Gardeners Preston Health and Safety Policy

Gardeners Preston is committed to providing gardening and grounds maintenance services in a manner that protects the health, safety and wellbeing of our clients, employees, contractors, visitors and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks, promoting safe working practices and complying with relevant health and safety legislation and guidance.

Policy Aims and Objectives

The aim of this policy is to ensure that all gardening activities carried out by Gardeners Preston are planned and delivered safely. Our objectives are to prevent injury and ill health, protect property and the environment, and continually improve our health and safety performance.

We will achieve these objectives by clearly defining responsibilities, assessing and controlling risks, providing appropriate information and training, and monitoring our standards on a regular basis.

Management Responsibilities

The management of Gardeners Preston has overall responsibility for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety Policy. Management will ensure that:

Suitable resources are made available for health and safety, including equipment, training and supervision. Risks associated with gardening work, machinery use, chemicals and access to sites are regularly assessed and controlled. Safe systems of work are developed, communicated and reviewed. All incidents, accidents and near misses are recorded, investigated and, where necessary, lead to improvements in our procedures. This policy is periodically reviewed and updated to reflect changes in legislation, guidance and our services.

Employee Responsibilities

Every employee 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 of Gardeners Preston are required to:

Follow all safe working procedures and instructions. Use machinery, tools, personal protective equipment and materials in accordance with training and guidance. Report hazards, defects, incidents and near misses promptly to management. Cooperate with investigations, safety inspections and additional control measures. Refrain from any behaviour that could compromise safety, including misuse of equipment or failure to follow agreed procedures.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Gardeners Preston will carry out regular risk assessments for all significant activities, including but not limited to lawn care, hedge cutting, tree work within our competence, planting, weed control, waste handling and use of powered equipment. These assessments will identify hazards, evaluate risks and determine appropriate control measures.

Where necessary, written method statements and safe systems of work will be developed. Staff will be briefed on these methods before work begins, and adjustments will be made if site conditions change or new hazards are identified.

Use of Tools, Machinery and Equipment

All tools and machinery used by Gardeners Preston will be suitable for their intended purpose and maintained in a safe condition. Regular inspections will be carried out and faulty equipment will be taken out of use until it is repaired or replaced.

Only trained and authorised personnel may operate powered equipment such as lawn mowers, strimmers, hedge trimmers, blowers and similar machinery. Guards, safety devices and manufacturer instructions must always be followed. Equipment will be transported and stored safely to reduce the risk of injury, damage or unauthorised use.

Chemicals, Fertilisers and Substances

Where Gardeners Preston uses horticultural chemicals, fertilisers or other potentially hazardous substances, we will assess the risks and follow appropriate control measures. This may include using less hazardous alternatives, limiting quantities, using personal protective equipment and ensuring good ventilation.

All such substances will be stored, mixed, applied and disposed of in line with product information and relevant guidelines. Clients and members of the public will be kept away from treated areas where necessary, and clear information can be provided on request about products used in their gardens.

Personal Protective Equipment

Gardeners Preston will provide suitable personal protective equipment where risks cannot be adequately controlled by other means. This may include gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, safety footwear, high visibility clothing, respiratory protection and weather-appropriate workwear.

Employees are required to use personal protective equipment as instructed and to report any damage or defects so that items can be repaired or replaced promptly.

Protection of Clients, Visitors and the Public

When working at client properties or other sites, Gardeners Preston will take steps to protect clients, visitors and members of the public. This includes planning work to minimise disruption, clearly identifying work areas, using barriers or signs when appropriate and maintaining safe access routes.

Tools, machinery, materials and waste will be kept tidy and secure to prevent trips, falls and unauthorised interference. Particular care will be taken where children, pets or vulnerable individuals may be present.

Manual Handling and Ergonomics

Many gardening tasks involve lifting, carrying, bending and repetitive movements. Gardeners Preston will reduce the risk of injury by assessing manual handling tasks, using mechanical aids where practical, and planning work to avoid unnecessary strain.

Employees will receive guidance on safe lifting techniques and are expected to ask for assistance when moving heavy or awkward loads. Work will be organised to allow for appropriate rest breaks and variation in tasks where possible.

Training, Information and Supervision

Gardeners Preston will provide employees with appropriate induction and ongoing training relevant to their roles and responsibilities. This may include training in equipment use, safe systems of work, first aid awareness, manual handling, chemical safety and emergency procedures.

Supervision will be proportionate to the nature of the task, the experience of staff and the risks involved. New or inexperienced employees will be supported and monitored to ensure that safe working practices are understood and followed.

Accidents, Incidents and First Aid

All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences involving Gardeners Preston staff or activities must be reported without delay so that appropriate action can be taken. Records of such events will be maintained and used to identify trends and areas for improvement.

Suitable first aid arrangements will be in place for our work, including access to first aid kits and trained personnel where required. Where an incident involves a client, visitor or member of the public, we will act promptly, provide assistance and follow up as necessary.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Gardeners Preston recognises that outdoor work is affected by weather and environmental conditions. We will assess risks arising from heat, cold, rain, wind, ice and reduced visibility, and adjust work activities accordingly. This can include rescheduling tasks, using additional protective clothing or equipment, and limiting exposure in extreme conditions.

Care will also be taken to avoid damage to property, wildlife and existing planting, and to manage waste in a safe and responsible way.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy will be monitored regularly to ensure it remains effective and relevant to the services provided by Gardeners Preston. Management will review the policy periodically, and whenever there are significant changes in legislation, industry guidance, work activities or organisational structure.

Feedback from employees and clients is welcomed and will be considered in the ongoing development of our health and safety arrangements. Gardeners Preston is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance across all gardening and grounds maintenance work.