Health and Safety Policy for Gardening Services Newham

Gardener preparing tools for safe garden work Purpose and Scope: This Health and Safety policy sets out the standards and procedures that apply to Gardening Services Newham and associated garden care operations. It applies to all staff, contractors and anyone working on behalf of the business who performs garden maintenance, lawn care, hedge trimming, planting, soft landscaping and light construction within our service area. The policy aims to protect the health, safety and welfare of employees, clients, visitors and the public while ensuring compliance with relevant health and safety obligations.

Our commitment is to maintain a safe working environment where risks are identified and managed. The policy emphasises safe systems of work, the use of suitable protective equipment, safe storage and handling of materials, and clear communication of hazards. Garden safety Newham practices are embedded in daily procedures and reviewed regularly.

Team assessing a garden work area for hazards

Responsibilities and Roles

Management responsibilities include allocating adequate resources for health and safety, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring that staff receive suitable training and supervision. Supervisors will ensure compliance on site and that machinery and tools are maintained. Employees are expected to follow instruction, report hazards and use provided safety equipment. Contractors must provide evidence of competence and insurance before commencing work.

Risk Assessment and Safe Work Methods

Risk assessments will be carried out for all routine tasks and for non-routine activities such as tree work, the use of chemical treatments and working near utilities. Identified risks will be controlled by elimination where possible, substitution, engineering controls, administrative actions and personal protective equipment (PPE). Key controls include secure tool storage, clear exclusion zones during powered operations, and facts-based planning for manual handling.

We maintain written procedures for high-risk tasks such as pesticide application, chainsaw use and working at height. These procedures require the use of appropriate PPE — for example, chainsaw trousers, helmets with face protection, hearing protection and gloves — and a permit-to-work mindset for complex or hazardous jobs. A record of risk assessments and method statements is kept and updated after any incident or significant change to operations.

Supervisor training staff in safe equipment use

Training, Competence and Supervision

Training is a core element of our safety approach. All staff receive induction training covering the organisation’s policy, emergency procedures and the correct use of equipment. Job-specific training covers machinery operation, safe pesticide handling and manual handling techniques. Competence checks are recorded and refresher training scheduled. New team members are supervised until they are confirmed competent.

Equipment management is critical: all garden machinery and tools undergo routine inspection and maintenance. Faulty equipment is removed from service until repaired. Portable tools are visually checked prior to use and subject to periodic formal inspection. Fuel and chemical stores are managed to prevent spills and environmental contamination, with appropriate spill kits and containment measures available during transit and on site.

Incident reporting and first aid procedures ensure that accidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences are recorded, investigated and lessons learned are implemented. A clear escalation route exists for reporting hazards. First aid kits are available on every site and selected staff are trained as first aiders. Emergency arrangements include access to medical assistance and procedures for contacting emergency services when required.

Protective equipment laid out for garden maintenance

Personal Protective Equipment and Clothing

The organisation provides necessary PPE where risks cannot be sufficiently controlled by other means. PPE includes high-visibility clothing, steel-toe boots, gloves, eye and ear protection, and respiratory protection when handling dust, soil or chemicals. Employees are required to wear issued PPE and to maintain it in good condition. Failure to comply with PPE requirements is treated as a safety breach.

Workers wearing PPE while performing landscaping tasks

Environmental and Public Safety Considerations

Our work methods minimise disturbance to the public and the environment. Traffic management and pedestrian exclusion zones are used where work occurs near footpaths or roads. Where chemical treatments are used, application follows manufacturer guidance and legal requirements to protect wildlife, watercourses and amenity areas. Waste materials are disposed of responsibly and recycling is employed where possible.

Monitoring, review and continuous improvement — The policy is monitored through regular site inspections, safety audits and worker feedback. Performance indicators include training completion rates, incident frequency and the timeliness of corrective actions. Management reviews the policy annually or sooner after significant incidents, regulatory change, or operational changes affecting safety.

Policy enforcement and consultation: This policy is enforced through regular supervision, formal disciplinary procedures for serious breaches, and active consultation with staff. Employee suggestions for improving safety are encouraged and considered in reviews. The overall goal is a proactive safety culture where everyone contributes to safer gardening and landscape services across the service area.

Implementation and Acceptance

All employees, contractors and temporary workers are required to read and acknowledge this policy. It forms part of the terms of engagement for anyone delivering gardening, landscaping or garden maintenance services under the brand. The policy does not replace legal duties but underpins our commitment to safe working. It will be made available to relevant stakeholders and reviewed to reflect operational changes and industry best practice.

Summary of key commitments

Maintain safe systems: carry out and act on risk assessments.
Equip and train: provide appropriate PPE and job-specific training.
Manage equipment and environment: keep tools maintained and protect public spaces.
Report and improve: record incidents and apply lessons learned.

This Health and Safety policy is a living document. It applies to our gardening services and related operations, and supports our objective of delivering high-quality, safe garden and landscaping services across the communities we serve. Regular review ensures that the policy remains effective and aligned with evolving best practice.