Team preparing for gardening work with safety gear

Health & Safety Policy for Gardening Stockwell

This policy sets out the commitment of Gardening Stockwell to maintain safe working conditions across its service area. It applies to all staff, contractors and visitors engaged in Stockwell gardening services and associated landscape work. The organisation recognises that high standards of health and safety protect people, property and the environment and support continuity of quality garden and landscape maintenance.
Our approach emphasises practical, proportionate risk control, continuous improvement and worker involvement. This document describes responsibilities, controls, training and monitoring arrangements that underpin Stockwell garden maintenance and related activities.

Scope and Purpose

The policy covers routine grounds maintenance, planting, pruning, hard landscaping, tree care and the use of powered equipment by Stockwell gardeners. It applies to work on private and communal gardens, small green spaces and contract sites where we operate. Policy aims include preventing injury, reducing exposure to hazardous substances and ensuring safe transport and storage of tools and materials. This statement is a company policy document and does not attempt to reproduce statutory detail; instead it sets clear expectations for everyday safe behaviour in the field.

Supervisor conducting site risk assessment in a garden

Responsibilities

Management will: ensure safe systems of work, provide training, suitable equipment and supervise high-risk tasks. Staff will: follow safe working procedures, use provided PPE and report hazards promptly. Contractors must meet our safety standards before commencing work.

Directors and managers: policy implementation and resources
Supervisors: on-site risk control and tool checks
Operatives and gardeners: daily safety checks and safe task execution

Risk Assessment and Safe Working

Risk assessments will be carried out for recurring and non-routine tasks. Identified hazards include manual handling, use of sharp tools and powered equipment, working near traffic or public spaces, slips, trips and falls, insect or plant allergens, and exposure to hazardous substances. Controls will follow a hierarchy: eliminate, substitute, engineer, administrative measures and PPE. Safe systems of work will be documented for tasks such as hedge cutting, tree pruning and soil excavation.

Gardeners wearing PPE while using powered equipment

PPE, Equipment and Maintenance

All operatives must use suitable PPE provided by the company where required: gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, high-visibility clothing and sturdy footwear. Powered equipment will be inspected daily and maintained according to manufacturer recommendations. Tools showing signs of damage must be removed from service. Training on safe use of mowers, chainsaws, strimmers and lifting aids will be recorded and refreshed periodically. Plant and vehicle checks are mandatory before use.

Training and competence are integral: staff receive induction, task-specific training and periodic refreshers. Records of training and qualifications are maintained centrally. Supervision is provided for new starters and for tasks requiring specialist skills, such as tree work or pesticide application. Near-miss reporting helps identify system improvements and reduce recurrence.

The policy sets out clear incident and emergency procedures. All injuries or near misses must be reported immediately and recorded. First aid kits are issued to teams and there are nominated first aiders for each shift. Emergency arrangements include arrangements for severe weather, fuel spills and removal of dangerous debris. Vehicles used by Stockwell gardeners must be loaded safely and driven responsibly; drivers must hold appropriate licences and adhere to safe loading practices.

Tool maintenance and safe equipment checks

Control Measures and Safe Practices

Relevant control measures include:

Pre-start equipment checks and daily briefings
Use of exclusion zones when operating power equipment
Safe manual handling techniques and use of mechanical aids
Proper storage and labelling of fuels, lubricants and approved substances
Clear pedestrian segregation on busy or public sites

The company will ensure that all chemical products are used according to manufacturer guidance and that substitute less-hazardous products are considered where feasible.

Final review meeting for health and safety procedures in gardening

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

Health and safety performance is monitored through routine site checks, toolbox talks and periodic audits. Findings from inspections and incident reports are reviewed by management and used to update risk assessments and safe systems of work. The policy will be reviewed at least annually or following any significant incident or operational change to ensure it remains relevant to our Stockwell landscape services and garden maintenance operations.

Consultation with staff is essential: employees are encouraged to raise concerns and suggest improvements. Non-compliance with this policy may result in disciplinary action. Responsibility for everyday compliance rests with every team member; leadership must ensure the systems enable safe work. This Health & Safety Policy reflects our ongoing commitment to safe, professional gardening and maintenance across the service area. It supports a culture where safety is integral to providing quality Stockwell gardening services and where everyone actively contributes to safer sites and better outcomes.