Health and Safety Policy for Gardening Services Norwood
This policy sets out the commitment of Gardening Services Norwood and related teams to maintain safe working practices across all garden maintenance and landscaping activities. It applies to every employee, subcontractor and operative engaged by the gardening company in Norwood and to work delivered for clients across the local service area. The aim is to protect people, property and the environment by embedding a positive safety culture.Scope and Objectives
Our objectives are to ensure risks are assessed and controlled, to provide suitable training and equipment, and to maintain clear communication with clients and staff. The Norwood gardening services we provide include maintenance, planting, hedge and tree care, turf work and small landscaping projects. All tasks will be planned with safety in mind and reviewed regularly to reduce accidents and incidents.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Management will implement and review this policy, ensuring resources for training, PPE and safe equipment are available.
- Supervisors will carry out job-specific risk assessments and ensure controls are followed on-site.
- Operatives must follow instructions, use PPE and report hazards or near-misses promptly.
Risk Assessment and Method Statements
Before work starts, a dynamic risk assessment will be completed for each job. For routine grounds maintenance and larger landscaping tasks we will use written method statements where necessary. These will identify: hazardous tools and machinery, manual handling risks, working at height, use of chemicals and potential site-specific hazards such as uneven ground or buried services. Control measures will be proportionate and practical.
Training, Competence and Supervision
All staff receive induction and role-specific training covering safe operation of mowers, trimmers, chainsaws, shredders and lifting techniques. Training records are kept up to date and refresher sessions provided. Supervisors ensure that apprentices and less-experienced workers receive close supervision until competent. Competence is assessed through observation and periodic reviews.Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment
Tools and machinery are inspected before use; defective equipment is taken out of service. The gardening company in Norwood requires appropriate PPE for each task: protective footwear, eye and ear protection, gloves, high-visibility clothing and cut-resistant equipment where required. Use of PPE is mandatory where controls do not eliminate hazards.Safe Use of Chemicals and Waste Management
Only approved products will be used for weed control and plant protection, applied in accordance with manufacturer instructions and safety data sheets. Hazardous substances are stored securely and labelled. Waste from garden works, including green waste and hazardous packaging, is segregated and disposed of responsibly to minimise environmental impact.
Working at Height, Ladders and Trees
Where work at height is necessary, ladders are used only for short, low-risk tasks and are secured. For higher or complex tree work we use appropriate harness systems and consider hiring elevated platforms. Tree pruning and removal follow safe systems of work, with cordoned exclusion zones to protect people and property.
Vehicles, Traffic and Site Security
Company vehicles and trailers are maintained to a high standard and driven safely between sites. When operating on or near roads the team uses warning signage and high-visibility clothing. Client properties are treated with respect and secure access procedures are followed; gardens are left safe on completion with tools and materials stored securely.Incident Reporting and First Aid
All incidents, injuries and near-misses are reported and recorded so that corrective actions can be implemented. First aid kits are carried on site and staff are familiar with basic first aid procedures. Significant incidents trigger a formal review to prevent recurrence and to update risk assessments and procedures.Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
This policy is reviewed periodically and after any significant change in work practices, equipment, or following an incident. Performance is monitored through site checks, toolbox talks and staff feedback. The company seeks to continuously improve health and safety standards across the Norwood garden maintenance and landscaping service area.Summary of Commitments:
- Maintain a safe working environment for staff and clients.
- Carry out and act on risk assessments and method statements.
- Provide training, supervision and appropriate PPE.
- Ensure safe use of tools, machinery and chemicals.
- Record incidents and learn from them to improve safety.
