Health and Safety Policy — Gardeners Barnet

Gardeners Barnet is committed to providing safe, reliable gardening and grounds maintenance services across our service area. This policy sets out the principles and practical measures we apply to protect our staff, clients, visitors and the environment. It applies to all employees, contractors and anyone working under our supervision while carrying out gardening, landscaping or horticultural tasks.

Our aim is to identify hazards, assess risks and implement controls so that work is completed without harm. The policy supports a culture where safety is an integral part of every task, from planting and pruning to machinery operation and site clearance. All operatives are expected to work safely and report unsafe conditions promptly.

Responsibilities are shared: senior management sets policy and resources; supervisors ensure day-to-day compliance; and every team member follows safe systems of work. Managers will ensure risk assessments are current and that staff receive appropriate instruction, while operatives must follow instructions and use personal protective equipment (PPE).

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems

Before starting any job, a site-specific risk assessment is carried out to identify hazards such as uneven ground, overhead cables, hidden services, poisonous plants and traffic. We use the hierarchy of controls — eliminate, substitute, isolate, use engineering controls, and apply administrative controls — to reduce risks.

Written safe work method statements are provided for higher-risk activities: tree work, hedge cutting, working at height, use of chainsaws and rotary machinery. Training and supervision match the complexity of tasks. Plant and equipment are inspected pre-use and maintained to a safe standard, with defective items taken out of service.

Manual handling is managed by mechanisation where practical. When lifting or handling plants, soil, paving materials and waste bags, staff follow safe lifting techniques and use lifting aids. Appropriate footwear and gloves are mandatory and eye and hearing protection are used where required.

Control of hazardous substances is vital for a landscaping company. We keep Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for any pesticides, herbicides, fuels and lubricants used. Chemicals are stored in secure, labelled containers and only used by trained operatives following manufacturer guidance and environmental precautions to protect wildlife and waterways.

Vehicle and traffic management protocols are in place for transporting staff, tools and green waste. Equipment is secured during transit and vehicles are loaded to prevent movement. Site set-up includes clear pedestrian and vehicle separation and suitable signage when working near public access points.

Training, Competence and Communication

We maintain a training matrix so staff have the right qualifications and certificates for specialist tasks. Regular toolbox talks, pre-start briefings and refreshers on safe systems ensure everyone understands hazards and controls. Communication channels exist for reporting incidents, near misses and unsafe acts.

Emergency procedures cover first aid, fire response and spillage control. First-aid kits are available in vehicles and on-site; designated first-aiders are identified for each shift. Crews carry mobile phones for emergency contact and know the location of the nearest medical facilities within the general service zone.

Waste management and environmental protection are integrated into our operations. Green waste is segregated for appropriate disposal or composting, and fuel or chemical spills are contained and cleaned promptly to minimise pollution. Respect for plants, wildlife and customer property is emphasised at all times.

Monitoring, review and continuous improvement are embedded in our approach. We conduct periodic audits, review incident records and update this policy annually or sooner if work practices change. Staff involvement in safety improvements is encouraged and rewarded through recognition of proactive safety behaviour.

Accident and incident reporting procedures ensure lessons are learned and controls improved. Any injury, near miss or dangerous occurrence is reported promptly, investigated to identify root causes and followed by corrective actions. Records are kept securely and used to inform training and revisions to safe systems.

Contractor and visitor management ensures everyone on site understands relevant rules. Subcontractors are required to demonstrate competence, hold appropriate insurance and comply with our health and safety expectations when carrying out work on behalf of Gardeners Barnet or within the properties we maintain.

Ultimately, safety is a continuous commitment. By combining robust procedures, competent people and a proactive safety culture, our gardening teams deliver high-quality services with minimal risk. Gardeners in Barnet and the wider community benefit when gardening services are provided with professionalism, care and an unwavering emphasis on health and safety.