Health and Safety Policy — Gardeners Battersea

Our Health and Safety Policy sets out the standards and expectations for all staff, contractors and sub-contractors engaged by Gardeners Battersea and affiliated gardening teams operating in and around the service area. This policy reflects our commitment to provide safe, healthy working conditions, to reduce risks associated with garden maintenance and landscaping, and to protect clients, visitors and the workforce. It applies to all gardening services, including regular garden maintenance, landscaping projects, hedge cutting, tree work support and seasonal groundskeeping.

Policy Objectives and Scope

We aim to prevent accidents and occupational ill-health by assessing hazards, applying control measures, and continually improving safety performance. The policy promotes a proactive safety culture where every gardener and team member is encouraged to identify risks, report concerns, and contribute to safe working methods. It covers on-site activities, transportation of tools and materials, storage of hazardous substances, and site setup and handover procedures for Battersea and surrounding neighbourhoods.

Responsibilities and Accountability

All personnel must understand their responsibilities. Management will provide adequate resources, information and supervision. Crew leaders will ensure that work is planned and communicated, risk assessments are available, and that staff are competent to undertake tasks. Individual gardeners are required to follow instructions, use provided personal protective equipment, and notify supervisors of any unsafe condition. Contractors must demonstrate their own safety arrangements before commencing work on any site.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Before any garden work begins a documented risk assessment must be completed and communicated to the team. Assessments should consider uncovered excavations, working at height, use of powered equipment, flying debris, chemical application and potential for slips, trips and falls. Control measures will include exclusion zones, tool guarding, appropriate lifting techniques and supervision for hazardous tasks. The approach to risk management is proportionate and practical, tailored to each property and to the variety of gardening services we provide.

Training, Competency and Protective Equipment

We provide induction and ongoing training so that all staff are competent for the roles they perform. Training covers safe operation of mowers, strimmers, chainsaws where appropriate, correct handling of fertilisers and pesticides, and first aid awareness. Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, eye protection, ear defenders and high-visibility clothing must be worn when required. Equipment inspections are carried out routinely and any defective items removed from service. Competency, supervision and refresher training are recorded and reviewed regularly.

Plant, Equipment and Materials

Gardeners Battersea ensures that all tools and machinery are maintained, inspected and used only by trained persons. Fuel and hazardous materials are stored securely and labelled. Electrical equipment is PAT tested where applicable, and extension leads and outdoor electrics are checked before use. Safe lifting techniques and team lifts are used for heavy items, with mechanical aids where necessary. Safe systems of work are written for high-risk activities and must be followed at all times.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Preparedness

Incidents, near-misses and property damage must be reported immediately through the established reporting process so that investigations can identify root causes and prevent recurrence. First aid kits and trained first aiders are available on site or within the team. Emergency procedures include site-specific arrangements for fire, severe weather or medical emergencies and are communicated to clients as appropriate at project start.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

We monitor health and safety performance through regular site inspections, toolbox talks and management reviews. Records of incidents, training, inspections and maintenance are retained to support continual improvement. Where we identify opportunities to reduce risk or enhance safety controls, corrective actions are implemented promptly. This process ensures that our gardening services remain safe, reliable and responsive to changing circumstances in the service area.

Commitment and Consultation

Gardeners Battersea is committed to providing a safe working environment. Senior management endorse this policy and expect all staff to play their part. We consult with employees on health and safety matters and encourage open communication about hazards and suggestions for improvement. This policy is reviewed periodically and updated as necessary to reflect operational changes. By adhering to the policy, everyone supports a safer working culture and contributes to professional, high-quality garden care across the region.