Health & Safety Policy for Garden Maintenance Turnham Green

Garden maintenance team arriving at a residential site with tools and protective clothing Purpose: This document sets out the health and safety policy for our garden maintenance operations, outlining how we deliver safe, reliable garden services in Turnham Green and surrounding areas. It is designed to protect staff, clients, visitors and members of the public during all routine landscaping, garden care and maintenance activities.

Scope

This policy applies to all garden maintenance tasks including lawn care, hedge trimming, planting, pruning, debris removal and general grounds upkeep. It covers employees, contractors and any third parties working under the direction of the company while on site, whether residential or commercial.

Technician performing a site risk assessment near hedges and lawn

Policy Statement

We commit to maintaining a safe working environment by proactively identifying risks, providing effective training and making sure that safe systems of work are followed. Our aim is to reduce incidents, prevent injury and minimise environmental harm through consistent best practice across all garden maintenance services.

Responsibilities: The following responsibilities apply to everyone connected with our gardening and landscape maintenance operations:

Management — ensure adequate resources, establish safe procedures and maintain records of risk assessments and training.
Supervisors — implement safe systems of work, monitor compliance and provide on-site briefings.
Employees — follow procedures, wear required PPE, report hazards and take reasonable care for the safety of themselves and others.

All personnel are encouraged to think proactively about safety and to raise concerns immediately so hazards can be controlled before they cause harm.

Risk assessment is at the heart of our approach. Before any task starts, a dynamic site assessment will consider ground conditions, access, overhead and underground services, weather and the presence of members of the public. Control measures from the assessment are communicated verbally and, where appropriate, in writing.

Crew using protective eyewear and gloves while trimming shrubs

Safe Working Practices

Our standard safe methods include but are not limited to:

Use of toolbox talks and task-specific briefings before high-risk activities.
Ensuring all machinery is maintained, inspected and used only by trained staff.
Implementing exclusion zones and clear signage when using powered equipment or carrying out works that could affect the public.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal protection is mandatory where risks are present. Typical PPE requirements for garden maintenance crews include:

Safety boots with good grip and toe protection.
Cut-resistant gloves and eye protection for pruning and hedge work.
Hearing protection for powered machinery and high-noise operations.
High-visibility clothing when working near roads or driveways.

Managers will ensure suitable PPE is provided, maintained and replaced as needed. Staff must report damaged or worn equipment immediately.

Equipment safety includes regular pre-start checks, secure storage and clear instructions for use. For machines such as mowers, chainsaws and powered trimmers, only competent, trained operators are permitted to operate them. Fuel will be stored and handled safely, with spill kits available in vehicles and at storage points.

Worker lifting a wheelbarrow with correct manual handling posture Manual handling & working at height: Manual handling tasks are minimised through the use of equipment like wheelbarrows and mechanical aids. When lifting, staff are trained in safe techniques and team lifts are arranged for heavy or awkward loads. Where work at height is unavoidable—such as using ladders to prune—a suitable risk assessment and safe access plan will be in place.

First aid kit and emergency information displayed in a garden maintenance vehicle

Chemicals and Waste

The use of pesticides, fertilizers and herbicides is controlled; only approved products are used and in accordance with manufacturer instructions. COSHH-style information is provided to operators and secure storage is maintained. Green waste is processed or removed promptly to prevent slip hazards and pest attraction, and non-organic waste is disposed of responsibly.

Emergency Procedures and Incident Reporting

In the event of an accident, fire or other emergency, staff follow the site emergency plan and report incidents immediately. All incidents and near-misses are recorded, reviewed and used to update practices. First aid equipment is available and designated first aiders are identified on each crew.

Training and competence are key: staff receive induction training, regular refreshers and task-specific instruction. Records of training and competence checks are maintained to ensure ongoing compliance with company standards for garden care in Turnham Green and nearby locations.

Monitoring and review: We regularly audit health and safety performance through site inspections and supervisory reviews. This policy is reviewed annually or following a significant incident, change in working practice or introduction of new equipment or materials.

Commitment: Our company is committed to continuously improving safety for all garden maintenance activities. By combining clear leadership, worker engagement and practical controls we aim to deliver high-quality gardening services while keeping everyone safe.

Signed by management as confirmation of implementation and ongoing responsibility for this health and safety policy for garden maintenance in Turnham Green and surrounding service areas. The policy is an active document and will be communicated to all staff and relevant stakeholders to ensure understanding and compliance.