Health and Safety Policy for Gardeners Harringay

Gardeners Harringay is committed to providing gardening and grounds maintenance services in a way that protects the health, safety, and welfare of our employees, contractors, clients, visitors, and members of the public. This policy explains our responsibilities, how we manage risks, and what we expect from everyone who works with or around us.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

Our main objectives are to prevent accidents and work-related ill health, to provide safe systems of work, and to promote a positive safety culture throughout our gardening operations. We aim to continuously improve our practices, taking into account changes in legislation, industry standards, and the nature of the properties and outdoor spaces where we work.

Management Responsibilities

The management of Gardeners Harringay accepts overall responsibility for health and safety performance within the company. We will ensure that appropriate resources are made available to implement this policy, including suitable equipment, personal protective equipment, training, and supervision. Management will review risk assessments regularly and act promptly to address any issues identified.

Managers and supervisors are responsible for:

Identifying hazards associated with gardening work, such as the use of powered machinery, manual handling, working at height, exposure to chemicals, and adverse weather conditions.

Carrying out and updating risk assessments for tasks and work locations.

Providing clear instructions, information, and supervision so that all tasks are carried out safely.

Ensuring that staff and contractors follow safe working procedures and use equipment correctly.

Employee and Contractor Responsibilities

All employees and contractors working for Gardeners Harringay have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. This includes colleagues, clients, neighbours, passers-by, and visitors near the work area.

Every gardener and operative must:

Follow all safety instructions, procedures, and training provided.

Use the correct personal protective equipment for each task, such as gloves, eye and ear protection, safety footwear, and high-visibility clothing where required.

Operate machinery and tools only if they are competent and authorised to do so.

Report any hazards, unsafe conditions, near misses, or incidents to a supervisor without delay.

Never misuse or interfere with safety equipment or controls.

Safe Use of Tools and Machinery

Gardeners Harringay will ensure that all gardening tools, machinery, and vehicles are suitable for use, properly maintained, and regularly inspected. This includes lawn mowers, trimmers, hedge cutters, blowers, powered saws, ladders, and any other equipment used in the course of our work.

Before using any equipment, staff must carry out basic pre-use checks, follow manufacturer instructions, and ensure guards and safety devices are in place. Machinery will not be operated in conditions that significantly increase risk, such as during severe weather or when visibility is poor, unless appropriate additional controls are in place.

Chemicals, Substances, and Environmental Hazards

Where garden treatments, such as fertilisers, weed control products, or other substances are used, they will be assessed for risks and handled in accordance with relevant safety data. Only trained and authorised personnel may use such products, and they must follow correct storage, mixing, application, and disposal procedures.

We will take steps to protect people, pets, wildlife, and the wider environment when using any chemicals, including clear communication with clients about treatments used and any required exclusion periods from treated areas.

Manual Handling and Physical Work

Gardening often involves lifting, carrying, digging, and repetitive movements. Gardeners Harringay will reduce the risk of injury by planning tasks, using mechanical aids where practical, and training staff in safe manual handling techniques.

Employees are expected to avoid lifting loads that are too heavy, awkward, or unstable for them to manage safely, and to ask for assistance when needed. Breaks and rotation of tasks will be used where appropriate to reduce the risk of strain and fatigue.

Working at Height

Where work at height is required, such as hedge trimming, tree work, or access to elevated areas, we will use appropriate equipment and methods. This may include step ladders, ladders, or access platforms, selected according to the specific task and conditions.

All work at height will be planned and carried out by competent persons, who will ensure that surfaces are stable, equipment is correctly positioned, and that there is no risk to people passing below. Unsafe practices, such as overreaching from ladders or using unsuitable objects as makeshift platforms, are strictly prohibited.

Protection of the Public and Clients

Gardeners Harringay takes reasonable steps to ensure that members of the public and clients are not put at risk by our activities. Work areas will be organised to minimise exposure to moving machinery, flying debris, noise, and other hazards.

Where necessary, we may use barriers, cones, or clear verbal communication to keep people out of hazardous areas. We will take special care in residential streets, shared access spaces, and near roads or pathways to ensure pedestrians and neighbours are protected.

Training, Information, and Supervision

All staff will receive appropriate induction and ongoing training relevant to their role, including the safe use of tools and machinery, manual handling, use of personal protective equipment, emergency procedures, and hazard awareness. Additional training will be provided when new equipment is introduced or when existing procedures are updated.

Supervisors are responsible for monitoring working practices, correcting unsafe behaviour, and providing guidance to less experienced staff. Refresher training and toolbox talks will be used to reinforce safety messages.

Accidents, Incidents, and Emergency Procedures

Any accidents, injuries, near misses, or dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as possible. Gardeners Harringay will investigate incidents to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Where appropriate, first aid provisions will be available on site or in vehicles. Staff will be instructed on what to do in emergencies, including contacting the emergency services, securing the area, and notifying the client if relevant.

Monitoring and Review

Gardeners Harringay will regularly monitor health and safety performance, review risk assessments, and update this policy when necessary. We will take account of feedback from staff and clients, lessons learned from incidents, and changes in regulations and best practice.

This Health and Safety policy is communicated to all employees and is available to clients on request. By working together and following these principles, we aim to deliver high-quality gardening services in a safe, responsible, and professional manner.