Health & Safety Policy — Gardeners Catford

We, Gardeners Catford, commit to delivering safe, reliable gardening services across our service area while protecting employees, clients, visitors and the environment. This policy sets out our approach to managing risks, training staff and ensuring safe operations for a professional gardening company Catford. It applies to all routine maintenance, landscaping projects and seasonal work carried out by Catford gardeners and contracted teams.

Scope, responsibilities and management

All staff and subcontractors must understand their responsibilities. Senior management will provide resources and oversight, supervisors will ensure compliance on site, and all operative teams are required to work safely. The policy covers job planning, risk assessment, use of machinery and tools, personal protective equipment (PPE), chemical handling and communication with clients. Our aim is to minimise harm and promote a positive safety culture across every gardening service we deliver.

Risk assessments are completed before work starts and reviewed during changing conditions. Key controls are recorded and communicated to teams. Our practical controls include:

• Site-specific risk assessment and method statements;
• Mandatory use of PPE such as gloves, eye protection and safety boots;
• Regular equipment inspection and maintenance schedules.

Safe working practices and plant use

Operatives using mowers, chainsaws, shredders and other powered equipment must be trained and authorised. We maintain an inventory of powered plant and ensure service logs are kept up to date. Working near boundaries, slopes or public footpaths requires additional controls, exclusion zones and, where necessary, traffic management. All powered tools are fitted with safety guards and operators follow manufacturers' guidelines.

Handling of pesticides and fertilisers follows strict protocols: COSHH-style control measures, secure storage and clear labelling are used. Waste management and removal are arranged to prevent contamination. We emphasise environmental stewardship in routine operations and larger landscaping projects undertaken by this Catford gardening company.

Emergency procedures and first aid arrangements are in place at every site. First aid kits, communication devices and escalation paths are available for teams. In the event of an incident we will:

• Provide immediate first aid and secure the scene;
• Report the incident internally and, where required, follow statutory reporting procedures;
• Investigate and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Staff competence and training are essential. We operate a structured induction and ongoing training programme for Catford gardeners and seasonal operatives, including safe use of equipment, hazardous substance handling and manual handling techniques. Records of qualifications and training are maintained and reviewed to ensure currency and compliance with best practice.

Vehicle, site and client property safety are priorities for our teams. Vehicles used for gardening services Catford are loaded, secured and operated safely. Site set-up includes safe access, clear signage and communication with clients about hazards such as underground services or fragile surfaces. We respect client property and take precautions to avoid damage while carrying out landscape maintenance or installations.

Environmental protection measures help us reduce waste and pollution risks. Procedures include appropriate segregation of green waste, responsible disposal of chemicals and careful water use. Waste reduction and recycling are promoted wherever possible by this gardening services Catford provider, ensuring sustainable operations and minimal environmental impact.

Monitoring, audit and continual improvement form part of our safety management. Routine audits, toolbox talks and site inspections identify opportunities to improve safety performance. We review incidents, near-misses and client concerns and update controls accordingly. Performance metrics include training completion rates, inspection outcomes and incident trends.

Contractors and subcontractors are expected to meet the same standards as our directly employed teams. Prior to engagement, we verify competence, insurance and safety records. Work permits, site briefings and supervision are used for higher-risk activities to ensure consistent safety performance across all parties involved.

Implementation and policy review: This document is endorsed by senior management and is reviewed periodically to reflect operational changes, new legislation and industry best practice. All staff are encouraged to contribute to safety improvements, report hazards and follow the controls outlined here. Our commitment as a gardening company in Catford is to maintain a safe working environment that protects people, property and the environment while delivering high-quality horticultural services.