Health and Safety Policy for Gardeners Downham

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitment of Gardeners Downham and associated teams to maintain safe working conditions for all staff, contractors and the public. The purpose of this policy is to provide a clear, practical framework for safe garden maintenance and landscape care across our service area. Our approach combines risk assessment, training, safe systems of work and continuous improvement to reduce incidents and promote wellbeing in every job we undertake.

All staff, including seasonal operatives and subcontractors, are required to follow safe working practices. Downham gardeners employed or engaged by the company will receive induction training, access to personal protective equipment (PPE) and supervision appropriate to the task. We emphasise that safety is a shared responsibility: management will put systems in place, while every operative must act with due care. This policy applies to all on-site activities from pruning, hedge cutting and turfing to pesticide application and refuse handling.

The business will assess risks before work starts and document control measures. Risk assessments will address typical hazards such as manual handling, working with powered garden tools, exposure to chemicals, working at heights, slips and trips, and interactions with members of the public or pets. Our records will show what hazards were identified, what controls were implemented and who is responsible for monitoring each control.

Organisational Responsibilities and Safe Systems of Work

Supervisors and site leads are responsible for ensuring tasks are planned and that operatives have the correct equipment and competency. A nominated health and safety coordinator will oversee policy implementation, update procedures and arrange regular reviews. The company will ensure that plant and machinery are maintained to safe standards, with documented maintenance checks and pre-start inspections for items such as mowers, chainsaws, blowers and shredders.

Training is central to our safety culture. All staff will receive job-specific training, first-aid information, and clear instructions on the correct use of PPE such as gloves, eye protection, hearing protection and high-visibility clothing. Refresher training and toolbox talks will be carried out regularly to reinforce safe work methods. We also maintain records of qualifications for tasks that require specialist competence, for example pesticide application or tree work.

The company uses written safe systems of work for higher risk activities, including working at height, confined spaces, and the operation of heavy equipment. These systems include permit where appropriate, a sequence of steps to control risk, emergency procedures and a requirement for a competent person to supervise work. All vehicles used in garden services are kept in good repair and fitted with appropriate signage and secure tool storage to prevent items becoming projectiles in transit.

Hazard Controls, Monitoring and Incident Management

Control measures follow the hierarchy of risk reduction: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative actions and PPE as a last resort. Where chemicals are required, the company follows product label instructions and uses the minimum effective quantity. COSHH-style records are maintained for any hazardous substances used, with secure storage and disposal methods in place.

We maintain an incident reporting and investigation process to ensure learning from near misses and accidents. All incidents are recorded, investigated by management and corrective actions are implemented and communicated to staff. Where appropriate, we will suspend activities until safe arrangements are in place. Records of accidents and investigations are retained to inform future risk assessments and to demonstrate continual improvement.

Our ongoing monitoring regime includes periodic site inspections, equipment checks and performance reviews of safety procedures. Senior staff conduct regular audits of work sites and practices, and findings are used to update training and controls. Staff are encouraged to report hazards without fear of reprisal; we operate an open safety culture where suggestions for improvement are welcomed and acted upon.

Safe manual handling techniques are taught and promoted to prevent musculoskeletal injuries during lifting, carrying and repetitive tasks common in garden maintenance. Mechanical aids such as wheelbarrows, dollies and lifting devices are provided where practicable. Routine health checks and guidance are available for staff who undertake physically demanding roles, and reasonable adjustments will be considered for those with medical needs.

Working near members of the public or in residential settings requires additional controls. Garden services in Downham and surrounding areas are planned to minimise disruption, with clear exclusion zones and communication to residents where necessary. Operatives will ensure that walkways are kept clear, debris is removed promptly and appropriate barriers or signs are used when hazards cannot be immediately eliminated.

This policy will be reviewed at least annually and updated whenever there are significant changes to work practices, equipment or legislation. Management will set measurable health and safety objectives and review performance against those targets. The ambition of Gardeners Downham is to maintain high standards of safety and professionalism in all garden maintenance and landscaping work while delivering reliable, responsible services across the communities we serve.