Staff preparing equipment before starting garden maintenance

Health and Safety Policy — Gardener Brockley

Purpose: This policy sets out the commitment of Gardener Brockley to maintain safe working practices across all gardening and landscaping services. It applies to the whole team, contract workers and anyone affected by our operations. Our goal is to prevent injury, protect health and minimise risk while delivering high-quality grounds maintenance and garden care across our service area. Safety is an integral part of how we operate and an essential consideration for every job, from pruning to groundworks.

Scope and Responsibilities

This policy covers manual handling, use of tools and machinery, handling of chemicals, site access and public safety. Everyone engaged in work for Gardener Brockley must follow the policy: managers ensure implementation, supervisors monitor compliance and operatives follow safe systems of work. Visitors and homeowners should be informed of potential hazards when work commences. Key responsibilities include:

Management: maintain resources, training and risk assessments.
Supervisors: implement safe systems and monitor teams.
Operatives: work safely, use PPE and report hazards.

Team conducting a site risk assessment in a residential garden

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems

Every task must be assessed for risks before work begins. Risk assessments for garden maintenance, hedge cutting, tree works, fencing and grounds clearance are prepared and reviewed regularly. Control measures may include exclusion zones, use of appropriate tools, spotters for machinery and changes to working methods to reduce exposure to hazards. All assessments are proportionate to the task and available to all staff.

Training, Competence and Supervision

Gardener Brockley provides ongoing instruction and training to ensure competence with equipment such as strimmers, chainsaws, lawn mowers and chipper-shredders. New staff are inducted and receive on-site supervision until deemed competent. Refresher training and toolbox talks are held regularly to keep skills current and to communicate seasonal risks, e.g. heat exposure in summer or slippery conditions in winter.

Worker wearing PPE operating a garden chipper

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Equipment Safety

Operatives must wear the correct PPE for each task: high-visibility clothing, eye protection, gloves, hearing protection and cut-resistant garments where required. All plant and portable tools are inspected before use and maintained in a safe condition. Equipment safety checks are logged and faulty items are taken out of service until repaired. Batteries and fuel are stored safely and used in line with manufacturer guidance.

Safe Handling of Substances

We manage pesticides, fertilisers and other chemicals carefully. Substances are used only by trained staff and stored securely in labelled containers. Safety data sheets are available and control measures such as PPE, spray drift prevention and exclusion zones are used to protect operatives and the public.

First aid kit and emergency procedures displayed on a vehicle

Emergency Procedures and Incident Reporting

A clear protocol is in place for first aid, fire and other emergencies on site. First-aid kits are kept on vehicles and at main depots; personnel with first-aid training are identified on each team. All incidents, near misses and health concerns must be reported promptly so that corrective actions are taken and lessons learned. Recording incidents supports continuous improvement and ensures risks are reduced over time.

Public Safety and Site Management

When working in public areas we apply exclusion measures, signage and barriers where appropriate to safeguard passers-by. Traffic management is used for verge and roadside work. Vehicles and trailers are parked to minimise obstruction and placed with consideration for visibility and pedestrian routes. Neighbourly conduct and considerate working methods are central to how our Brockley-based gardening teams operate.

Supervisor delivering a toolbox talk to gardening crew

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

We regularly audit compliance with this health and safety policy and conduct reviews after any significant event, change of equipment or introduction of new work methods. Performance is measured through site inspections, toolbox talk attendance and maintenance records. The policy is reviewed at least annually and updated to reflect operational changes, new technology or improved best practice. Our commitment is to constantly improve the safety of gardening services in Brockley and surrounding areas while maintaining high standards of workmanship.

Policy Statement: Gardener Brockley is committed to providing a safe working environment. All employees and contractors will co-operate with safety arrangements and take reasonable care of themselves and others. This policy is supported by documented procedures, training, risk assessments and resource allocation to ensure that safety is a practical reality, not only a promise. By embedding these principles we aim to protect people, property and the environment while delivering reliable garden maintenance and landscaping services.

Signed on behalf of Gardener Brockley: The management team will ensure this policy is communicated, implemented and maintained as part of ongoing operations.