Health & Safety Policy for Gardeners Finsbury Park

Policy statement: Gardeners Finsbury Park is committed to protecting the safety, health and welfare of our team, clients, visitors and the public. This policy sets out how our gardening service operates safely across all sites we attend, emphasising safe working practices, clear responsibilities and ongoing risk management. The aim is to prevent incidents, reduce hazards associated with garden maintenance and ensure that every member of staff understands their part in keeping work environments safe.

Scope and purpose

This document applies to all staff and sub-contractors engaged by our gardening company, including Finsbury Park gardeners and teams working in neighbouring areas. It covers routine tasks such as lawn mowing, hedge trimming, planting, pruning, tool use and waste handling. The policy is designed to be practical and accessible: procedures are set out so they can be applied consistently whether on small domestic plots or larger communal green spaces.

Responsibilities and accountability: Managers will ensure risk assessments are completed, controls are implemented and training is provided. Team leaders must check that equipment is fit for purpose and that staff wear appropriate personal protective equipment. Individual workers are expected to follow instructions, report hazards, and take reasonable care for their own safety and that of others. Everyone on site has a duty to stop unsafe work until it can be made safe.

Risk assessment and safe systems: We carry out dynamic and formal risk assessments for each job. Assessments identify hazards including manual handling, mobile machinery, chemicals, traffic and public interaction. Controls include task sequencing, exclusion zones, traffic management for roadside work and clear communication protocols. A written method statement will be provided for higher-risk activities and reviewed when conditions change.

Training, competence and supervision

Training is central to our approach. Staff receive induction training, tool and machinery instruction, and refresher sessions as required. Competence is verified through observation and supervised practice. Apprentices and new hires are paired with experienced gardeners until they demonstrate safe working practices. Supervisors carry out regular toolbox talks to reinforce key topics such as plant identification, allergic reactions, and safe use of petrol- and battery-powered equipment.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) and equipment safety: All operatives are provided with and required to use appropriate PPE, including gloves, eye protection, hearing protection and foot protection. High-visibility clothing is used when working near roads or in low-light conditions. Tools and machinery are maintained to the manufacturer's standards; maintenance records are kept and faulty items are removed from service immediately.

Chemical safety and waste management: When herbicides, pesticides or other substances are needed we follow safe handling procedures, use only approved products and ensure COSHH-style controls are in place. Storage is secure and clearly labelled. Garden waste is segregated and disposed of in accordance with environmental best practice. Spills are managed promptly with appropriate materials and recorded as incidents where necessary.

Working around the public and in communal spaces: Our teams prioritise public safety by establishing safe perimeters, using signage and cordons during active operations and scheduling noisy or disruptive tasks considerately. For work near children’s play areas, schools or busy pedestrian routes extra precautions are taken. Communication with residents or site managers helps to reduce risk and ensure awareness of ongoing works.

Incident reporting, first aid and emergency response: All incidents, near misses and health concerns must be reported immediately. First aid provisions are maintained on-site or readily accessible; appointed first-aiders are available for every team. Emergency procedures are documented and rehearsed, including arrangements for contacting emergency services and preserving scenes for investigation. We analyse incidents to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Monitoring, review and continual improvement: Safety performance is monitored through routine inspections, audits and feedback from staff. Key performance metrics, such as lost-time incidents and near-miss reports, are reviewed at management meetings. The policy is reviewed annually or sooner if there are significant changes in operations, legislation or after serious incidents. We set measurable objectives to improve safety outcomes year-on-year.

Wellbeing and occupational health: Physical and mental wellbeing are integral to a safe workforce. We address ergonomic risks from repetitive tasks and manual handling, encourage hydration and rest breaks, and provide guidance on managing stress and fatigue. Employees are supported to report health concerns early so adjustments can be made to duties when required.

Commitment and communication: This policy is endorsed by senior management and communicated to all staff and contractors. It is available to clients and stakeholders on request and is implemented as part of our everyday operations. By maintaining clear standards and encouraging active participation, Gardeners Finsbury Park and associated gardening teams work to deliver quality landscape services while protecting people and the environment.