Gardeners Newham Health & Safety Policy

Policy statement: Gardeners Newham is committed to providing safe, healthy and efficient gardening services in Newham and surrounding areas. This health and safety policy outlines our approach to managing risks associated with lawn care, pruning, planting, landscaping and garden maintenance. It applies to all staff, contractors and volunteers engaged by our company and covers work on domestic and commercial properties. The aim is to prevent injury, ill health and damage to property and the environment while delivering reliable gardening services.

All employees and operatives are expected to follow the policy. Responsibilities are allocated to directors, supervisors and operatives to ensure compliance with statutory duties and safe working practices. The safety duties include carrying out risk assessments, providing information and training, maintaining equipment and conducting safety checks before, during and after work. Our approach balances practical on-site controls with ongoing staff development and communication.

Risk assessment and planning: Before work starts, the team conducts dynamic risk assessments and documents hazards. Typical hazards include sharp tools, powered equipment, hazardous substances such as pesticides and fuels, manual handling, slips, trips and falls, traffic and working at height from ladders or mobile platforms. Controls are proportionate to the task and may include exclusion zones, signage, using mechanical aids and allocating experienced staff to higher-risk tasks. Risk controls are reviewed if site conditions change or new hazards are identified.

Training, competence and supervision

Competence: All operatives receive induction training covering company safety rules, emergency procedures and correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE). We provide specific training for chainsaws, hedge trimmers, ride-on mowers and other powered equipment where required. Supervision is provided for apprentices and those unfamiliar with particular tasks. Refresher training is scheduled and competence is documented to ensure the Newham gardening team remains capable and confident in safe working methods.

We encourage a culture of continual improvement where the gardeners in Newham actively report near misses and hazards. Reporting enables corrective action and reduces the likelihood of repeat incidents. Supervisors carry out regular toolbox talks and site briefings to reinforce safe systems of work and to share lessons learned from incidents and inspections.

Personal protective equipment and clothing

PPE is provided and maintained by the company. Typical PPE includes safety boots, high-visibility clothing, gloves, eye and hearing protection and appropriate respiratory protection when handling dusts or sprays. Our operatives are required to wear PPE as specified in risk assessments. The company ensures replacement PPE is available and rejected if damaged or beyond useful life.

Safe use of machinery and tools: Powered equipment is inspected before use and maintained according to manufacturer guidance. Only trained personnel operate machinery, and lock-off procedures are used when cleaning or servicing equipment. Manual tools are kept sharp and in good repair to reduce effort and improve control. Fuel is handled in designated containers and stored safely to prevent spillage and ignition. Gardeners Newham emphasises safe refuelling practices and the avoidance of refuelling adjacent to ignition sources.

Manual handling controls include team lifting, use of trolleys and mechanical lifting aids for heavy items such as soil bags, paving slabs and planters. We plan tasks to limit repetitive lifting and sustained awkward postures. Operatives are trained in safe lifting techniques and encouraged to seek assistance where loads exceed safe limits. Where appropriate, mechanical options are considered to reduce physical strain and the risk of musculoskeletal injury.

Hazardous substances and environmental protection: The company uses chemicals and plant protection products only when necessary and in accordance with product instructions and COSHH principles. Material safety data sheets are held for all hazardous substances and employees are trained in correct mixing, application and disposal. Spillage kits are available on-site to manage accidental releases. We adopt environmentally responsible practices including proper disposal of green waste, oil and chemical containers to reduce pollution risk to soil and water.

Traffic management and site security: Where work takes place near roads or on client premises with vehicle movement, control measures are implemented to separate pedestrians, operatives and vehicles. Cones, signs and barriers are used to create safe working zones. Our teams liaise with site owners and clients to coordinate access and to protect the public from hazards. Vehicles and trailers are secured when unattended and transported loads are safely restrained to avoid spillages during transit.

Incident reporting and first aid: All incidents, injuries and near misses are recorded and investigated to identify root causes and prevent recurrence. First aid kits are available in vehicles and on-site; trained first aiders are identified within the crew. In emergencies, operatives follow established procedures to secure the area, administer first aid and summon professional assistance if required.

Monitoring, review and continual improvement: The policy is reviewed annually or after significant incidents or changes in working practice. Gardeners Newham conducts periodic audits and encourages staff input to maintain effective safety standards. Performance measures include training records, incident statistics and audit findings which contribute to action plans for improvement. This document is part of our commitment to high standards of safety for staff, clients and the community we serve.