Gardener preparing tools with gloves and high-visibility vest

Health and Safety Policy — Gardening Services Brimsdown

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitment of Gardening Services Brimsdown and its associated teams to protect employees, clients, contractors and the public while delivering gardening and grounds maintenance across the service area. The policy outlines safe systems of work, risk management and the measures in place to reduce harm from garden machinery, tools, vehicles and hazardous substances. It is intended for all staff and represents the baseline for safe performance on every job, from routine garden maintenance through to larger landscape projects.

Purpose and Scope

The purpose of this policy is to provide a clear framework that supports safe delivery of local gardening services, including lawn care, hedge trimming, planting, pruning and site clearance. All operatives engaged by Brimsdown gardening services must follow the procedures set out here. The policy applies to permanent and temporary workers, subcontractors and volunteers when acting under the control or direction of our team. Prevention, protection and prompt response are the guiding principles.

Team briefing next to a garden border before work starts

Key Principles

Our workplace approach rests on sound risk management and continuous improvement. Core principles include:

Risk assessment before every task;
Safe systems of work and method statements for higher risk activities;
Appropriate training and supervision for all staff;
Use of suitable PPE and equipment; and
Incident reporting and investigation to prevent recurrence.

Responsibilities

Management responsibilities

Management will ensure that safe systems, adequate resources and competent personnel are in place to deliver gardening services safely. This includes planning work to avoid hazards, ensuring equipment is maintained and that all employees receive site-specific briefings. Managers will monitor compliance and provide training records, risk assessments and method statements on request.

Training session for safe equipment use in garden maintenance

Employee responsibilities

Every operative has a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others. Staff must follow instructions, wear required protective equipment and not operate machinery unless competent and authorised. Employees should immediately report faults, near misses or hazards and participate in safety meetings and refresher training. Personal accountability supports safer outcomes for everyone.

Training, Competence and Supervision

Training is delivered to ensure competence in the use of powered equipment, chemical application (where required), manual handling and working at height. Supervisors perform regular competence checks and provide on-the-job coaching. Refresher training is scheduled to maintain standards and meet changes in operations or equipment. Records of certification, instruction and toolbox talks are retained for audit purposes.

Personal Protective Equipment and Equipment Safety

All teams must use appropriate PPE including eye protection, gloves, hearing protection, high-visibility clothing and appropriate footwear. Equipment such as mowers, chainsaws, hedge trimmers and strimmers must be serviced according to manufacturer guidance and inspected before use. Faulty tools are to be removed from service and reported. Battery and fuel handling follow safe storage and transfer procedures to reduce fire and spill risks.

Proper storage of gardening chemicals and labelled containers

Chemicals, Waste and Environmental Considerations

Where chemical use is necessary, only approved products are used in line with product instructions and COSHH principles. Operators must be trained in safe application, dilution and secure storage. Waste arising from garden work, including green waste, chemical containers and removed vegetation, will be handled and disposed of responsibly. Measures are taken to protect wildlife and habitats; mulching and composting are promoted where suitable.

First aid kit and emergency contact procedure displayed on site

Emergency Procedures, Monitoring and Review

Emergency procedures include first aid provision, access arrangements for emergency services, vehicle incident response and spillage control. All incidents, injuries and near misses must be reported promptly so they can be investigated and remedial actions implemented. The Health and Safety Policy is reviewed at least annually and whenever significant changes to operations, equipment or legislation occur. Performance is monitored through site inspections, toolbox talks, and routine audits to ensure continuous improvement.

Commitment and Communication

Gardening Services Brimsdown is committed to maintaining a safe working environment and to consulting with staff on health and safety matters. Safety information, policies and updates are communicated through briefings, written procedures and visible notices. Everyone is encouraged to contribute to a safety culture by raising concerns, suggesting improvements and observing safe working practices. Together, through clear responsibilities, appropriate training and proactive risk management, we aim to deliver quality garden and grounds services with minimal risk to people and the environment.