Health And Safety Policy

Gardeners Putney Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Gardeners Putney manages risks and protects the wellbeing of employees, contractors, clients, visitors and members of the public during gardening and grounds maintenance work. We are committed to carrying out all services in a safe, professional and environmentally responsible manner.

Our Health and Safety Commitments

Gardeners Putney is committed to providing and maintaining a safe and healthy working environment, so far as is reasonably practicable. This includes safe systems of work, safe use of machinery and materials, and competent supervision. Health and safety considerations are integrated into all planning and delivery of our gardening services across the local area.

We aim to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and avoidable disruption by identifying hazards, assessing risks and taking proportionate control measures. This policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains suitable and effective for the type of gardening and maintenance work we undertake.

Legal Responsibilities

Gardeners Putney will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation, industry regulations and recognised best practice relating to gardening, landscaping and grounds maintenance. We expect all employees and contractors to co-operate fully with these requirements and to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work.

Where work is carried out on client premises, we will take into account any site-specific rules and information provided, and agree safe working arrangements before starting any gardening tasks.

Management Duties

Management is responsible for implementing this policy and ensuring that adequate resources are provided for health and safety. This includes planning work safely, conducting and recording risk assessments, providing appropriate equipment and ensuring that staff have the necessary training and supervision.

Managers will monitor working practices, investigate accidents and near-misses, and take corrective actions to reduce the likelihood of recurrence. They will ensure that health and safety issues are discussed with staff and form part of regular performance and planning reviews.

Employee and Contractor Responsibilities

All gardeners, operatives and contractors working on behalf of Gardeners Putney must:

Work safely and follow company procedures and instructions, including any site-specific rules. Use machinery, tools, personal protective equipment and materials only for their intended purpose and in accordance with training received. Report hazards, defects, incidents and near-misses as soon as possible so that prompt action can be taken. Co-operate with management in carrying out risk assessments, safety inspections and any required health surveillance. Not undertake any task for which they have not been trained or are not competent, and request advice or assistance when unsure how to proceed safely.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Before undertaking gardening or maintenance activities, Gardeners Putney will identify foreseeable hazards and assess the associated risks. This includes tasks such as grass cutting, hedge trimming, planting, tree work within our competence, weed control, waste handling and the use of powered equipment.

Suitable control measures and safe systems of work will be put in place, including the selection of appropriate tools, guarding of machinery where required, and planning of access, egress and work areas to minimise contact with the public and clients.

Use of Machinery, Tools and Equipment

All machinery, tools and equipment used by Gardeners Putney will be maintained in a safe condition, inspected regularly and removed from service if found to be defective. Only competent persons who have received appropriate instruction may operate powered tools and equipment.

Where there is a risk of injury from moving parts, vibration, flying debris, noise or other hazards, suitable protective measures will be taken, such as guarding, restricted access zones and the use of personal protective equipment, including eye, ear, hand and foot protection as required by the task.

Chemicals, Substances and Environmental Considerations

Where gardening work requires the use of chemicals such as fertilisers or approved weed control products, these will be selected, stored, transported, used and disposed of safely and in line with manufacturer instructions and legal requirements.

Assessments will be carried out to control exposure to substances that could be hazardous to health. Gardeners Putney aims to use environmentally responsible methods and products wherever reasonably practicable, reducing risk to people, wildlife and the wider environment.

Personal Protective Equipment

Gardeners Putney will provide appropriate personal protective equipment where risks cannot be adequately controlled by other means. This may include, as required by the task, gloves, safety footwear, eye protection, hearing protection, high-visibility clothing and respiratory protection.

Employees and contractors must use the personal protective equipment provided, keep it in good condition, and report any loss, damage or defect so that it can be replaced or repaired.

Site Safety and Protection of the Public

When working in gardens, communal spaces or public areas, Gardeners Putney will take reasonable steps to protect clients, neighbours, visitors and members of the public. This may include setting up work zones, using barriers or warning signs, controlling vehicle movements, and timing activities to minimise disturbance.

Tools and machinery will not be left unattended where they could present a risk. Work areas will be kept as tidy as reasonably practicable, and debris, clippings and waste will be cleared away promptly and disposed of safely.

Manual Handling and Ergonomics

Gardening tasks often involve lifting, carrying, bending and repetitive movements. Gardeners Putney will assess manual handling risks and implement safe techniques, mechanical aids or team lifting where required to reduce the risk of injury.

Staff will be trained in safer lifting practices and encouraged to take suitable rest breaks, vary tasks where possible and report any discomfort or symptoms that may indicate strain or overuse.

Training, Information and Supervision

Gardeners Putney will provide appropriate health and safety training, instruction and information so that staff and contractors can carry out their roles safely and competently. This may cover induction training, equipment use, safe gardening practices, first aid awareness, working in different weather conditions and dealing with site-specific hazards.

Supervision levels will be proportionate to the risks involved and the experience of the individuals carrying out the work. Additional support will be provided where new equipment, methods or locations are introduced.

Accidents, Incidents and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, near-misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported promptly to management. Gardeners Putney will record and investigate these events, identify underlying causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Suitable first aid arrangements will be in place for gardening activities, including access to first aid supplies and trained personnel where required. Staff will be briefed on how to respond to emergencies, including serious injury, fire, significant weather events and other foreseeable situations relevant to outdoor work.