Health and Safety Policy — Gardening St Johns Wood

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitment of Gardening St Johns Wood to provide safe and healthy working conditions for all employees, contractors and visitors. The policy applies across our service area and covers routine garden maintenance, landscaping projects, tree work and seasonal tasks. Our aim is to reduce harm through clear responsibilities, robust procedures and continual improvement. This document complements site-specific risk assessments and safe systems of work carried out before each job.

We recognise that gardening operations involve a range of hazards including manual handling, power tools, slippery surfaces and the use of chemicals. Managers and team leaders are accountable for ensuring competence, appropriate supervision and the provision of suitable personal protective equipment (PPE). Employees are expected to follow instructions, report hazards and participate in training. The policy emphasises proactive safety culture rather than reactive measures.

To make the policy practical we implement site-specific controls and documented permits where required. An emphasis is placed on good communication before and during work, including clear handover arrangements between shifts and teams. Pre-start briefings and toolbox talks are conducted for every relevant job, and we maintain records of who attended and which hazards were reviewed. The approach is adaptable to different neighbourhoods and property types within our gardening service area.

Risk Assessment, Training and Supervision

All tasks are preceded by a risk assessment that identifies hazards, evaluates the level of risk and specifies control measures. Assessments cover: site access and egress, underground services, traffic management on larger landscape projects, use of ladders and ladder alternatives, and manual handling of heavy planting materials. Training is provided to equip staff with the necessary skills for safe operation of equipment and correct use of PPE. Competency checks are recorded and refreshed at scheduled intervals.

Supervisors regularly monitor work activities and provide on-the-job coaching. Where higher risk activities are planned — for example, chainsaw operations or use of roadside equipment — we ensure that only qualified staff perform these duties and that additional controls such as exclusion zones and spotters are in place. Emergency arrangements, including first aid provision and access to emergency services, form part of job-specific plans.

We maintain a training matrix and make use of practical assessments to demonstrate capability. Records include induction training, task-specific qualifications, and updates for the safe handling of chemicals. Staff are encouraged to raise concerns and propose safer ways of working through established channels.

Safe Systems, Equipment and Hazardous Substances

Equipment is maintained to a high standard and checked before use. Machine safety checks, correct guarding and isolation procedures are mandatory. Where appropriate we apply control measures such as lockout and tagout for powered equipment. We keep maintenance logs and ensure that only trained personnel carry out repairs or adjustments.

Chemical use is minimised and, where required, managed through COSHH-style assessments (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health principles). Safe storage, correct labeling, use of appropriate PPE and spill control kits are standard. Employees receive instruction on the correct application rates and environmental precautions to protect wildlife and watercourses.

Waste is handled and disposed of in accordance with environmental good practice. Sharps, used oils and certain plant health waste are segregated and processed correctly to avoid cross-contamination.

Incident reporting and investigation are integral to learning and prevention. All incidents, near misses and property damage are reported promptly, documented and analysed. Lessons learned are shared with teams and used to update procedures. We maintain a clear non-punitive reporting culture to encourage openness and continuous improvement.

Health and welfare provisions include access to rest facilities, hydrations breaks and measures to control heat or cold stress during extreme weather. Manual handling assessments are completed for repetitive or heavy tasks, and mechanical aids are provided where feasible. Occupational health monitoring is available for roles with greater exposure to vibration or other occupational hazards.

This policy is reviewed annually and updated whenever there are significant changes in work practices, equipment, legislation or following a serious incident. Senior management commits to providing the necessary resources to implement the policy effectively. All staff are expected to cooperate fully: by following procedures, participating in training, and contributing to risk assessments. Together we create a safer environment for everyone involved in landscaping, garden maintenance and related services across our service area.