Garden Maintenance Norbiton - Health & Safety Policy

This Health and Safety policy outlines the commitment of Garden Maintenance Norbiton and its team to provide a safe working environment for staff, clients and the public. The purpose of this document is to set clear responsibilities, describe safe working procedures for garden care in Norbiton and neighbouring areas, and establish a framework for continual improvement. All employees, subcontractors and temporary workers engaged in garden upkeep and gardening services in Norbiton are required to read, understand and comply with these provisions.

Our aim is to manage risks associated with garden maintenance operations including machinery use, chemical handling, manual handling, working at height and public access to working sites. The policy applies across our service area and covers routine maintenance, seasonal work, landscaping projects and hedge/tree work. Adherence to this policy is mandatory and forms part of induction, daily toolbox talks and ongoing competence checks.

Responsibilities and Roles

Management will ensure systems are in place to identify hazards, assess risks and implement controls. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring staff receive appropriate training, personal protective equipment (PPE) and written instructions for tasks. All operatives undertaking garden maintenance tasks, whether on domestic or commercial sites, have a duty to follow safe working procedures, report hazards, and use issued PPE correctly. Visitors and clients must be informed of hazards at the start of any works on their property.

The company will maintain records of training, qualifications and equipment checks for Norbiton gardeners and staff involved in garden care. Regular reviews will identify training needs for use of power tools, ride-on mowers, chainsaws, and other mechanical equipment. Staff must not operate equipment for which they are not trained and authorised.

Risk Management and Safe Systems of Work

Risk assessments will be carried out before commencing any job to determine hazards and appropriate controls. Control measures include task-specific safe systems, use of PPE such as gloves, eye protection and hearing protection, and implementation of exclusion zones where machinery is in use. The company promotes the hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls and PPE as the last resort.

Safe systems include pre-start equipment checks, clear client briefings, traffic management plans for roadside work and measures to protect the public and pets. Manual handling plans will be prepared for heavy lifting tasks and mechanical aids used where practicable to reduce risk of injury. Specific procedures are in place for working at height, tree surgery activities and use of chemical products.

Chemical safety and environmental protection are integral to our garden maintenance services. All pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers will be used only by trained staff, stored securely and applied in accordance with product guidance and risk assessments. Spill kits and containment measures are provided to minimise environmental harm. Waste materials, including green waste and hazardous residues, will be disposed of responsibly at authorised facilities.

The following list summarises critical controls for safe gardening operations:

• Pre-job risk assessment and clear task assignment
• Competent, trained operators for powered and specialist equipment
• Appropriate PPE issued and worn at all times
• Exclusion zones and public protection where required
• Secure storage and safe handling of chemicals

Incident Reporting, First Aid and Emergency Procedures: All incidents, near misses and injuries must be reported immediately to a supervisor and logged. First aid kits are provided on-site or in vehicles, and trained first aiders are allocated within teams. Emergency procedures include prompt notification of emergency services where required, securing the scene and preserving evidence for investigation.

Periodic audits and site inspections will be carried out to ensure compliance with this policy. Accident investigation seeks to identify root causes and to implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Records of incidents and remedial actions are retained and reviewed at management meetings to drive improvements in safety for our Norbiton garden maintenance operations.

Lone Working, Welfare and Wellbeing: Where staff work alone, particularly on smaller garden maintenance visits, the company requires check-in procedures, mobile communication and risk mitigation interventions. Welfare arrangements, including access to drinking water, rest breaks, and shelter from extreme weather are provided to protect health. Mental health and wellbeing are recognised as important; staff are encouraged to report stressors and seek support through internal channels.

Review and continuous improvement are core to lasting safety performance. This policy will be reviewed annually or following significant incidents, operational changes or new legislation affecting garden care Norbiton-wide. Management will consult staff on health and safety matters and incorporate feedback into revisions. The policy is supported by documented procedures, safe operating instructions and training records available to all employees on request.

Implementation: All staff and contractors engaged in garden maintenance services in Norbiton are required to familiarise themselves with this policy and to attend mandatory training sessions. Supervisors will monitor adherence during daily operations and through periodic spot checks. Where breaches occur, the company will apply proportionate corrective action, including retraining or disciplinary measures, to maintain a safe working culture.

By maintaining clear responsibilities, robust risk assessments, and practical controls, Norbiton garden maintenance teams will deliver safe, efficient and environmentally responsible services. Commitment to safety protects people, property and the environment while supporting high-quality gardening and landscaping outcomes across our service area.