Health & Safety Policy — Gardeners Osterley

Gardeners Osterley is committed to providing safe, reliable garden maintenance and landscape care across its service area. This policy sets out our approach to preventing harm to staff, clients, visitors and the public while delivering professional garden services in Osterley. It applies to all employees, contractors and temporary workers engaged in tasks from routine mowing and pruning to more complex landscaping and hardscape work. The purpose is to minimise risk, ensure legal compliance and promote a positive safety culture throughout our gardening company operations.

All personnel must understand their duties under this policy. The company adopts a hierarchy of controls: eliminate hazards where possible, substitute risky methods, engineer controls, provide administrative measures and ensure suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn. Line managers are responsible for making sure that each job is planned, that risk assessments are completed, and that those carrying out work are competent. Workers are expected to follow instructions, report unsafe conditions, and participate in safety briefings and training.

Risk Assessment and Work Planning

Before any work begins, a documented risk assessment will be completed or reviewed. Assessments consider site conditions, tools and machinery, weather, underground services, allergens and hazards specific to garden activities. Plans will specify control measures, emergency arrangements and the qualifications required to perform the task. For higher-risk tasks we require a permit or written method statement. The company encourages a culture of proactive hazard spotting and near-miss reporting to reduce future incidents.

Training, Competence and Supervision

Gardeners and operatives must receive appropriate training for their role. Training covers safe use of petrol and battery-powered equipment, ladder safety, manual handling, chemical handling where necessary, and basic first aid. Supervisors ensure staff competence by observation and periodic assessment. Apprentices and new starters receive induction training, and all employees get refresher sessions according to operational need. The company keeps training records and ensures that only qualified staff operate specialized equipment.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Safety Equipment: The company provides PPE that is suitable for the task, including eye protection, gloves, hearing protection, hi-visibility clothing and appropriate footwear. PPE must be worn when identified as necessary by the risk assessment. Protective guards and safety features on machines must never be removed. Where PPE is used as a last line of defense, supervisors will check that it is maintained and replaced when defective.

Machinery, Tools and Hazardous Substances—All tools and machinery will be maintained in safe condition and inspected regularly. Batteries and fuel must be stored and handled according to safe practices. Use of pesticides, fuels, adhesives or other chemicals is controlled, with COSHH-style assessments applied and safe storage procedures implemented. Only authorised personnel may handle hazardous substances, and all containers must be clearly labelled. The company promotes low-toxicity alternatives where feasible.

Emergency Procedures and First Aid: Clear emergency procedures are in place for serious injuries, fire and other incidents. First-aid kits are accessible on-site and at vehicles, and there are trained first-aiders among staff. In an emergency, staff must prioritise safety, apply first aid if trained, and contact emergency services when required. Managers will conduct post-incident reviews to identify lessons and prevent recurrence. Records of accidents and incidents are maintained and reviewed regularly as part of continuous improvement.

Safe Working Practices and Environmental Considerations: Our gardeners follow safe working standards for climbing, ladder use, working near roads, and when undertaking excavations. Manual handling training reduces musculoskeletal injuries, and mechanical aids are used where practical. We also aim to protect the environment by managing green waste responsibly, avoiding unnecessary chemical use, and preventing fuel or oil spills. Respect for customer property and public spaces is integrated into every job.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement—The policy is reviewed at regular intervals and after significant incidents or changes in operations. Safety performance is monitored through routine inspections, toolbox talks, incident data and staff feedback. The company sets measurable objectives to reduce incidents, improve training uptake and ensure equipment remains in safe condition. Management and staff share responsibility for keeping safety systems effective and up to date.

Roles and Responsibilities—Owners and managers ensure resources and leadership for safety; supervisors enforce safe practices and monitor compliance; employees follow procedures and report hazards. The gardening firm works with clients to agree site-specific safety arrangements where necessary. Subcontractors must comply with this policy and provide evidence of their competency and insurance before starting work. Regular communication ensures everyone understands their role in maintaining a safe workplace.

Key safety controls used by this gardening company include:

• Planned risk assessments for all tasks
• Mandatory PPE and equipment maintenance
• Training and competency checks for staff
• Safe systems of work for hazardous operations
• Clear emergency and incident reporting procedures

Gardeners Osterley aims to protect people and property while delivering high-quality garden care. This policy represents our commitment to safe service delivery across the areas we serve. It will be communicated to all staff and made available to relevant stakeholders. The document is subject to ongoing review to reflect changes in work practices, equipment and regulatory expectations, ensuring that the company continues to provide safe, professional gardening services.