Health and Safety Policy — Gardening Lambeth

Gardening Lambeth is committed to protecting the health, safety and welfare of employees, clients and members of the public while delivering quality garden services. This policy sets out the general approach and specific measures we apply to minimise risk while carrying out Lambeth gardening, garden maintenance and landscape work across the service area. Our aim is to provide safe systems of work, to promote safe behaviour and to ensure hazards are controlled to reduce incidents and ill health.

All staff are required to follow this policy. The management will ensure that adequate resources, training and supervision are provided so that operatives can deliver safe garden care in Lambeth. Responsibilities are allocated to ensure clear ownership of safety-critical tasks, and the policy is reviewed regularly to remain effective and relevant to our range of gardening services.

Scope and Objectives

This policy applies to all employees, contractors and temporary staff while undertaking any gardening, landscaping or maintenance activity on client sites. Objectives include:

• Preventing injury and ill health by managing risks from equipment, substances and work processes;
• Ensuring safe operation and maintenance of tools, machinery and vehicles used in gardening services in Lambeth;
• Providing clear guidance on personal protective equipment (PPE), emergency response and reporting;
• Encouraging consultation and communication with staff about health and safety matters.

Responsibilities

Management will ensure that risk assessments are carried out, that safe systems of work are implemented and that staff receive training appropriate to their tasks. Supervisors will monitor compliance and take corrective action when unsafe practices are observed. Employees must cooperate with safety measures, use PPE correctly and report hazards, incidents or near misses promptly.

Risk Assessment and Control

We conduct documented risk assessments for routine activities such as mowing, hedge cutting, tree work, use of powered tools and chemical treatments. Controls follow a hierarchy: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls and PPE. Where chemicals are used we maintain relevant safety data and apply appropriate COSHH-style controls, ensuring staff are trained and equipment is fitted with guards and safety features.

Equipment and Maintenance — All machines, hand tools and powered equipment are subject to pre-use checks and scheduled maintenance. Faulty equipment is removed from service until repaired. Battery and fuel storage follow safe handling rules. Operators receive instruction on safe start-up, operating procedures and blade/guard safety for mowers, trimmers and chainsaws where applicable.

Safe Working Practices

Our safe working procedures cover manual handling, working at height (for light pruning and access to raised beds), lone working, working near roads and driveways and site security. Manual handling training emphasises team lifts, use of mechanical aids and correct lifting posture. When working adjacent to traffic or on pathways we use signage, high-visibility clothing and safe exclusion zones to protect workers and the public.

Personal Protective Equipment — Staff are supplied with suitable PPE, including gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, sturdy footwear and hi-vis garments. Use of PPE is mandatory where risk assessments indicate it is needed. Supervisors ensure compliance and replace damaged or worn PPE promptly.

Training and Competence — Training is tailored to job roles and includes induction, on-the-job coaching and formal instruction where necessary. Records of qualifications, refreshers and competency checks are maintained. We support continuous improvement by encouraging staff to report learning needs and participate in safety briefings before work starts.

Emergency Procedures and Incident Reporting

Emergencies such as accidents, significant near misses or hazardous releases are dealt with according to our emergency plan. Staff are trained in first aid arrangements and communication procedures. All incidents are recorded, investigated and used to inform preventative actions so that lessons are learned and risk controls are strengthened.

Contractors, Subcontractors and Visitors — Those working on site must comply with this policy and any site-specific rules. Before work starts, we share relevant safety information and ensure that third parties have appropriate insurance and competence for the tasks they undertake. Joint risk areas are controlled through clear task allocation and coordination.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement — We monitor performance through inspections, toolbox talks and safety audits. Outcomes from monitoring and incident investigations feed into reviews of procedures, training and equipment standards. The policy is reviewed at least annually or whenever there is a significant change to operations or legislation relevant to gardening and landscape services.