Health & Safety Policy for Gardening Services East Ham

This Health and Safety policy sets out the commitment of Gardening Services East Ham and affiliated teams to maintain a safe working environment for employees, contractors and the public. The policy applies to all garden maintenance, landscaping, and groundskeeping activities carried out across our service area, and it is designed to be practical, clear and compliant with best practice. Our aim is to prevent injury and ill health through robust procedures, clear responsibilities and continuous monitoring.

The scope covers routine operations including hedge trimming, lawn care, planting, pruning, tree works, hard landscaping and waste disposal. This policy applies to full-time staff, seasonal workers and subcontractors engaged by the gardening company. Each member of staff is expected to familiarise themselves with the policy, participate in training and follow safe systems of work. Risk awareness, correct tool use and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) form the backbone of our daily safety approach.

Responsibilities are allocated at every level. Management will ensure that

• relevant risk assessments are completed and kept current; • adequate resources are provided for safety controls; and • training and supervision are available. Employees have a duty to act safely, report hazards and incidents, and use PPE provided. Supervisors will perform site-specific briefings and maintain records of competency checks. Everyone has a role in preventing accidents and preserving health.

Safe Working Procedures and Risk Management

Hazard identification and control is delivered through documented risk assessments for each type of activity carried out by our East Ham gardening teams. Assessments consider manual handling, working at height, electrical equipment, fuel and chemical storage, biological hazards (e.g., sharp plants, animal waste) and traffic management for roadside or communal estates. Controls include elimination, substitution, engineering and administrative measures together with PPE such as gloves, eye protection, hearing protection and high-visibility clothing.

We use a hierarchy of control for task planning: firstly avoiding the hazard where possible; secondly using safer equipment or techniques; thirdly isolating risk with guards, barriers or signage; and finally, ensuring suitable PPE and supervision. Equipment checks are undertaken before use, and service schedules are maintained for powered tools and vehicles. Pre-start inspections and daily tool checks reduce the risk of mechanical failure on site.

Training is a continuous requirement. Staff receive induction training, job-specific coaching and refresher sessions on subjects such as safe mower operation, chainsaw awareness, COSHH basics for common horticultural products, manual handling and first aid. Records of training and competence assessments are kept on file. Competence means the right mix of skill, knowledge and attitude to work safely.

Incident Reporting, Emergency Procedures and Health Controls

Accidents and near-misses must be reported immediately to the on-site supervisor and recorded in our incident register. Investigation follows to identify root causes and to implement corrective actions. Emergency procedures include clear arrangements for first aid, emergency contact protocols and rapid access to medical services when required. Flooding, severe weather or unexpected hazards trigger a site-specific review and may lead to suspension of works until safety can be assured.

Our occupational health approach recognises the importance of manual handling prevention, noise exposure control, sun protection for outdoor staff and measures to reduce exposure to hazardous substances used in horticulture. We encourage reporting of health concerns such as dermatitis, respiratory symptoms or musculoskeletal pain so that adjustments can be made promptly.

Monitoring and review are essential. The policy is reviewed at regular intervals and after significant incidents or operational changes. Key performance indicators include incident frequency, number of completed risk assessments, training completion rates and audit outcomes. Routine site audits and toolbox talks maintain awareness and drive continuous improvement. Proactive monitoring helps prevent complacency and ensures adherence to safe working standards.

Equipment, Vehicles and PPE

All powered equipment and vehicles used by our gardening teams are subject to documented maintenance schedules and operator checks. Safe systems govern fuel handling, storage of sharp tools and secure carriage of materials. Vehicle loading and off-loading procedures are defined to prevent manual handling injuries and incidents during transit. Protective equipment is selected to match the task and must be worn at all times when required.

Supplied PPE includes protective footwear, gloves suitable for horticultural tasks, eye and ear protection, respirators where dust or spray risk exists and weather-appropriate clothing. Staff are trained in correct selection, use and care of PPE, and disposable items are disposed of responsibly in line with waste management procedures. PPE is the last line of defense, not the only control.

Contractors and temporary staff are expected to comply with company safety standards and must provide evidence of suitable training and insurance where applicable. Supervision and induction ensure temporary workers understand site-specific risks and controls before starting work.

Commitment and Review

The management team endorses this policy and will allocate resources necessary for implementation. We commit to regular review, continuous improvement and transparent communication about health and safety matters. Performance will be reported internally and used to promote best practice across all garden care and landscaping services.

By following this policy, our gardening company operating in and around East Ham will protect its workforce, clients and the public whilst delivering high-quality outdoor services. Each person is responsible for contributing to a safe workplace by following procedures, participating in training and reporting hazards without delay.

Signed and endorsed by senior management — this document is effective as of the date of issue and will be reviewed annually or sooner when circumstances require. Safety is everyone’s responsibility and forms an integral part of how we operate every day.