Health & Safety Policy for Garden Maintenance St Johns Wood

This Health and Safety Policy outlines the commitments and procedures adopted by our gardening and grounds care team providing garden maintenance in St Johns Wood. The purpose of this document is to set out a clear framework that protects staff, clients, visitors and the local environment while delivering high-quality garden upkeep. It applies to all operations associated with gardening services in the St John's Wood area, including routine lawn care, hedge trimming, seasonal clearing, planting and site tidying.

All personnel engaged in grounds maintenance must follow these standards. Responsibility for health and safety is shared: management will provide leadership, resources and training, while every operative is required to work safely, report hazards and use provided protective equipment. This policy is intended to be practical and proportionate for domestic and small commercial garden maintenance contracts across the service area.

Risk assessment and safe systems of work are central to reducing incidents. Before work starts, supervisors will complete a simple, documented assessment identifying hazards, the people at risk and control measures. Assessments will cover common risks such as manual handling, sharp tools, powered machinery, ladder work, pesticides and tree work. These measures are reviewed periodically and whenever conditions change.

Equipment safety is a priority. All mowers, trimmers, chainsaws, blowers and other powered tools must be visually inspected and maintained according to manufacturer guidance. Faulty equipment is taken out of service and reported immediately. Only trained and authorised staff may operate specialist machinery. Fuel storage and refuelling will be conducted in a safe area with spill control provisions in place.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided and must be worn where required: eye and ear protection, gloves, protective footwear, high-visibility clothing and respiratory protection as needed. Supervisors will enforce PPE use and replace damaged items promptly. Staff are encouraged to raise concerns about PPE fit or suitability so corrective actions can be taken without delay.

Working at height and ladder safety procedures are in place for pruning and roofline tasks. Where possible, ladders are avoided in favor of mobile platforms or other safer alternatives. Emergency rescue plans are prepared for tasks that present elevated risk. The company also maintains a clear policy for lone working in gardens, with check-in protocols and communication devices made available for operatives working remotely.

Chemical and hazardous material management follows a strict control regime. Only approved products are used, stored in secure containers and labelled correctly. COSHH-style assessments are conducted for hazardous substances used in weed control and plant treatments, ensuring appropriate PPE, dilution and disposal arrangements. Where clients request pesticide use, staff will advise on lower-risk alternatives and integrated pest management approaches.

Training and competence form the backbone of this policy. New staff receive induction covering safe use of tools, manual handling, emergency procedures and environmental care. Ongoing training includes refresher courses, machinery certifications and briefings for seasonal risks. Staff performance and understanding are monitored through regular supervision and spot checks.

Emergency preparedness includes first aid provision, incident reporting and investigation. At least one trained first aider is available on-site for larger jobs and first aid kits are maintained in vehicles and depots. All incidents, near-misses and injuries are recorded, investigated and used to inform improvements. Where appropriate, corrective actions are implemented and communicated to the team.