Gardener team preparing tools and safety gear in a garden

Health and Safety Policy — Gardener Gipsy Hill

This Health and Safety policy sets out the commitment of Gardener Gipsy Hill to maintain safe working practices across all gardening and grounds maintenance operations. The policy applies to managers, supervisors, employed horticulturists and contractors engaged by our Gipsy Hill gardening company. Our aim is to prevent injury, protect health, and reduce risks to property and the public while delivering high-quality gardening services in Gipsy Hill and surrounding service areas. Safety is integral to service delivery and is considered in every project from quotation through to completion.

Scope and purpose

This policy covers risk assessment, training, equipment operation, personal protective equipment (PPE), hazardous substances and waste management. It provides practical expectations for staff and subcontractors operating as a Gipsy Hill gardener or as part of the wider team. The policy is not an exhaustive compliance manual but a clear statement of principles and controls designed to be applied across domestic and commercial gardening assignments.

Supervisor reviewing a site-specific risk assessment document

Responsibilities

Management: set standards, provide resources and ensure inspections and reviews are completed.
Supervisors: carry out and record site-specific risk assessments, brief staff and ensure safe systems of work.
Operatives: follow instructions, use PPE correctly and report hazards or incidents immediately.

Risk assessment and safe systems of work

All jobs require a pre-start risk assessment identifying hazards such as uneven ground, slopes, underground services, overhead wires, mechanical equipment, pesticides and public access. The assessment will define control measures and a safe system of work, which may include exclusion zones, tool guards, traffic management and limits on working alone. Risk documents are retained and reviewed when conditions change.

Training session on PPE and machinery operation for gardeners

Training, competence and supervision

We ensure staff receive induction and role-appropriate training covering machinery operation, hand tools, ladder safety, first aid basics and manual handling. Ongoing competence is demonstrated through practical checks, supervision and refresher training. New or temporary operatives are supervised until assessed as competent. Supervision levels are adjusted according to task complexity and location of work.

Personal protective equipment and clothing

Employees and contractors must wear appropriate PPE: safety boots, gloves, eye and hearing protection, hi‑vis garments and protective trousers when using brushcutters or chainsaws. PPE is provided, maintained and replaced as necessary. Failure to wear required PPE is a disciplinary matter and a safety risk that must be corrected immediately.

Equipment, machinery and maintenance

All plant and tools are selected to meet task needs and are subject to routine inspections, pre-use checks and maintenance schedules. Only trained operatives use powered equipment such as mowers, ride-on machines, chainsaws and chippers. Fueling, charging and storage of batteries are undertaken in designated, ventilated areas with spill kits available. Lock-off and isolation procedures are enforced for repair and maintenance.

Spill kit and labelled chemical storage for garden products

Hazardous substances and waste

The safe use and storage of pesticides, fertilisers and other potentially hazardous products follow manufacturer guidance and labelling. Substances are stored securely in labelled containers and COSHH-type assessments are used to determine controls. Garden waste, green waste and chemical residues are segregated and disposed of in accordance with waste management best practice. Containers are never reused for food or drink.

Emergency procedures and first aid

Emergency arrangements include site-specific plans for serious injury, fire, chemical spill and extreme weather. First aid provisions are provided according to risk and crew size, with trained first aiders assigned where required. Incidents, near misses and medical treatments are reported and recorded promptly to support learning and prevention.

First aid kit and responder assisting an injured gardener

Accident reporting, monitoring and continual improvement

All accidents and near misses are reported through the company reporting system, investigated proportionally and actions tracked to completion. We monitor safety performance using key indicators such as incident frequency, inspection completion and training currency. Findings drive improvements to procedures, equipment selection and training programs.

Implementation, review and commitment

This policy is implemented through documented procedures, routine audits and employee engagement. Management will review the policy and associated procedures annually or sooner if there are changes in operations, legislation or following a significant incident. Our leadership team and all staff are committed to creating a safe working environment for everyone involved with the provision of gardening services in the Gipsy Hill area and nearby neighbourhoods. The duty of care is shared: safety depends on management systems and the practical commitment of every team member.

Signed and endorsed by company leadership — this policy represents the principles that guide our approach to health and safety and supports continuous improvement in the delivery of services by Gardener Gipsy Hill and affiliated teams.