Gardeners Somers Town Health and Safety Policy

Gardeners Somers Town is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, clients, visitors, contractors, and members of the public who may be affected by our gardening and grounds maintenance activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks and ensuring that all work is carried out safely and responsibly across our service area.

Policy Statement and Responsibilities

We recognise our duty to comply with relevant health and safety legislation and to follow industry best practice at all times. Management is responsible for putting in place the systems, equipment and training needed to maintain safe working conditions. Supervisors are responsible for monitoring day-to-day activities, leading by example, and ensuring that safety procedures are followed. All employees and contractors must take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others, cooperate with instructions and training, and immediately report hazards, near misses and incidents.

This policy is reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, guidance, technology or the nature of our work. It is communicated to all team members and is available to clients on request.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Before starting any gardening or grounds maintenance task, we assess potential risks to people, property and the environment. Where appropriate, site-specific risk assessments are carried out to identify hazards such as uneven ground, underground services, overhead cables, traffic routes, restricted access areas, and the presence of other contractors or members of the public.

Controls are selected based on the principle of eliminating hazards where possible, then reducing risks through substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls and personal protective equipment. Safe systems of work are documented for tasks such as grass cutting, hedge trimming, pruning, tree work within our remit, planting, weed control, waste handling and seasonal maintenance activities.

Training, Competence and Supervision

All Gardeners Somers Town staff receive appropriate induction and ongoing training relevant to their role. This includes instruction on safe use of tools and machinery, manual handling, control of substances used in gardening work, noise and vibration awareness where applicable, and general site safety. Only trained and competent personnel are permitted to operate powered equipment such as lawn mowers, strimmers, hedge cutters, blowers and any specialist machinery used in our services.

Supervision levels are set according to the complexity of the task and the experience of the team. New or less experienced workers are closely supervised and mentored to ensure that safe working methods are understood and followed in practice.

Use of Tools, Machinery and Vehicles

All tools and machinery used by Gardeners Somers Town are inspected and maintained in accordance with manufacturers instructions and relevant standards. Defective equipment is taken out of service immediately. Guards, safety devices and emergency stop mechanisms must never be removed or disabled.

When vehicles or trailers are used to transport equipment and green waste, they are loaded and secured correctly to prevent shifting or falling loads. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, follow road traffic rules, and use safe manoeuvring and parking practices, especially when working in residential streets or busy public areas.

Personal Protective Equipment

We provide suitable personal protective equipment to our staff based on risk assessments. This may include safety boots, gloves, eye and face protection, hearing protection, high-visibility clothing, respiratory protection and protective clothing for specific tasks. Employees are required to wear the PPE provided, keep it in good condition, and report any loss or damage without delay so that it can be repaired or replaced.

Chemicals and Environmental Considerations

Where weed control products or other substances are used as part of our gardening services, we follow product instructions and safety data information carefully. Use is limited to trained personnel, and only in circumstances where it is necessary and proportionate. We take care to avoid harm to people, wildlife, pets and surrounding plants, and to prevent contamination of soil, drains and watercourses.

Gardeners Somers Town aims to minimise environmental impact by promoting sustainable gardening practices, reducing waste, recycling green materials where feasible, and selecting methods that reduce the need for chemical treatments. Environmental considerations are embedded within our health and safety planning and risk assessments.

Manual Handling and Physical Wellbeing

Gardening work often involves lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling loads. We plan tasks to minimise manual handling risks by using appropriate tools, mechanical aids and team lifting where necessary. Staff are trained in good posture, correct lifting techniques and the importance of taking breaks, staying hydrated and working at a sensible pace, especially during hot or cold weather conditions.

We encourage our team to report early signs of strain, discomfort or fatigue so that work methods can be reviewed and adjustments made to prevent injury.

Public Safety and Site Conduct

Our teams work with care and consideration for residents, visitors and passers-by. Work areas are organised to keep tools and materials tidy and to avoid creating trip hazards. Where necessary, barriers, cones or warning signs are used to clearly mark the work zone, especially when using powered equipment or when visibility is reduced.

Noise and disturbance are kept to reasonable levels, and work is scheduled, where possible, to reduce impact on neighbours and local businesses. We take particular care where children, older people or pets may be present, and we never leave powered machinery running unattended.

Incident Reporting and Continuous Improvement

All accidents, near misses, damage to property and health and safety concerns must be reported promptly to a supervisor or manager. Incidents are investigated to identify root causes and to implement corrective and preventive actions. Lessons learned are shared within the company and, where relevant, incorporated into revised risk assessments, procedures and training.

Gardeners Somers Town is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance. We welcome feedback from employees, clients and other stakeholders to help us refine our approach and maintain high standards across all gardening and maintenance services we provide.