Health & Safety Policy — Gardeners Fulham

Gardeners Fulham is committed to providing safe, reliable gardening and landscape services across our service area. This policy sets out clear responsibilities, practical controls and the standards expected of everyone who works with or for the company, whether delivering routine garden maintenance, installing new planting schemes or operating machinery on client properties. Our aim is to prevent injury, protect property and maintain a professional, well-managed service for residents and businesses who use Fulham gardening services.

All employees, contractors and visitors must follow this policy and the related procedures. Supervisors will ensure work is planned, assessed and executed with control measures in place. The policy covers risk assessment, training, equipment, plant and vehicle safety, chemical handling, manual handling and emergency arrangements. It applies to all tasks undertaken by Fulham gardeners and to temporary projects in neighbouring boroughs where staff provide support.

This policy is reviewed regularly and updated in response to operational changes, new equipment or legislation changes where appropriate. It sets minimum standards for safe working, clarifies accountability and explains how we manage hazards. The document supports continual improvement so that every member of the team and every client benefits from robust, practical safety practices.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Risk assessments are completed before work starts and recorded when hazards could potentially cause harm. Assessments consider ground conditions, access and egress, overhead services, public interaction, tool selection and weather. Control measures are proportionate and designed to avoid harm. Where relevant, assessments address the needs of vulnerable people and protected sites. Managers ensure that risk assessments are understood and implemented by gardeners in Fulham.

Training and competence are central to safety. Staff receive induction training, job-specific instruction and refresher courses for tasks such as chainsaw use, pesticide application and safe lifting. Certificates and records are maintained. Where specialist skills are needed, only trained and authorised operatives will carry out the work. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided and must be used where identified by risk control measures.

Equipment is inspected and maintained in accordance with manufacturer guidance and statutory requirements. Portable tools, ride-on mowers and trailers are checked before use and defects reported immediately. Batteries, fuel and lubricants are stored safely to minimise fire and environmental risks. Operators must isolate and tag out faulty equipment and follow lock-off procedures.

Operational Controls and Site Management

Site safety includes maintaining clear boundaries between work zones and public areas. Signage and barriers are used where appropriate to protect passers-by during works such as tree surgery or heavy planting. Communication between crew members and with clients is a requirement, ensuring everyone understands daily tasks and safety arrangements. The company expects high standards of housekeeping to prevent slips, trips and falls.

Safe use of chemicals and pesticides is achieved through the use of COSHH-type assessments, up-to-date product information and secure storage. Only approved products are used, and application is done by trained operatives following label instructions. Accidental spills are managed with spill kits and documented procedures to reduce environmental and health impacts.

Manual handling risks are reduced by mechanical aids, team lifting and task rotation. Staff are instructed on correct lifting techniques and ergonomic working to minimise musculoskeletal injuries. Vehicle safety includes secure loading practices, effective route planning and parking considerations to reduce roadside hazards during service visits.

Emergency Preparedness and Incident Reporting

Emergency procedures are in place for incidents such as serious injury, fire, chemical exposure and significant environmental contamination. First aid kits are available on every vehicle and at base. Trained first aiders are identified and contactable. All incidents, near misses and unsafe conditions must be reported promptly, investigated and used as learning opportunities to prevent recurrence.

We maintain clear records of training, risk assessments, maintenance checks and incident reports to demonstrate how safety standards are managed. This documentation supports continuous improvement and helps ensure that both permanent staff and temporary operatives work to the same high standard whether they are performing routine pruning or specialist landscaping for commercial clients.

Responsibilities and culture: senior management provides leadership and resources for safety; supervisors implement controls; every worker shares responsibility for safe behaviour. We promote an open culture where safety concerns are raised without fear of reprisal. The company seeks to deliver quality gardening services across Fulham and nearby areas while protecting people, property and the environment.

Summary of commitments:

• Carry out and record risk assessments for all significant tasks.
• Provide appropriate training, supervision and PPE.
• Maintain equipment to safe standards and manage chemicals responsibly.
• Plan work to minimise public exposure and maintain site safety.
• Record incidents, investigate causes and implement corrective actions.

Gardeners Fulham is committed to ensuring health and safety is an integral part of daily operations across our service area. This policy is a living document available to staff and revised as needed to reflect changes in operations, technology and best practice. Everyone working under the Gardeners Fulham banner is expected to understand and apply these principles so that safe, professional gardening and landscape services are consistently delivered.