Gardener preparing tools and safety gear before starting work

Health and Safety Policy — Gardening Chingford

Our objective is to provide a safe working environment for everyone involved in garden maintenance and landscaping across our service area. This Health and Safety policy sets out how Gardening Chingford and affiliated teams manage risk, maintain standards and ensure safe delivery of gardening services in Chingford and nearby communities. The policy applies to routine garden care, seasonal projects, equipment operation and customer site visits, and it reflects a commitment to continual improvement and legal compliance without delving into statutory detail.

Scope, Commitment and Leadership

The company leadership accepts overall responsibility for safety and will ensure adequate resources, training and supervision are provided. All staff, sub-contractors and supervisors must follow the policy and take reasonable care for their own safety and that of others. Managers will: establish safe systems of work, review risk assessments and enforce controls. Employees are expected to report hazards, attend briefings and use protective equipment as required. This policy supports good practice for small and large sites alike.

Risk assessment checklist and protective equipment laid out

Risk Assessment and Control Measures

Risk assessments are carried out before work starts and reviewed when conditions change. Typical hazards include power tools, chemicals (fertilisers, herbicides), manual handling, working at height (trees, hedges), traffic and sharp objects. Control measures include:

Using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, eye protection and hearing protection;
Implementing safe work methods for trimming, pruning and mowing;
Segregating pedestrian access from work zones and using clear signage on busy sites.

These precautions form the backbone of safe gardening operations and reduce the likelihood of incidents during garden maintenance or landscaping projects.

Safe Working Procedures and Permits

All tasks have documented safe operating procedures adapted for different environments — from small residential gardens to communal green spaces. High-risk activities, such as tree work, confined space access or pesticide application, require additional controls and documented permits. Supervisors must ensure that equipment is suitable for the task and that transport and storage of materials are secure. Work planning includes consideration of weather, access, underground services and public interactions.

Training session for gardening crew on machine safety

Training, Competency and Communication

Training is essential for competence in gardening roles. Staff receive induction, task-specific training and refresher sessions; training records are maintained. Practical competence covers machinery operation, safe use of handheld tools, manual handling techniques and spill response. Regular toolbox talks and pre-start briefings ensure teams understand hazards and control measures. Communication extends to customers on-site where we explain safety boundaries and any temporary disruptions that may affect household members or visitors.

Equipment, Maintenance and Inspection

All power tools, mowers, chainsaws and lifting equipment are subject to routine inspection and maintenance. Faulty or worn equipment is removed from service until repaired. Fuel and chemicals are stored in labelled containers and secure areas away from public access. Battery charging and electrical safety follow manufacturer guidance. Records of inspections and maintenance form part of our audit trail and are available for internal review.

Emergency Preparedness and First Aid

Emergency procedures are established for incidents such as injury, severe allergic reaction, fire or fuel spill. Staff are trained in basic first aid, with designated first aiders on duty for larger projects. Emergency contacts and site-specific instructions are included in the pre-start briefing. In addition to immediate first aid, incidents are recorded and investigated to prevent recurrence. Clear routes for emergency vehicle access are maintained where practical during operations.

Worker wearing PPE and using pruning tools in a garden

PPE, Manual Handling and Environmental Care

PPE selection is task-driven and may include high-visibility clothing, cut-resistant gloves, hard hats and protective footwear. Manual handling controls aim to reduce lifting injuries through team lifts, mechanical aids and safe handling training. We also emphasise environmental protection: waste green material is handled responsibly, non-essential chemical use is minimised and pollinator-friendly choices are encouraged. These measures reflect our duty to protect people and the urban green environment.

Supervisor reviewing safety checklist with team

Monitoring, Reporting and Continuous Improvement

Incidents, near misses and observations are logged, reviewed and acted upon. Regular audits assess compliance with this policy and identify improvement opportunities. Management reviews the policy periodically to reflect operational changes, new technology or updated best practice. By embedding a culture of safety, Gardening Chingford (and our teams delivering garden services locally) aim to maintain high standards while delivering reliable, professional and safe outcomes for clients and staff. We commit to training, transparent reporting and proactive risk management to protect everyone involved in our work.