Health & Safety Policy — Gardeners Anerley
This Health and Safety policy sets out the approach taken by Gardeners Anerley and associated teams to maintain safe working environments across our gardening service area. It explains responsibilities, safe systems of work and the practical steps we take to protect staff, clients and the public. The policy applies to all employees, sub-contractors and visitors engaged in grounds maintenance, landscaping, soft landscaping and associated gardening services within our operating area. Our priority is to prevent harm and promote consistent safe working standards.
Scope and objectives: The policy covers risk assessment, training, personal protective equipment (PPE), equipment maintenance, manual handling, chemical use and environmental controls. It is designed to be adaptable to different sites and tasks, from small domestic garden visits to larger public or communal grounds works. The goals are to reduce incidents, ensure compliance with accepted industry practice, and foster a culture of safety where every team member feels empowered to raise concerns.
Roles and responsibilities: Clear allocation of duties ensures accountability. Key responsibilities include:
- Management — provide leadership, risk assessments and resources.
- Supervisors — ensure safe working methods and supervise compliance.
- Operatives — follow instructions, use PPE and report hazards.
- Contractors — adhere to this policy when working under our control.
Risk assessment, training and competence
Risk assessments: All tasks are subject to documented risk assessments that identify hazards, evaluate risk and specify control measures. Risk assessments are reviewed regularly and updated when there is a change in work pattern, equipment or environment. Assessments consider slips, trips and falls, cuts from tools, contact with hazardous plants, exposure to weather extremes and interaction with pedestrians or vehicles within the service area.
Training and competence: We provide structured induction, tool-specific training and ongoing refresher sessions so operatives are competent for assigned duties. Training covers safe equipment use, correct PPE selection, spill response, safe manual handling techniques and basic first aid awareness. Records of training are maintained and supervisors ensure those performing higher risk tasks, such as operating powered machinery or applying pesticides, hold the necessary competencies.
Equipment and maintenance: All plant, power tools and hand tools are maintained to a safe standard. Routine pre-use checks and scheduled servicing reduce the risk of failure. We mandate the use of guards, safety devices and where appropriate, anti-vibration measures. Equipment safety extends to secure storage and battery charging protocols to prevent fire and electrical hazards.
Control measures and operational safety
Personal protective equipment (PPE): Appropriate PPE is provided and must be used. Typical requirements include hi-vis clothing, protective footwear, gloves, eye protection and hearing protection when using noisy machinery. PPE is selected based on the task risk assessment and is provided at no cost to staff. It is the responsibility of each operative to care for and report damaged PPE promptly.
Hazardous substances: The use of chemicals such as herbicides, pesticides and fuels is controlled. We keep up-to-date COSHH-style records, ensure safe storage and provide suitable spill kits. Only trained personnel use chemicals and they follow manufacturer guidance and label instructions. Where possible we promote low-toxicity alternatives and integrated pest management to reduce reliance on hazardous substances.
Working arrangements: Safe systems address manual handling, working at height, traffic management and lone working. Manual handling plans reduce manual lifts, using mechanical aids where feasible. Work at height uses fall prevention methods and correct ladder/access equipment. On-site traffic management protects teams and the public through clear segregation, signage and banksman procedures. Lone working is risk-assessed and monitored with agreed check-in procedures.
Emergency procedures and incident reporting: All staff are briefed on emergency response, including first aid, fire response and procedures for severe weather or environmental incidents. Incidents, near misses and hazardous observations must be reported immediately through internal reporting channels so that lessons can be learned and controls improved. Investigations focus on root causes and corrective actions rather than blame.
Environmental considerations and waste management: Gardeners Anerley seeks to minimise environmental impact by managing green waste responsibly, avoiding contamination of watercourses and using responsible disposal routes for treated materials. Wherever possible, we reuse or recycle waste and consider sustainable alternatives in client-specification discussions.
Monitoring and review: This policy is reviewed at regular intervals and following significant incidents, legislative updates or operational changes. Performance is monitored through site checks, toolbox talks, audits and review of incident trends. Continuous improvement is embedded in our approach and we encourage staff to contribute ideas for safer ways of working. Regular communication, clear leadership and practical training are the pillars of effective safety management across our gardening services.
Signed on behalf of Gardeners Anerley management team. The policy is effective immediately and applies across our service area to all employees and contractors who perform gardening, grounds maintenance and landscaping work under our direction.
