Health & Safety Policy for Gardening Palmers Green

Purpose: This Health and Safety policy sets out the approach taken by our Palmers Green gardening team to protect staff, clients and the public during all garden maintenance, soft landscaping and groundskeeping activities. It is written to reflect the risks associated with outdoor horticultural work and to ensure consistent safe working across our service area. Our aim is to prevent harm, promote safe practices and sustain a safe working culture in every garden.

Scope: This policy applies to all employees, contractors and temporary workers engaged in garden care, lawn care, hedge cutting and tree maintenance across Palmers Green and nearby neighbourhoods. It covers routine tasks, one-off jobs and seasonal projects. The policy complements site-specific risk assessments and operational procedures for individual properties.

Leadership and responsibilities: Managers are responsible for ensuring staff have appropriate training, supervision and equipment. Operatives must follow safe systems of work, report hazards and take reasonable care for their own safety. The company will provide adequate resources, review incidents and enforce compliance with safety standards. Clear delegation and accountability help embed safety into day-to-day Palmers Green landscaping operations.

Risk assessment, equipment and personal protection

All jobs begin with a dynamic risk assessment to identify hazards such as uneven terrain, overhead power lines, buried services and public access points. Tools and machinery — including mowers, strimmers and chainsaws — are inspected before use and maintained in line with manufacturer guidance. The selection and use of PPE (gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, hi-vis clothing and appropriate footwear) are mandatory for relevant tasks to reduce exposure to common horticultural hazards.

Chemicals and materials: When using fertilizers, weed control products or other horticultural substances, the company follows safe handling and storage practices. Operators receive instruction on safe mixing, application and disposal procedures. Material Safety Data Sheets are available and staff are trained in the principles of safe chemical use, spill response and environmental protection measures relevant to garden care services.

Training and competence are central to safe service delivery. Induction, task-specific training and refresher sessions are provided, including instruction on machinery operation, manual handling techniques and emergency procedures. First aid provision and access to trained first aiders on-site are arranged proportionate to the scale of operations.

Operational controls and safe working practices

Vehicles and plant are operated by authorised personnel. Pre-start checks, secure load practices and safe parking are enforced to protect workers and members of the public. Lone working is controlled through check-in systems and clear communication protocols. Where work takes place near pedestrian routes, temporary barriers, signage and traffic management measures are used to maintain safety.

Key controls implemented across our Palmers Green gardening services include:

• Pre-task safety briefings and recorded toolbox talks to communicate hazards and controls.
• Use of properly guarded and maintained equipment; immediate removal of defective tools from service.
• Strict protocols for working at height, pruning and using chainsaws, including use of harnesses and certified equipment where appropriate.
• Robust waste management and removal procedures to avoid trip hazards and reduce environmental impact.
• Clear labelling and secure storage of hazardous substances; adherence to product instructions and safe dilution practices.

Incident reporting and investigation: All accidents, near misses and safety concerns are reported promptly. Investigations seek to identify root causes and implement corrective measures to prevent recurrence. Lessons learned are shared with teams so that best practice is continually reinforced across our garden maintenance Palmers Green operations.

Monitoring, review and continuous improvement are embedded in our approach. Regular audits, site visits and performance reviews ensure that the policy remains effective and up to date with changing tasks, equipment and environmental conditions. Feedback from staff is encouraged to refine procedures and strengthen the safety culture.

Client and site communication: Clear communication with property owners and site contacts reduces risk. Before work begins, we exchange information about site hazards, access points and any special requirements. Clients are advised on how to prepare areas for safe work and the company outlines steps taken to minimise disruption and protect property.

Commitment: Our Palmers Green gardening service is committed to maintaining a high standard of health and safety. We aim to deliver quality garden care and landscaping while protecting people and the environment. This policy is reviewed periodically to reflect operational experience and to ensure ongoing relevance. Safety is a shared responsibility — everyone who works with or uses our services has a part to play in making gardens safer.