Health & Safety Policy — Gardeners Earls Court

Purpose: This Health and Safety policy outlines how Gardeners Earls Court and associated teams manage risks while delivering gardening services across our local service area. It sets out our commitment to protect employees, clients, visitors and the public through clear procedures, training and safe work practices. Our focus is to prevent harm while maintaining high standards of horticultural workmanship.

Scope and applicability

The policy applies to all Earls Court gardening staff, contractors, subcontractors and temporary workers engaged by the company. It covers routine garden maintenance, landscaping, hedge trimming, tree pruning, seasonal planting and soft landscaping operations performed on domestic and light-commercial sites within our operational area. The approach is practical and scalable to different site sizes and conditions.

Policy statement

We will comply with relevant health and safety standards and promote a culture where no one is injured, and environmental risks are managed responsibly. The company will provide resources, equipment and training to ensure tasks are carried out safely. All employees have a duty to follow safe systems of work and to report hazards immediately to supervisors or the designated safety lead.

Responsibilities are allocated as follows: senior management will maintain this policy and ensure regular review; supervisors will implement procedures and conduct risk assessments; operatives will follow controls and use personal protective equipment. Everyone is expected to cooperate and contribute to a safe working environment.

Risk assessment is central to our safety management. Before starting work at any site a dynamic risk assessment will be completed, identifying hazards such as slopes, underground services, traffic, weather conditions and hazardous substances. Control measures will be recorded and communicated to the team so that work proceeds with documented safe systems.

Training and competence: All staff will receive induction training, job-specific instruction and periodic refresher training. Training covers manual handling, use of hand tools, powered equipment, ladder safety, pesticide awareness and emergency procedures. Competence is assessed and only authorised personnel will operate specialist plant and machinery.

Safe work practices

Our operational controls include the use of appropriate PPE (gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, hi-vis clothing, foot protection), correct lifting techniques and safe tool handling. Equipment is inspected before use and maintained according to manufacturer guidance. Any defective items are removed from service until repaired or replaced.

Chemicals and pesticides: When plant protection products or chemicals are necessary, we will use COSHH-type controls: risk assessments, safe storage, correct dilution/use records and secure transport. Only trained staff will apply chemicals and they will use appropriate protective clothing. Environmental considerations such as runoff and non-target exposure are always addressed.

Public and site safety: Where work affects public areas we will implement barriers, signage and exclusion zones to protect passersby. Traffic management plans are used for roadside works and we will coordinate with site owners to ensure utilities are identified and protected. Noise, dust and debris will be controlled to minimise disturbance.

Incident reporting and emergency response

All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported promptly using the company reporting process. Incidents will be investigated to identify root causes and to prevent recurrence. First aid equipment and trained personnel are available on worksites and emergency procedures are communicated to teams before work begins.

Contractors and visitors on site must follow our safety instructions and report hazards. We maintain an emergency contacts list for critical services and have procedures for medical emergencies, fire and significant environmental incidents. Records of all incidents and corrective actions are retained as part of continual improvement.

Monitoring, review and continual improvement: The policy is reviewed at least annually or after significant changes, incidents or legislative developments. Regular site inspections and toolbox talks will monitor compliance and encourage worker involvement. We aim to learn from experience and adopt best practices in grounds maintenance and landscape care.