Gardeners Hanworth Health and Safety Policy

Gardeners Hanworth is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, clients, visitors, and members of the public who may be affected by our gardening activities. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety in all work we undertake in domestic gardens, communal grounds, and commercial outdoor spaces.

Our Commitment to Health and Safety

We aim to prevent injury, ill health, and accidents by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing sensible control measures. Health and safety considerations are central to the planning and delivery of our gardening services, including maintenance, soft landscaping, planting, and clearance activities.

We comply with relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice, and we review our arrangements regularly to ensure they remain appropriate to the nature and scale of our work.

Responsibilities and Management

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Gardeners Hanworth rests with the company management, who ensure that appropriate resources, instructions, and supervision are in place. Management is responsible for:

• Establishing and maintaining this policy and associated procedures.
• Ensuring risk assessments are carried out, updated, and communicated.
• Providing suitable training, information, and equipment to workers.
• Investigating and acting on accidents, incidents, and near-misses.
• Promoting a positive health and safety culture across all gardening work.

Employees and contractors working on behalf of Gardeners Hanworth have a duty to:

• Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
• Follow all safety instructions, procedures, and training provided.
• Use equipment, tools, and personal protective equipment correctly.
• Report hazards, defects, accidents, and near-misses without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working

Before starting work, we assess the risks associated with the specific gardening tasks and site conditions. This includes considering uneven ground, slopes, access routes, weather conditions, nearby traffic, and the presence of any underground or overhead services.

Where significant risks are identified, suitable control measures are implemented, which may include adjusting working methods, cordoning off work areas, using additional protective equipment, or rescheduling tasks during adverse weather. Risk assessments are reviewed when there are changes in work activities, equipment, or site conditions.

Training, Supervision, and Competence

Gardeners Hanworth ensures that workers are competent to carry out their duties safely. This is achieved through a combination of experience, instruction, and formal training where required. New staff receive an induction that covers company health and safety arrangements, emergency procedures, and safe use of tools and machinery.

Ongoing supervision and toolbox talks are used to reinforce safe working practices, highlight seasonal risks, and update staff on any changes to procedures or equipment. Where specialised tasks are undertaken, such as the use of powered machinery or handling of certain substances, additional training is provided.

Tools, Machinery, and Personal Protective Equipment

We maintain our tools and machinery in good working order to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. All equipment is inspected regularly, and defective items are taken out of service until repaired or replaced. Only trained and authorised personnel are allowed to operate powered equipment such as mowers, trimmers, blowers, and similar machinery.

Appropriate personal protective equipment is provided and may include gloves, safety footwear, eye protection, hearing protection, and high-visibility clothing, depending on the task and location. Workers must wear the specified protection and report any damage or loss so that items can be replaced promptly.

Chemicals, Substances, and Environmental Protection

When using gardening products such as fertilisers, weed control products, or other substances, Gardeners Hanworth follows manufacturer instructions and applicable safety guidance. Where necessary, we carry out specific assessments for substances and ensure they are stored, transported, and applied safely.

We take care to prevent harm to people, wildlife, and the wider environment. This includes avoiding contamination of watercourses, managing waste responsibly, and minimising noise and dust where practical.

Manual Handling and Physical Wellbeing

Gardening work often involves lifting, carrying, digging, and repetitive movements. To reduce the risk of strains, sprains, and other musculoskeletal injuries, we promote safe manual handling techniques and the use of appropriate tools and equipment such as barrows and trolleys.

Where loads are heavy or awkward, team lifting or mechanical assistance is used where reasonably practicable. Workers are encouraged to take reasonable rest breaks, stay hydrated, and report any discomfort or early signs of injury so adjustments can be made.

Public Safety and Site Security

While working at client properties and shared outdoor areas, we take steps to protect the public and other persons nearby. This may include using signs or barriers where appropriate, keeping tools and equipment secure, and ensuring pathways and access routes remain as clear and safe as conditions allow.

We plan activities to minimise disruption and avoid unnecessary risks to residents, visitors, neighbours, and passing pedestrians or vehicles.

Accidents, Incidents, and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, near-misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as possible. Details are recorded and investigated so that lessons can be learned and improvements made. Where required, incidents will be reported to the relevant authorities in line with legal obligations.

Workers are informed of emergency procedures, including how to obtain first aid and what to do in case of fire, serious injury, or other urgent situations. First aid supplies are kept accessible and are restocked as needed.

Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed on a regular basis and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, legislation, or best practice guidance. Gardeners Hanworth is committed to continual improvement in health and safety performance and welcomes feedback from employees, clients, and other stakeholders to help us achieve this.

By working together and following the principles set out in this policy, Gardeners Hanworth aims to maintain safe, tidy, and well-managed work sites throughout our gardening service area.