Health and Safety Policy
Gardeners Hammersmith is committed to providing gardening services in a safe, responsible, and professional manner. We recognise that gardening and outdoor maintenance work can involve physical tasks, machinery, hand tools, changing weather conditions, manual handling, and interaction with clients, the public, and other contractors. This policy sets out the standards we follow to reduce risk and protect the health and safety of our team, clients, and anyone who may be affected by our work.
Policy Statement
Our aim is to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health by planning work carefully, using safe methods, and maintaining a strong safety culture. We will comply with relevant health and safety legislation and take reasonable steps to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement appropriate controls before work begins. Safety is part of every job we undertake, whether it is routine garden maintenance, hedge cutting, lawn care, planting, clearance, pruning, or seasonal outdoor work.
Responsibilities
Management is responsible for ensuring safe systems of work are in place, staff receive suitable instruction, and equipment is maintained in safe working order. All workers are expected to follow safe procedures, use equipment only for its intended purpose, and report hazards, accidents, near misses, or defects without delay. Clients and property owners are expected to provide access to the working area and inform us of any known risks, such as unstable surfaces, hidden utilities, aggressive animals, restricted access, or hazardous materials.
Risk Assessment and Planning
Before starting work, we assess the site and the tasks to be carried out. This includes checking for trip hazards, uneven ground, overhead obstructions, slippery surfaces, electrical risks, weather-related issues, and the presence of children, pets, or members of the public. Where necessary, we adjust the work schedule, choose alternative methods, or postpone work if conditions are not safe. For larger or more complex jobs, we plan the sequence of work to reduce unnecessary movement, lifting, and exposure to hazards.
Safe Use of Tools and Equipment
All tools and equipment must be suitable for the task, inspected before use, and kept in good condition. Damaged or faulty equipment must be removed from service until repaired or replaced. Workers must use appropriate guards, controls, and manufacturer guidance when operating powered equipment. We expect careful handling of sharp tools, cutting machinery, ladders, and portable equipment. Equipment should be stored securely and transported safely to avoid injury to workers and others.
Manual Handling and Physical Work
Gardening often involves lifting, carrying, digging, bending, and repetitive movement. We reduce manual handling risks by breaking down heavy loads where possible, using trolleys or other aids, sharing loads, and planning tasks to avoid unnecessary strain. Staff are trained to work within their physical limits and to use good posture and controlled movements. If a task cannot be completed safely by one person, additional support or a different method will be used.
Protective Clothing and Hygiene
Appropriate personal protective equipment is worn when required, including gloves, protective footwear, eye protection, hearing protection, and weather-appropriate clothing. PPE must be kept clean, used correctly, and replaced when worn or damaged. Good hygiene is also important. Workers should wash hands after handling soil, waste, chemicals, or contaminated materials, and before eating or drinking. First aid materials should be available as needed, and cuts or injuries must be treated promptly.
Chemical and Environmental Safety
Where products such as fertilisers, treatments, or cleaning agents are used, they must be handled carefully and according to instructions. We avoid unnecessary exposure and ensure products are stored securely, labelled clearly, and kept away from children, pets, and food areas. We also aim to work in a way that protects plants, wildlife, and surrounding property by disposing of green waste responsibly and preventing spillages or damage.
Training, Reporting, and Review
We provide appropriate induction and ongoing guidance so that staff understand safe working practices and the standards expected of them. Any accident, incident, or unsafe condition must be reported so it can be reviewed and acted upon. This policy is reviewed regularly to make sure it remains effective and reflects the nature of our gardening services and the conditions in which we work.
Commitment to Safe Service
Gardeners Hammersmith believes that good gardening and good safety go together. By planning carefully, maintaining equipment properly, and taking a sensible approach to risk, we aim to deliver reliable services while protecting people, property, and the environment. Safety is not a one-time measure but an ongoing responsibility shared by everyone involved in our work.
