Health and Safety Policy — Garden Maintenance Lambeth

Garden Maintenance Lambeth is committed to protecting the health and safety of our staff, clients, contractors and the public while delivering high-quality garden services. This policy sets out how our gardening and grounds maintenance teams will manage risk, maintain safe working practices and promote a culture of safety across all operations. The policy applies to all routine garden care, seasonal projects and site visits undertaken by our crews.

Our core objective is to prevent incidents and reduce exposure to hazards by implementing simple, practical controls. We focus on clear communication, competent personnel, and appropriate equipment. Everyone who works for or with us must be aware of their responsibilities; managers will monitor compliance and provide necessary resources to ensure tasks are completed safely.

The scope of this policy includes mowing, hedge trimming, planting, pruning, weeding, mulching, hard landscaping support and waste handling. We use a risk-based approach to plan works in domestic and communal gardens. All risk assessments and safe work plans are proportionate, reviewed before new tasks, and kept accessible for site teams and supervisors to consult.

Managers hold responsibility for implementing this health and safety policy and for maintaining a safe working environment. Supervisors must ensure that team briefings are carried out and that staff are competent to use machinery and tools correctly. Employees must follow instructions, wear issued personal protective equipment and report hazards promptly.

We maintain clear reporting lines so that safety concerns are escalated without delay. Regular toolbox talks and brief safety checks at the start of each shift reinforce expectations. All incidents and near-misses are reported and investigated to identify root causes and prevent recurrence.

Training and competency are key. New team members receive an induction covering manual handling, plant operation, chemicals, traffic management, and emergency procedures. Ongoing training is provided for new equipment and seasonal tasks to keep skills current. Records of training and qualifications are securely maintained.

Risk assessments identify hazards such as moving machinery, hazardous substances, working near traffic, uneven terrain and working at height. Control measures include:

• Personal protective equipment like gloves, hi-vis, eye and ear protection and safety boots;
• Use of appropriate tools and guards, and routine maintenance of machinery;
• Safe systems of work for tasks such as ladder use, tree work and chemical application;
• Traffic and pedestrian management when working near roads or shared spaces;
• Waste segregation and secure disposal of green waste and potentially hazardous materials.

Where controls cannot eliminate risk, we adopt additional protective measures and ensure work is supervised. Employees are instructed not to undertake tasks they consider unsafe and to seek guidance from a supervisor.

Equipment maintenance is scheduled and recorded. Powered tools and ride-on mowers receive routine checks; defective items are tagged and removed from service. We ensure all plant is operated only by trained staff and that manufacturers' instructions are followed. Battery storage, fuel handling and charging are managed to reduce fire and spillage risks.

Chemical safety is managed through safe storage, COSHH-style assessments and use of the minimum effective product. Chemicals are applied by competent personnel with suitable PPE and spill kits are available on vehicles. Material Safety Data information is retained and communicated to staff.

Emergency preparedness includes first aid provision on-site, trained first aiders, and clear procedures for serious incidents. Crews carry mobile communications to summon assistance and log incidents. Fire safety, contact with utility services and severe weather plans are part of our operational checks.

Monitoring, review and continuous improvement form part of our approach. We conduct regular workplace inspections, review near-miss reports and audit compliance with the policy. Performance indicators include incident rates, training completion and equipment inspection records. Results inform practical improvements to methods and training.

We encourage open communication and a proactive safety culture. Staff suggestions for safer working methods are welcomed and reviewed. Commitment to safety is embedded in daily routines and reflected in planning, from small domestic gardens to larger communal projects.

This health and safety policy is endorsed by senior management and will be reviewed annually or when operational changes require. By following these standards, Garden Maintenance Lambeth and its teams work to ensure every job is completed efficiently, sustainably and with the wellbeing of people and the environment at the centre of our work.