Health & Safety Policy for Gardening Addiscombe

Purpose and scope: This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Gardening Addiscombe and related teams manage risks for garden maintenance, landscaping and groundskeeping work across the service area. The policy applies to all staff, contractors and visitors engaged in local gardening services and to activities performed by an Addiscombe gardening company operating in domestic and commercial settings. Its aim is to ensure that everyday garden work is delivered with safe systems of work, clear responsibilities and sensible precautions.

Our approach to safety emphasises prevention, training and the correct use of equipment. The gardening company in Addiscombe will undertake routine risk assessments before starting works, identify hazards such as manual handling, machinery, uneven ground and hazardous substances, and put in place proportionate controls. Staff are expected to follow safe practices and report unsafe conditions immediately so that risks are managed efficiently and effectively.

Responsibilities: Management has primary responsibility for implementing this policy, ensuring that adequate resources, training and supervision are available. Local gardeners in Addiscombe and subcontractors are responsible for following instructions, using personal protective equipment and participating in safety briefings. Everyone must cooperate with monitoring and incident reporting arrangements to maintain a safe working environment for clients and the team.

Risk assessments are carried out for every type of task carried out by gardening services Addiscombe teams. Assessments consider risks from machinery (mowers, strimmers, chainsaws), electrical tools, hazardous plant materials, traffic, working at height, and environmental factors like weather and wildlife. Controls include removing unnecessary hazards, using exclusion zones, and applying administrative measures such as task rotations to minimise repetitive strain.

Safe operating procedures: Standard operating procedures (SOPs) are maintained for high-risk tasks. These SOPs detail start-up checks, required PPE, emergency shutdown steps and appropriate storage for chemicals and fuels. All operatives are trained to follow these procedures, and supervisors conduct spot checks to ensure consistency across the Gardening Addiscombe estate of services.

Equipment inspection and maintenance are scheduled and recorded. Portable appliance testing, blade sharpening and fuel handling protocols reduce the chance of mechanical failure. Tools are only used for their intended purpose and guards or safety devices are never bypassed. When using power equipment, operators must ensure clear sightlines, stable footing and a safe distance from bystanders.

Staff training is central to the policy: induction training covers general safety expectations and specialist training addresses pesticide use, chainsaw operations and first aid. Ongoing refresher training helps maintain competence. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided and includes eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw trousers and high-visibility clothing as appropriate. The correct use of PPE is mandatory on site.

Chemical and waste handling: When herbicides, fertilizers or other chemicals are used, operatives follow product instructions and safe storage guidance. Chemical handling is minimised where possible; alternative horticultural methods are preferred. Waste materials, including green waste and hazardous residues, are segregated and disposed of responsibly to prevent environmental harm and reduce exposure risks.

Emergency procedures and incident reporting: Clear emergency procedures are in place for injuries, fire, fuel spills and extreme weather. First aid kits are carried on-site and designated first aiders are available on larger projects. All incidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported promptly, recorded and investigated so lessons can be learned and controls improved across the gardening company in Addiscombe and partner teams.

Monitoring and review: The effectiveness of safety arrangements is monitored through site inspections, toolbox talks and periodic audits. Performance indicators include training completion rates, incident trends and corrective actions taken. This H&S policy is reviewed at least annually or sooner after significant changes in work methods, equipment or legislation to ensure it remains relevant to the operations of Addiscombe gardening teams.

Key responsibilities are summarised below to support clarity and accountability:

• Management: provide resources, enforce safe systems and ensure compliance.
• Supervisors: carry out risk assessments, deliver briefings and monitor performance.
• Operatives: use PPE, follow SOPs and report hazards.
• All staff: engage in training and cooperate with investigations.

By maintaining a proactive safety culture, the gardening teams that operate under the Gardening Addiscombe banner can deliver high-quality landscape and garden services while protecting the health and wellbeing of staff, clients and the public. This policy serves as the foundation of that commitment and supports continuous improvement across all horticultural activities and local gardening services.