Health & Safety Policy — Gardening Services Brockley
Welcome to the formal safety policy for Gardening Services Brockley. This document sets out our commitment to providing a safe working environment for all staff, clients and the public while delivering garden maintenance Brockley and related landscaping work. The policy applies to all gardening, groundskeeping, pruning, planting and small-scale landscaping operations carried out by the company, whether on private properties or communal spaces. Our aim is to reduce risk through planning, training and the sensible use of equipment and personal protective gear.Policy statement: We will take all reasonable steps to manage health and safety risks associated with our gardening and landscape services. Management will provide resources, instruction and supervision to ensure that employees, contractors and visitors are protected from harm. Every worker is expected to follow safe systems of work and to report hazards promptly. The company will regularly review arrangements to maintain a high standard of safety for Brockley gardening services and allied maintenance activities.
Scope and application: This safety policy covers routine and non-routine tasks such as hedge trimming, tree work where applicable, lawn mowing, pesticide application (where permitted), soil handling and operating power equipment. It is designed for both our mobile teams and any contracted specialists. The policy sets out key controls, including risk assessment procedures, first aid provision, waste management and public safety measures such as pedestrian segregation and signage. Key elements include:
- Pre-task risk assessment
- Safe operating procedures for machinery
- Use of PPE and safe handling of substances
Responsibilities and duties
Company management is responsible for implementing this health and safety policy for our Brockley gardening operations by ensuring adequate training, supervision and maintenance schedules. Managers must ensure that plant and equipment are serviced, that safe systems of work are documented, and that incident records are maintained. Employees are responsible for following instructions, wearing required protective equipment and stopping work if an unsafe situation arises. Subcontractors are expected to comply with our standards and to share information about hazards and controls.
Risk assessment and safe systems of work: All tasks must begin with a documented risk assessment. Assessments will identify hazards such as moving vehicles, unstable ground, overhead power lines, aggressive vegetation and chemical exposure. Controls will include exclusion zones, tool guards, mechanical aids for manual handling and clear emergency arrangements. Identified risks will be reduced to as low as reasonably practicable through a combination of elimination, substitution, engineering controls and administrative measures. Records of assessments and method statements will be kept on file.
Training, competence and personal protective equipment
We will ensure that all staff undertaking Brockley garden maintenance and landscaping work have appropriate training and supervision. Training covers safe use of machinery (mowers, strimmers, chainsaws where relevant), correct manual handling techniques, safe pesticide and fertilizer handling, and emergency first aid. Employees will be issued PPE including gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, high-visibility clothing and appropriate footwear. Competence will be assessed and rechecked periodically to confirm safe working practices.Equipment maintenance and safe use: Machinery and hand tools used in landscaping and gardening services must be maintained in a safe condition and inspected regularly. Pre-use checks are mandatory and any defects will be taken out of service until repaired. Fuel handling and storage will follow safe procedures to reduce fire risk. When operating powered equipment in public or residential areas, extra precautions will be taken to protect bystanders, including cordoning off work areas, using warning signs and employing a banksman when needed.
Incident reporting, first aid and emergency response: All accidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported immediately and recorded. A clear emergency plan will be in place for each job, identifying nearest first aid resources and procedures for contacting emergency services. Staff will receive instruction on incident reporting and the location of first aid kits on vehicles and premises. Regular drills and reviews will ensure readiness and effective response in the event of fire, serious injury or major hazard.
Environmental protection, waste and chemical safety: The company is committed to minimising environmental impact when performing gardening and landscaping work. Waste materials will be segregated and disposed of responsibly, soil and green waste handled to avoid contamination, and any use of herbicides or pesticides will follow manufacturer instructions and safety data sheets. Substances hazardous to health will be stored securely, with appropriate labelling and COSHH-style assessments to control exposure and prevent accidental release.
Working alone, traffic and interactions with the public: Special arrangements are in place for lone workers and for tasks adjacent to public highways. Lone workers will have check-in procedures and access to emergency contact systems. When working near roads, employees will use high-visibility clothing, traffic cones and signage to manage vehicle interactions. All teams will consider accessibility for clients and neighbours, ensuring paths and entrances are clear and cordoned where necessary to maintain public safety during operations.
Monitoring, review and continuous improvement: The health and safety policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner following an incident or significant operational change. Performance will be monitored through inspections, audits and incident analysis, with corrective actions implemented promptly. Staff consultation is central to improvement, encouraging reporting of hazards and suggestions for safer working methods. Records of training, maintenance, risk assessments and incidents will be retained to demonstrate compliance and to drive continual enhancement of our gardening services in Brockley and surrounding areas.
Commitment: The company regards health and safety as a core business value. We are committed to protecting employees, clients and the public while delivering high-quality garden care, maintenance and landscaping. This policy is supported by management and is communicated to all staff, with responsibilities and expectations clearly defined. By following these principles, Gardening Services Brockley aims to operate safely, sustainably and professionally.