Gardeners Ham Health and Safety Policy

Gardeners Ham is committed to providing gardening and grounds care services in a way that protects the health, safety and welfare of our employees, contractors, clients, visitors and members of the public. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks arising from our work in gardens, outdoor spaces and related environments.

Policy aims and responsibilities

The aim of this policy is to prevent injury, ill health and damage to property arising from our activities. We will comply with relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry guidance for horticultural and grounds maintenance work.

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who will provide leadership, resources and monitoring to ensure this policy is implemented and reviewed regularly. Supervisors are responsible for day-to-day application of the policy on site, including briefing staff, checking equipment and ensuring that safe systems of work are followed.

All employees and contractors must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must co-operate with the company by following safety instructions, using protective equipment correctly and reporting hazards, near misses and incidents promptly.

Risk assessment and planning

Before work begins at a garden or outdoor site, we will assess the risks associated with the planned tasks, the environment and any specific client requirements. This may include considering terrain, access routes, slopes, water features, existing structures, underground services, planting schemes, wildlife and the potential presence of children, pets or the general public.

We will use the findings of risk assessments to plan methods of work that minimise the likelihood of accidents and ill health. Where significant risks are identified, control measures will be implemented, such as adjusting work methods, using specialist equipment or applying additional supervision.

Risk assessments will be reviewed when there are changes to the work, equipment, team composition or site conditions, or after any incident that reveals shortcomings in existing controls.

Training, competence and supervision

Gardeners Ham will ensure that all personnel carrying out gardening, landscaping or maintenance tasks are competent to do so. We will provide appropriate induction, on-the-job instruction and, where required, formal training and certification for specific tools, machinery and techniques.

Topics may include manual handling, safe use of machinery, working at height, use of chemicals, emergency procedures and client site rules. Refresher training will be arranged as necessary to maintain competence and awareness.

Work will be supervised proportionately to the level of risk and the experience of the individuals involved. New or inexperienced staff will receive closer supervision until they demonstrate the required level of competence.

Safe use of equipment and machinery

Our gardening and grounds maintenance activities involve the use of powered and non-powered tools, machinery and vehicles. Gardeners Ham will provide equipment that is suitable for the intended task, properly maintained and inspected at appropriate intervals.

Only trained and authorised personnel may operate machinery such as lawn mowers, strimmers, hedge trimmers, chainsaws, blowers and any other powered equipment. Safety devices, guards and covers must not be removed or bypassed. Defective or damaged equipment must be taken out of use immediately and reported so that repairs or replacements can be arranged.

Tools and machinery will be stored, transported and handled safely to prevent injuries, leaks or damage. Fuel and lubricants will be used and stored according to manufacturer instructions and in a way that minimises fire and environmental risks.

Chemicals, soils and biological hazards

Where gardening tasks involve the use of fertilisers, pesticides, herbicides, cleaning products or other substances that could pose a risk to health or the environment, we will follow product safety data and apply suitable control measures. This may include using personal protective equipment, restricting access to treated areas and clear labelling.

We recognise that soils, composts, mulches, plant material and water features can present biological hazards such as moulds, bacteria and allergens. Staff will be trained to recognise potential risks and to use good hygiene practices, including hand washing, covering cuts and using appropriate protective gloves, masks or eye protection where necessary.

Personal protective equipment

Gardeners Ham will provide or specify personal protective equipment that is suitable for the tasks undertaken and the risks identified. Depending on the work, this may include protective footwear, gloves, eye and hearing protection, respiratory protection, high-visibility clothing and weather-appropriate outerwear.

Employees are responsible for using the protective equipment provided, looking after it, and reporting any loss, damage or defects so that replacements can be arranged. Personal protective equipment is considered a last line of defence and will be used alongside other control measures, not as a substitute for safe systems of work.

Working environment and public safety

We will organise our work to reduce risks from slips, trips and falls, including maintaining tidy work areas, managing cables and hoses, and keeping access paths clear wherever possible. Extra care will be taken when working on uneven ground, slopes, wet surfaces or near water features such as ponds and streams.

When working in residential gardens, shared outdoor spaces or public areas, we will take reasonable steps to protect clients, neighbours, visitors and passers-by. This may include using barriers or signs, controlling access to work zones, timing noisy or disruptive tasks considerately and safely managing vehicle movements and deliveries.

Health, welfare and wellbeing

Gardeners Ham recognises that gardening and outdoor work can be physically demanding and can involve exposure to weather, sunlight and seasonal changes. We will encourage safe working practices that reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries, heat or cold stress, dehydration, sun exposure and fatigue.

Staff will be advised to take adequate rest breaks, stay hydrated, use sun protection and dress appropriately for weather conditions. Any health concerns that could affect safe working should be discussed with management so that suitable adjustments can be considered.

Incident reporting and emergency arrangements

All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported promptly so that appropriate medical attention, investigation and corrective action can be taken. Records will be kept in line with legal requirements and used to identify trends and improve our controls.

Emergency procedures will be communicated to staff, including how to raise the alarm, contact emergency services and respond to incidents such as injuries, fire, chemical spills or sudden changes in weather conditions. First aid arrangements will be made suitable to the nature and scale of our work.

Client cooperation and shared responsibilities

Gardeners Ham works closely with clients to maintain safe conditions at the sites we service. Clients are asked to inform us of any known hazards, site rules, restricted areas or changes that may affect our work. We may request that pets, children and unauthorised persons are kept away from active work areas and equipment.

Where health and safety responsibilities are shared, we will consult and co-ordinate with clients, other contractors and site managers to ensure that our activities do not create unmanaged risks.

Monitoring, review and continuous improvement

This health and safety policy will be monitored and reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective and relevant to the services provided by Gardeners Ham. Reviews will take into account changes in legislation, guidance, company activities, technology and feedback from staff and clients.

We are committed to continuous improvement in our health and safety performance and expect everyone involved in our work to contribute by identifying hazards, suggesting improvements and following the principles set out in this policy.