Health and Safety Policy
At Gardeners Hackney, health and safety is a core part of how we plan, deliver, and review every gardening service. We aim to protect our team, our customers, visitors, and the public by working carefully, using suitable equipment, and maintaining safe standards at every site we attend. This policy applies to all gardening activities carried out by our business, including routine maintenance, planting, pruning, lawn care, hedge cutting, clearance work, and seasonal jobs.
Our Commitment
We are committed to providing a safe working environment and to taking reasonable steps to prevent accidents, injuries, and damage. We will identify hazards before work begins, assess the risks involved, and put appropriate control measures in place. We also expect everyone working on our behalf to follow safe procedures, use equipment correctly, and raise concerns if they notice unsafe conditions.
Responsibilities
Management is responsible for making sure staff are properly trained, work is planned safely, and tools and machinery are maintained in good condition. Team members are responsible for following instructions, using personal protective equipment when required, and reporting hazards, incidents, near misses, or faulty equipment as soon as possible. Customers and site occupants also play an important role by helping to keep work areas clear and by informing us of any known risks, such as buried services, fragile structures, pets, children, or restricted access.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working
Before starting work, we assess the site and the tasks to be completed. This includes checking for slippery surfaces, uneven ground, overhead hazards, sharp objects, traffic movement, poisonous plants, allergens, unsafe waste, and weather-related risks. Where necessary, work may be adjusted, delayed, or paused to protect everyone on site. We take care to use the right methods for the job and to avoid unnecessary strain, rushed work, or unsafe shortcuts.
Tools, Equipment, and Machinery
All tools and machinery must be suitable for the task and used only by trained or competent staff. Equipment is checked regularly for wear, damage, and safe operation. Defective items are removed from use until repaired or replaced. Cutting tools, powered equipment, and hand tools are handled with care and stored safely when not in use. Fuel, batteries, and other materials are managed responsibly to reduce the risk of fire, leaks, or contamination.
Personal Protective Equipment
Protective clothing and equipment may be required depending on the nature of the work. This can include gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, safety footwear, and weather-appropriate clothing. We expect all protective equipment to be worn and maintained correctly when issued or required by the task. If additional protection is needed, we will assess the job and provide suitable measures before work continues.
Site Safety and Public Protection
Many gardening jobs take place in shared or occupied spaces, so we take care to protect people nearby. Work areas may be marked or controlled where needed, and tools, waste, and materials are kept away from walkways and access points. We aim to minimise noise, dust, and disruption where practical. Special attention is given to driveways, entrances, communal areas, and locations with limited access so that residents, customers, and passers-by remain safe.
Incident Reporting and Emergency Response
Any accident, injury, dangerous occurrence, or significant near miss must be reported promptly so it can be reviewed and addressed. First aid provisions and emergency arrangements are kept appropriate to the work being carried out. If an emergency occurs, our team will act calmly, stop work if necessary, and seek help without delay. We will also cooperate with customers, property managers, and emergency services where needed.
Training, Review, and Continuous Improvement
We provide guidance and training to help staff work safely and confidently. This policy is reviewed regularly to make sure it remains suitable for our services, equipment, and working conditions. Where lessons are learned from incidents, customer feedback, or changes in practice, we update our procedures to improve safety and reduce risk. Our aim is to deliver reliable gardening services while maintaining high standards of care for people, property, and the environment.
