Gardeners Chessington Health and Safety Policy

Gardeners Chessington is committed to providing gardening and grounds maintenance services in a way that protects the health, safety and welfare of our employees, clients, visitors and members of the public. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks across all gardening and landscaping work we undertake.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health and damage to property by identifying, assessing and controlling risks associated with gardening tasks. We aim to continually improve our health and safety performance and to promote a positive safety culture throughout the company.

Management Responsibilities

Company management holds overall responsibility for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety Policy. Management will ensure that:

Health and safety responsibilities are clearly defined and communicated within the business. Suitable and sufficient risk assessments are completed for gardening and landscaping activities. Safe systems of work are developed, implemented and reviewed regularly. Employees receive appropriate training, instruction and supervision. All work equipment is suitable, properly maintained and used in accordance with manufacturer guidance. Adequate resources are provided to support health and safety standards.

Employee Responsibilities

Every employee of Gardeners Chessington has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work. Employees are required to:

Follow all safe working procedures and training provided. Use machinery, tools and materials only for their intended purpose and in a safe manner. Wear and correctly use all personal protective equipment provided. Report hazards, defects, incidents and near misses without delay. Cooperate with management in achieving a safe and healthy working environment.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Before starting any project, we assess the specific risks related to the site and the planned gardening tasks. This includes consideration of terrain, access, weather conditions, proximity to public areas, existing structures, plant species and the use of machinery or chemicals.

Based on these assessments, clear safe systems of work are established and communicated to the team. Where necessary, additional control measures are introduced, such as restricted access zones, signage, traffic management arrangements or adjustments to working methods.

Use of Tools, Machinery and Equipment

Gardeners Chessington uses a range of manual and powered equipment, including mowers, trimmers, hedge cutters and other specialist gardening tools. To ensure safe use:

Only trained and competent staff operate powered machinery. Pre use checks are carried out and recorded where appropriate. Defective or damaged equipment is taken out of service immediately and reported for repair or replacement. Manufacturer instructions are followed at all times. Safe distances are maintained from other workers, clients and the public while equipment is in use.

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment is supplied free of charge where required by risk assessment. This may include safety footwear, gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, high visibility clothing and respiratory protection for specific tasks.

Employees must wear the PPE specified for each job and are responsible for keeping it in clean and serviceable condition, reporting any loss or damage as soon as possible so that replacement items can be provided.

Manual Handling and Physical Work

Gardening often involves lifting, carrying, bending, digging and repetitive movements. To reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injury, we provide guidance on safe manual handling and encourage the use of mechanical aids such as trolleys and barrows wherever practical.

Loads are assessed before lifting, and team members are instructed to avoid lifting items that are excessively heavy or awkward without assistance. Work is planned to avoid unnecessary strain and to allow for breaks when carrying out physically demanding tasks.

Chemicals, Fertilisers and Hazardous Substances

Where gardening work requires the use of chemicals, fertilisers or other hazardous substances, we follow careful procedures to ensure safe storage, handling and application. Only trained and authorised personnel may use such products.

All substances are used in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and relevant safety data information. Measures are taken to prevent exposure to workers, clients, the public, pets and wildlife. Containers are clearly labelled and kept secure when not in use.

Environmental and Public Safety

We recognise our responsibility to protect the environment and the wider community while delivering gardening services. Work areas are kept tidy and organised to reduce the risk of trips, slips and falls. Tools and materials are stored safely, and access for clients, visitors and the public is maintained wherever possible.

Where work may affect public footpaths, driveways or shared spaces, we put appropriate warning signs and barriers in place, and we plan operations to minimise disruption and noise wherever reasonably practicable.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as possible. Details are recorded and investigated to identify underlying causes and to prevent recurrence.

Employees are briefed on emergency procedures, including actions to take in the event of fire, serious injury, chemical spillage or sudden changes in weather that make work unsafe. First aid provision is maintained and accessible at all times during operations.

Training, Communication and Consultation

Gardeners Chessington is committed to providing ongoing training so that staff remain competent and confident in working safely. Training may include induction sessions, equipment specific instruction, refresher courses and toolbox talks focused on particular risks.

We encourage open communication about health and safety matters and consult with employees when introducing new equipment, methods or procedures. Suggestions for improving safety performance are welcomed and considered as part of our continual improvement approach.

Policy Review

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated when necessary, including when there are changes in legislation, work practices, equipment or the nature of services provided. The latest version of the policy is made available to all employees and can be provided to clients on request.

By working together and following this policy, Gardeners Chessington aims to maintain a safe, healthy and professional environment for everyone involved in or affected by our gardening services.