Health & Safety Policy — Gardener Abbey Wood

This Health and Safety policy sets out the approach of Gardener Abbey Wood to protect our team, clients and the public while delivering professional gardening and landscape maintenance. The policy outlines responsibilities, procedures and standards that apply to all gardening operations, from routine lawn care to larger landscape projects. Our goal is to manage risk proportionately, promote safe working practices and maintain a consistent, auditable system that supports continuous improvement across gardening services in and around the Abbey Wood area.

All staff, contractors and subcontractors engaged by the company are required to read and comply with this policy. It is the responsibility of managers to communicate expectations, provide training and ensure appropriate resources are available. Workers must follow safe systems of work, wear required personal protective equipment and report hazards immediately. The policy emphasises a culture where safety concerns are raised without fear and where practical solutions are implemented promptly.

Risk assessments are completed before starting new tasks and reviewed regularly. These assessments consider plant and equipment, manual handling, chemicals, traffic management on-site, public access and seasonal hazards. Controls follow a hierarchy of risk reduction: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls and personal protection. Wherever possible we design work to avoid unnecessary exposure to hazards and reduce dependency on PPE alone for protection.

Training, Competency and Supervision

Employees receive induction training and job-specific instruction for the safe use of mowers, strimmers, chainsaws and powered tools. Ongoing competency checks and refresher training are scheduled to maintain skills and awareness. Supervisors ensure that every operative can demonstrate safe working methods and understands emergency procedures. Training records are maintained and audited as part of our health and safety management system.

We prioritise working near members of the public and vulnerable users by implementing clear exclusion zones, cordons and signage. When working on client properties or in communal greenspaces, staff plan the sequence of work to reduce public exposure, coordinate with property managers and use visible high-visibility clothing. Tasks that create dust, debris or potential slip hazards are scheduled to minimise inconvenience and risk.

Equipment is inspected before use and serviced in accordance with manufacturers’ guidance. Faulty machinery is tagged and removed from service until repaired. Safe storage and transportation of plant are enforced to prevent accidental activation and unauthorised access. Safety guards, kill-switches and appropriate attachments are used for each task to meet both practical and statutory expectations.

Safe Use of Chemicals and Waste Management

Herbicides, pesticides and fertilisers are used only by trained personnel and in line with product instructions. We maintain appropriate records for application, storage and disposal. Materials are stored securely in labelled containers and controlled to prevent spills. Spills are managed with pre-prepared kits and contained promptly to protect soil and watercourses. Environmental protection is integrated into our health and safety routines.

First aid provision is available on-site and staff know how to access assistance quickly. All incidents, from near-misses to injuries, are recorded and investigated to identify root causes and prevent recurrence. An emphasis on learning ensures corrective actions are practical and shared across teams. Emergency contact procedures and evacuation plans are part of every site briefing.

Our policy also covers working at height, ladder safety and tree operations. Only competent personnel undertake pruning, dismantling or crown work, with appropriate risk assessments and rescue plans in place. Traffic management is implemented where machinery accesses highways or shared driveways, using banksmen or signage as required to protect operatives and road users.

Monitoring and review are fundamental. Regular site inspections, safety audits and toolbox talks ensure compliance and promote engagement. We set measurable safety objectives and review performance quarterly, adapting procedures where necessary. Insurance, equipment certification and record-keeping support accountability and transparency without relying on excessive local detail.

Management commitment is demonstrated through provision of resources for training, equipment maintenance and wellbeing initiatives. Staff wellbeing is part of safety: measures to reduce fatigue, heat stress and ergonomic strain are embedded in planning. Employees are encouraged to raise suggestions to improve safety through established channels.

By adopting this policy, Abbey Wood gardening teams commit to safe, responsible and professional gardening services. This document is reviewed annually or sooner after incidents, regulatory change or significant operational shifts. The policy supports a working environment where safety, quality and environmental care are integral to every task we undertake.