Health and Safety Policy — Gardening Islington

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitment of Gardening Islington and associated teams to protect employees, clients, contractors and the public while delivering high-quality garden maintenance and landscaping services. The policy applies across our service area and covers routine maintenance, planting, pruning, soft landscaping and hard landscaping tasks. Our aim is to maintain a safe working environment through proactive risk management, clear responsibilities and continuous improvement.

We recognise that effective safety management is essential to sustainable grounds care. All staff and operatives are expected to work safely and follow instructions, and management will provide the resources, training and supervision necessary to meet this commitment. This policy is supported by documented procedures for risk assessment, safe systems of work, equipment maintenance and incident reporting.

Risk assessment and planning

Risk assessments are carried out before work begins on every site and for new activities. Assessments consider slip, trip and fall risks, manual handling, hazardous substances, traffic, plant and equipment, working at height and public interface. Controls are implemented to eliminate or reduce risk to an acceptable level. Planning includes allocation of competent staff, appropriate personal protective equipment and clear communication of hazards to clients and third parties.

Training and competence

Our workforce receives role-specific training, including induction, machinery operation, chainsaw and strimmer safety, pesticide application where required, and first aid awareness. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring staff demonstrate competence before unsupervised work. Records of training and qualifications are maintained and reviewed to ensure currency and suitability.

PPE requirements are clearly defined and provided to staff. Typical PPE includes hi-visibility clothing, gloves, safety boots, eye and hearing protection and appropriate respiratory protection when required. Supervisors ensure PPE is used consistently and equipment is inspected before use.

Maintenance of tools and machinery is scheduled and recorded. All powered equipment is serviced in line with manufacturer guidance and defected items are quarantined until repaired. Safe systems for refuelling, battery charging and transport of plant are enforced to reduce fire and fuel risk.

Manual handling and tool safety are managed through task-specific controls and mechanical aids where possible. Team lifts, mechanical trolleys and lifting equipment reduce physical strain. Hand tools are stored safely, inspected regularly and used for their intended purpose to prevent injury. Ladder work is minimised, and when unavoidable, ladders are risk assessed and used following safe work procedures.

Chemicals and substances used on site, such as fertilizers, pesticides and oils, are handled in accordance with appropriate handling information. Materials are stored securely in clearly labelled containers and relevant Safety Data Sheets are available. We apply safe re-entry intervals and controls to protect operatives and the public where treatments are necessary.

Waste management and environmental protection form part of our health and safety approach. Green waste, chemical containers and general refuse are separated and disposed of responsibly. Measures to protect wildlife, trees and soil are integrated into operational planning, with special consideration for pollution prevention and waterway protection.

Incident reporting and first aid arrangements are in place on every site. All incidents, near-misses and dangerous occurrences are reported, investigated and recorded to identify root causes and prevent recurrence. First aid kits and trained first aiders are available on site, and emergency procedures, including contact with emergency services, are clearly defined and rehearsed.

Contractor and sub-contractor management requires that all third parties working under our direction adhere to equivalent health and safety standards. Pre-engagement checks include verification of competence, insurances and compliance with this policy to ensure consistent standards across gardening and landscaping operations.

Key responsibilities are allocated across the organisation to ensure effective implementation:

• Management provides leadership, resources and performance monitoring.
• Supervisors implement procedures, risk assessments and training.
• Operatives follow safe systems of work and report hazards promptly.

Monitoring, audits and continuous improvement underpin our approach. Regular site inspections, safety audits and toolbox talks identify opportunities for improvement. Performance indicators such as incident frequency, training completion and corrective action closure rates are tracked and reviewed at management meetings to drive better outcomes.

Health surveillance and welfare considerations are included where roles expose staff to specific risks. Provision is made for breaks, hydration, sun protection and appropriate clothing to mitigate environmental hazards during seasonal work peaks.

This policy covers all gardening activities delivered by our teams within the operational area. It is supported by documented procedures, safe working instructions and site-specific risk assessments that together form our safety management system. The policy is owned by senior management who are accountable for its effectiveness and for ensuring the necessary resources are made available.

In conclusion, Gardening Islington and its workforce are committed to maintaining a safe, healthy and environmentally responsible service. We aim to reduce risks, protect everyone affected by our work and continually improve our safety performance. This policy is reviewed regularly and revised as operations, legislation and best practice evolve to ensure ongoing relevance and effectiveness.