Health and Safety Policy for Gardener Addiscombe

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the approach of Gardener Addiscombe to managing risk and protecting team members, clients and the public while delivering professional garden services. The policy applies to all operations undertaken by the gardening company, including routine maintenance, landscaping, hedge work, planting and site clearance. It is the responsibility of every employee and contractor to follow the standards described here and to report hazards promptly.

The aim of this policy is to minimise incidents, ensure legal and best-practice compliance and to create a culture where safety is part of everyday work. The document covers responsibilities, risk assessment procedures, personal protective equipment, plant and machinery controls, hazardous substances, training and emergency response. While the business is known locally as Gardener Addiscombe, the measures described are practical and suitable for garden services across the service area.

Scope: This policy applies to all staff, self-employed operatives working on behalf of the team and any subcontractors engaged by the company. It covers work conducted on client properties, communal areas and public verges where permitted. The policy does not include detailed legal guidance but provides clear operational standards and a framework for safe working.

Responsibilities and Roles

The company management will provide resources, safe systems of work and training. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for carrying out site-specific risk assessments and ensuring work is planned safely. Individual workers are required to follow instructions, use equipment correctly and wear specified personal protective equipment (PPE).

Risk assessment: Before any task starts a written or verbal risk assessment must be completed where hazards are identified and control measures recorded. Key hazards include use of powered tools, manual handling, working at heights, traffic and plant, contact with hazardous substances and environmental risks such as uneven terrain or nettles.

Control measures will follow the hierarchy: eliminate hazards where possible, substitute or isolate risks, use engineering controls and apply safe systems of work, and finally ensure appropriate PPE and training are used. Examples include guarding on cutting tools, lock-off procedures for powered equipment and clear exclusion zones for machinery.

Safe Work Practices and Training

Training and competence are central to a safe gardening service. All operatives must receive induction training, task-specific instruction and regular refreshers. Training covers machinery operation, safe use of chemicals, manual handling techniques, first aid awareness and lone-worker procedures. Records of training and certificates will be maintained by management.

Personal protective equipment must be used as required: protective boots, gloves, eye protection, hearing protection for noisy equipment and high-visibility clothing when working near roads. PPE reduces risk but does not replace safe systems of work. The company will ensure PPE is suitable, maintained and replaced as needed.

Plant and equipment: Only suitably maintained and inspected tools and machines are to be used. Powered equipment must be visually checked before use, serviced at recommended intervals and fitted with appropriate guards. Batteries and fuel must be stored safely. Anyone found using defective equipment must stop work and report it immediately.

Manual handling: Staff should minimise lifting by using mechanical aids or team lifts. When manual handling is necessary, staff should adopt safe postures and plan lifts in advance. Where repetitive strain or awkward handling is identified, a review will be undertaken to find alternatives or adjust the task.

Hazardous substances: Safe handling, storage and labeling of pesticides, fertilizers and fuel are essential. Substances will be used in accordance with manufacturer instructions and COSHH principles. Emergency measures, spill kits and appropriate disposal methods will be available to reduce environmental and health impacts.

Emergency procedures and incident reporting: Clear procedures for first aid, fire, severe injury and environmental incident response are in place. All incidents, however minor, must be reported and investigated to identify root causes and prevent recurrence. The company promotes open reporting to support continuous improvement.

Monitoring and review: The policy will be reviewed at least annually and after any significant incident, change in work practice or introduction of new equipment. Regular site inspections, toolbox talks and safety audits will monitor compliance and performance. Corrective actions will be tracked to completion.

Contractors and visitors: Anyone working on site must comply with this policy. Subcontractors will be required to demonstrate appropriate training, insurance and safe systems before work starts. Visitors must be supervised and informed of site-specific hazards.

Environmental considerations: The company seeks to reduce pollution and protect biodiversity. Practices include careful chemical use, responsible green waste management and protecting trees and wildlife habitats during works. Sustainable choices are promoted where they do not compromise safety.

This Health and Safety Policy represents the commitment of the team to maintain safe, competent and reliable garden services. It is a living document: staff are encouraged to suggest improvements. Compliance with these standards helps ensure that the Addiscombe gardener and the wider gardening team can deliver quality services with minimal risk to people and the environment.

Management will continue to lead by example, ensuring that safe working is integral to every job. All personnel must read, understand and apply this policy as part of their duties. Regular communication, training and investment in safe tools and equipment will support the delivery of safe garden maintenance and landscaping across the service area.

Signed by company leadership and reviewed on an ongoing basis, this policy sets out clear expectations for safety, competence and care in every aspect of garden work carried out by the gardening company known as Gardener Addiscombe.