed to identify causes and to improve future working practices. This policy is kept under regular review and updated when work methods, equipment, or legal requirements change. By following these standards, we aim to deliver reliable gardening services while maintaining a safe working environment for everyone involved.
