Health and Safety Policy for Gardeners Rotherhithe

Gardeners Rotherhithe is committed to providing gardening and grounds maintenance services in a way that protects the health, safety, and welfare of our employees, clients, contractors, visitors, and members of the public. We recognise that high standards of health and safety are essential to delivering reliable, professional gardening services and to maintaining the trust of our customers and the communities in which we work.

Policy Statement and Objectives

The objective of this Health and Safety policy is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property or the environment arising from our activities. We will identify and manage the risks associated with gardening and landscape work and take all reasonably practicable steps to ensure that our operations are carried out safely.

We aim to:

Identify hazards and assess risks associated with gardening tasks, equipment, and working environments. Implement appropriate control measures to eliminate or minimise risks. Provide clear instructions, information, training, and supervision so that staff can work safely and competently. Maintain equipment and tools in a safe condition and ensure they are used correctly. Plan work to protect clients, visitors, neighbours, and the general public from harm.

Management Responsibilities

Management at Gardeners Rotherhithe is responsible for implementing and maintaining this policy. This includes:

Ensuring systematic risk assessments are carried out and kept under review. Providing adequate resources for health and safety, including training, equipment, and protective clothing. Investigating accidents, incidents, and near misses and taking corrective action to prevent recurrence. Reviewing performance regularly and updating procedures when required.

Managers and supervisors must lead by example, promote a positive safety culture, and ensure that all gardening and grounds care work complies with relevant health and safety requirements.

Employee Responsibilities

Every employee has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Employees must:

Follow safety instructions and use equipment, machinery, and substances in accordance with training and guidance. Wear the personal protective equipment provided and look after it properly. Report hazards, defects, accidents, near misses, and unsafe practices without delay. Cooperate with management in implementing this policy and associated procedures. Refrain from any behaviour that could endanger themselves, colleagues, or members of the public.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before gardening or maintenance work begins, tasks and locations are assessed to identify potential hazards such as uneven ground, working at height, noise, vibration, traffic, access routes, and the presence of clients, visitors, or neighbours. Control measures may include planning work areas, using barriers or signage, choosing suitable tools, and adjusting work methods to reduce risk.

Safe working procedures are developed for high-risk activities, including powered machinery use, hedge cutting, tree work within our competence, lifting and carrying, and working near roads or shared access paths. Staff are expected to follow these procedures at all times.

Training, Competence, and Supervision

Gardeners Rotherhithe ensures that staff are competent to perform their duties safely. This includes:

Induction training covering health and safety principles, emergency arrangements, and site rules. Task-specific training for equipment such as mowers, trimmers, blowers, and other powered tools. Instruction on manual handling, safe lifting techniques, and correct posture. Guidance on recognising hazards in gardens and outdoor spaces, including unstable structures, hidden obstacles, and wildlife.

Supervision is provided where necessary, especially for new staff or those new to a particular task or environment. Training needs are reviewed periodically and refresher training is provided when required.

Use of Tools, Machinery, and Vehicles

All tools, machinery, and vehicles used by Gardeners Rotherhithe are selected, operated, and maintained with safety in mind. Our approach includes:

Regular inspection and servicing of equipment in line with manufacturer recommendations. Removal from use of any item that is defective, damaged, or unsafe until it has been repaired or replaced. Use of guards, safety features, and emergency stops where provided. Safe starting, operating, refuelling, and storage procedures for machinery. Ensuring only trained and authorised personnel operate vehicles or specialised equipment.

Hazardous Substances and Environmental Protection

Where gardening activities involve the use of substances such as fuels, oils, or approved garden treatments, these are stored, handled, and disposed of safely. Where relevant, assessments are carried out to identify potential health and environmental risks, and control measures are implemented to reduce exposure.

We aim to minimise the use of hazardous materials and favour safer alternatives wherever practicable. Spill response procedures are in place to protect people, soil, and water from contamination.

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment is provided where risks cannot be adequately controlled by other means. Depending on the task, this may include safety footwear, gloves, eye and hearing protection, high-visibility clothing, and respiratory protection where necessary.

Employees must use the equipment as instructed, check it before use, and report any defects. Replacement items are provided when equipment is worn or damaged.

Working With Clients and the Public

Our teams often work in occupied gardens, shared outdoor areas, and public spaces. To protect clients and others, we:

Plan work to reduce disruption and risk to those nearby. Use signs, cones, or barriers where appropriate to keep people away from hazardous areas. Avoid leaving tools or equipment unattended in locations where they could pose a risk. Maintain clear access routes and communicate with clients about any temporary restrictions or hazards.

Accidents, Emergencies, and First Aid

Gardeners Rotherhithe maintains arrangements for dealing with accidents and emergencies. Staff are briefed on emergency procedures and must report any incident as soon as practicable. First aid supplies are available to teams, and incidents are recorded so that causes can be analysed and improvements made.

Where necessary, emergency services will be contacted without delay, and the area will be made safe to prevent further harm.

Monitoring, Review, and Policy Availability

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes in our work activities, equipment, or legal requirements. We monitor performance, investigate incidents, and seek feedback from staff and clients to drive continual improvement.

The policy is communicated to all employees and is available to clients and other interested parties on request. By working together and following this policy, Gardeners Rotherhithe aims to maintain a safe and healthy environment across all gardening and grounds maintenance services.