Health & Safety Policy — Gardeners Surbiton

This document sets out the Health and Safety Policy for Gardeners Surbiton and related gardening teams operating across our service area. It defines the standards, responsibilities and procedures we apply to protect employees, clients, visitors and the public while delivering gardening and landscape services. The policy applies to all staff, contractors and temporary workers engaged in garden maintenance, soft landscaping, hard landscaping, pruning, and grounds management. Our aim is to promote a safe working culture where hazards are managed proactively and risks are reduced to a practical minimum.

Management Commitment and Responsibilities

Senior management takes overall responsibility for health and safety and will ensure adequate resources, training and supervision are available. Line managers and supervisors must implement the policy on site and monitor compliance. All workers, including subcontractors, share a responsibility to work safely and to report hazards without delay. The organisation will maintain clear communication channels so that safety matters are raised and acted upon promptly.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We carry out regular risk assessments for routine and non-routine tasks and use method statements where appropriate. Risk control measures are proportionate to the work and are reviewed when conditions or tasks change. Typical controls include:

• Task-specific risk assessments for machinery, ladders, and powered equipment.
• Segregation of work areas from members of the public and client property.
• Safe handling procedures for plants, soils and materials.
• Clear instructions for working at height, confined spaces and near water.

Training, Competence and Induction

All operatives receive a site induction and task-specific training. Ongoing training ensures that staff remain competent in using equipment, understanding hazard controls and recognising risks. Apprentices and new recruits will be supervised until they demonstrate safe working practices. We maintain training records and provide refresher sessions for critical skills such as pesticide application, chainsaw use and first aid.

PPE, Tools and Equipment Safety

Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided and must be worn where required. PPE includes gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, hi-vis clothing, steel-toe footwear and respiratory protection where dust or spray exposure occurs. Equipment is selected for suitability, inspected before use and maintained by qualified personnel. Defective tools are taken out of service immediately and tagged until repaired or replaced. Preventive maintenance schedules reduce the risk of breakdown and accidental injury.

Hazardous Substances and Waste Management

The safe use and storage of hazardous substances is a priority. Materials such as fuels, oils, pesticides and fertilisers are stored securely, labelled correctly and used in line with manufacturer guidance. We apply precautions to minimise environmental impact and ensure that waste materials are disposed of responsibly. Employees handling hazardous substances receive training and access to information on safe handling and first aid measures.

Site Operations, Vehicles and Traffic Management

Daily site planning includes traffic management to protect operatives and the public. Vehicles and trailers are driven and loaded safely; operators are trained and authorised for vehicle types they use. Mobile plant is operated only by competent personnel. Delivery, parking and loading are planned to reduce interaction with pedestrians and to keep footpaths and access routes clear.

Emergency Preparedness and Incident Reporting

We maintain clear procedures for emergencies, including fire, major injury, and hazardous releases. First aid provision is available on site as appropriate to task and risk. All accidents, near misses and safety concerns must be reported immediately and investigated to identify root causes and share lessons learned. Recording and learning from incidents helps prevent recurrence and drives continuous improvement. Prompt reporting also supports efficient support and recovery for affected people.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

The Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to operations, equipment or legislation. We monitor compliance through inspections, audits and analysis of incident data. Records of training, risk assessments, equipment checks and inspections are retained to demonstrate due diligence. Everyone working with or for Gardeners Surbiton is expected to contribute to a positive safety culture by following procedures, using provided controls and reporting concerns. Our commitment is to maintain effective safety standards that protect people and property while delivering high-quality gardening and landscaping services across the area.