Health & Safety Policy for Gardeners Tufnell Park

Gardeners Tufnell Park and associated gardening teams are committed to protecting the health, safety and welfare of our staff, clients and the public while delivering professional gardening services in Tufnell Park. This policy sets out our approach to hazard identification, risk control and safe working practices across all routine and non-routine activities. Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health and property damage by ensuring everyone understands their role and follows agreed procedures.

Scope, responsibilities and commitment

All employees, contractors and sub-contractors engaged by Tufnell Park gardeners must comply with this policy. Management will provide adequate resources, training and supervision to maintain a safe working environment. Site supervisors have specific duties to monitor compliance; team members must report hazards and participate in safety briefings. We expect clients and third parties to cooperate where their actions affect site safety. This document applies to tree work, lawn care, planting, hedge cutting, pest control and landscape maintenance across the service area.

Key responsibilities include:

• Employer: ensure safe systems of work, maintenance of tools and provision of PPE.
• Supervisors: conduct risk assessments, toolbox talks and immediate corrective actions.
• Employees: follow safe working methods, wear PPE and report incidents.

Risk assessment, safe systems and controls

Before work starts, a recorded risk assessment is completed for the gardening services Tufnell Park job type. Assessments consider public access, overhead and underground services, manual handling, use of machinery, chemical use and environmental protection. Controls are implemented following the hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative controls and personal protective equipment. All staff are trained to recognise hazards and apply safe systems of work when operating strimmers, mowers, chainsaws and other powered equipment.

Personal protective equipment (PPE), training and competence are central to our approach. PPE issued may include safety boots, high-visibility clothing, eye and hearing protection, chainsaw trousers and gloves. Training covers safe use of equipment, first aid, manual handling, pesticide application where licensed operatives are required and working safely near pedestrians and traffic. Refresher training is provided regularly and competence checks are recorded in staff files.

Tool and machinery maintenance reduces risk. A routine inspection schedule and maintenance log ensure that mowers, blowers, chainsaws and other equipment are serviced by competent technicians. Faulty equipment is removed from service until repaired. Fuel, batteries and cutting tools are stored and transported following safe procedures to minimise spillage and fire risk. Electrical equipment is PAT tested where applicable and extension leads are treated as trip hazards until properly routed.

Environmental, waste handling and chemical safety are addressed in this policy. We apply the principles of waste minimisation and responsible disposal. Green waste is composted or removed via approved waste carriers; chemical use is minimised and only undertaken with appropriate COSHH assessments and licensed operators where required. Spill kits are carried when transporting liquids and staff are trained in containment measures. Where habitats or protected species may be affected, work is planned to avoid ecological harm and to comply with conservation considerations.

Emergency preparedness and incident reporting are mandatory. All teams carry a basic first-aid kit and know the procedure for contacting emergency services. Incidents, near misses and property damage are recorded, investigated and used to prevent recurrence. Records of risk assessments, training, inspections and incidents are kept for review and audit. We use these records to improve performance and to adapt safe working methods as site conditions change.

Monitoring, review and continuous improvement underpin the safety culture of the Tufnell Park gardening operation. Senior management reviews this policy annually or sooner after a significant incident or change in legislation. Performance indicators include incident rates, audit findings and staff competence checks. We encourage a proactive approach where staff raise concerns and suggest improvements. By working together, clients, employees and contractors help deliver a safe, reliable and professional garden maintenance and landscaping service across the service area.