Gardeners Custom House Health and Safety Policy

Gardeners Custom House is committed to maintaining the highest standards of health and safety for our employees, clients, visitors, contractors and members of the public who may be affected by our gardening and grounds maintenance activities. Our aim is to prevent injury, protect health and safeguard the environment in every aspect of our work.

Policy Statement

We recognise our duties under relevant health and safety legislation and are committed to providing safe systems of work, safe equipment and a safe working environment. We will identify, assess and manage risks associated with gardening tasks such as lawn care, hedge cutting, tree work, planting, weed control and general landscape maintenance.

Health and safety considerations are integral to how we plan, deliver and review our services. This policy applies to all employees and anyone working on behalf of Gardeners Custom House.

Management Responsibilities

Management is responsible for implementing this policy and ensuring that appropriate arrangements are in place. This includes:

Ensuring suitable and sufficient risk assessments are completed for gardening and maintenance activities. Providing and maintaining safe tools, machinery and vehicles. Ensuring that all equipment is regularly inspected, serviced and used in accordance with manufacturer instructions. Providing information, instruction, training and supervision so that tasks are carried out safely and competently. Investigating accidents, near misses and incidents to prevent recurrence and improve safe practices.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work. Employees must:

Follow company procedures and safe systems of work at all times. Use machinery, tools and substances only as trained and authorised. Wear and maintain appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, safety footwear and high visibility clothing when required. Report hazards, defects, accidents, near misses or concerns to their supervisor without delay. Refrain from any behaviour that could put themselves or others at risk, including misuse of equipment.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before work begins, tasks are assessed to identify potential hazards such as uneven ground, manual handling, use of machinery, working near roads, working at height, noise, flying debris and contact with chemicals. Control measures are then introduced to eliminate or reduce risks.

Safe working procedures are developed for regular activities including lawn mowing, hedge trimming, strimming, leaf blowing, planting, pruning and general garden clearance. Employees are expected to follow these procedures and adapt to site specific conditions while always prioritising safety.

Use of Tools, Machinery and Vehicles

Only trained and authorised personnel may operate powered equipment and company vehicles. Equipment must be checked before use and taken out of service if any defects are identified.

Guards and safety devices must never be removed or bypassed. Refuelling is to be carried out safely and away from ignition sources. Machines are to be used with due consideration for people, property and wildlife in the vicinity, and work is paused if conditions become unsafe, for example due to poor visibility or extreme weather.

Manual Handling and Physical Wellbeing

Gardening and grounds maintenance can involve lifting, carrying and repetitive tasks. To reduce the risk of strain and injury, employees are trained in manual handling techniques, the use of lifting aids and safe team lifting methods.

Loads should be assessed before lifting, and work should be organised to minimise the need for heavy or awkward lifting. Regular breaks, rotation of tasks and the use of appropriate tools are encouraged to protect long term health and wellbeing.

Chemicals, Substances and Environmental Protection

Where chemical products such as fertilisers, fuels and other substances are used, they must be stored, handled and applied in accordance with product guidance and applicable regulations. Safety data information will be consulted and appropriate control measures put in place.

We are committed to protecting the environment and local ecosystem. This includes avoiding contamination of soil and water, managing waste responsibly, and selecting methods that minimise harm to plants, wildlife and neighbouring properties.

Working at Height and Tree Related Work

Any work at height, including using ladders for pruning or hedge work, will be planned and carried out by trained staff using suitable equipment. Ladders and platforms are inspected regularly and used only on stable ground with appropriate securing and footing where required.

Tree related work, including the use of chainsaws and pruning at height, will be performed only by competent personnel following specific safety procedures and using appropriate protective equipment.

Public Safety and Site Security

We take all reasonable steps to protect clients, visitors, neighbours and passers by from risk arising from our activities. This may include setting up barriers or warning signs, cordoning off work areas, scheduling high risk tasks for quieter times and maintaining clear walkways.

Tools and machinery are never left unattended in a way that could present a danger. At the end of each working period, sites are left in a safe and tidy condition.

Training, Communication and Consultation

Appropriate health and safety training is provided to all new employees and refreshed as needed. Additional specialist training is given where tasks involve higher risk equipment or methods.

Employees are encouraged to share suggestions for improving safety and to raise concerns without fear of disadvantage. Information about procedures and updates to this policy are communicated clearly and promptly.

Accidents, Incidents and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported and recorded. Where necessary, investigations are carried out to identify causes and implement corrective actions.

Emergency procedures are in place for incidents such as serious injury, fire, chemical spill or adverse weather. Employees are briefed on how to respond, including how to summon assistance and make areas safe.

Policy Review

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes in our work activities, relevant legislation or best practice. Revisions will be communicated to all employees to ensure continued awareness and compliance.

By working together and following this policy, Gardeners Custom House aims to provide a safe and healthy environment for everyone involved in or affected by our gardening services.