Team of gardeners preparing tools at a client property

Gardeners Stockwell Health and Safety Policy

Gardeners Stockwell is committed to maintaining the highest standards of health, safety and welfare for all employees, contractors and members of the public affected by our gardening operations. This policy outlines the approach of our Stockwell gardening company to hazard control, risk management and ongoing safety improvement. It applies across our service area to all activities including garden maintenance, landscaping, hedge and tree work and seasonal contracts.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our aim is to prevent injury and ill health through planned and proportionate measures. We will: assess risks, implement controls, provide training, and maintain equipment to keep everyone safe. The principal objectives are to:

Gardener operating a hedge trimmer with protective gear

Key Commitments

Identify hazards in all gardening, planting and landscaping tasks.
Reduce risks using appropriate control measures, safe systems of work and supervision.
Provide suitable and sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE) for staff and ensure its correct use.
Ensure machinery and tools are maintained to a safe standard.

Responsibilities

Management: Those managing the gardeners in Stockwell are responsible for implementing this policy, allocating resources, ensuring training is provided and that risk assessments are current and followed.

Supervisors and Team Leaders

Team leads must carry out pre-start checks, confirm that employees understand task-specific risks and ensure that safe working procedures are in place. Supervisors will keep records of inspections and corrective actions.

Workers reviewing a risk assessment on site

Employees and Operatives

All staff, whether experienced gardeners or seasonal operatives, are required to: cooperate with safety arrangements, report defects or hazards immediately, use PPE correctly and follow safe systems of work. Ignoring safety measures may lead to disciplinary action.

Risk Assessment and Control Measures

Risk assessments are carried out before new contracts or unfamiliar tasks commence. For routine garden maintenance and landscaping the assessment will consider manual handling, use of powered equipment, chemical use, slips, trips and falls, and working near live traffic or public spaces. Control measures will be proportionate and often include:

Eliminating hazards where possible or substituting less hazardous methods.
Using engineering controls such as guards and stabilisers on equipment.
Administrative controls like task rotation, signage and exclusion zones.
Provision and enforcement of PPE: gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, high-visibility clothing and suitable footwear.

Equipment, Machinery and Vehicles

All powered tools and machinery will be inspected and serviced regularly. Safe operation instructions and manufacturer guidance will be followed. Transport of materials and movement of vehicles on site will be controlled to protect operatives and the public. Only trained staff may operate heavy equipment and drivers must adhere to safe loading practices.

Service vehicle parked with equipment safely loaded

Hazardous Substances and Environmental Considerations

For any use of chemicals, fertilisers or pesticides the company will apply a cautious approach: COSHH-style assessments, secure storage, clearly labelled containers and training on correct handling. We promote reduced chemical use, mechanical alternatives and environmentally responsible disposal of green waste and packaging.

Training, Information and Competence

Gardeners Stockwell ensures staff receive induction training, task-specific instruction and refresher sessions. Training covers manual handling, safe operation of equipment, emergency procedures and safe handling of any hazardous materials. Records of competence and training are maintained and reviewed periodically.

Team briefing and toolbox talk before work starts

Incident Reporting, Emergency Procedures and Monitoring

All incidents, near-misses and occupational ill-health must be reported promptly to enable investigation and preventative action. Emergency procedures, including first aid arrangements and incident escalation, are communicated to teams and practiced where appropriate. The effectiveness of controls is monitored through site inspections, toolbox talks and regular policy reviews. Continuous improvement is driven by learning from incidents and staff feedback.

Review and Policy Maintenance

This health and safety policy for the gardening service is reviewed at least annually and whenever there is a significant change to operations, personnel or equipment. Management will audit compliance and update risk assessments and procedures to reflect learning, new techniques or emerging hazards.

Scope and Application: The policy covers all employees, contractors and subcontractors engaged by the gardening service. It applies to routine maintenance, landscaping projects and any special works undertaken by the Stockwell gardeners team.

Commitment Declaration: Gardeners Stockwell is committed to providing a safe working environment, protecting health and upholding best practice across its gardening and landscaping services. Every member of the team has a role to play in making safety a daily habit.