Gardeners Wandsworth Health and Safety Policy
Gardeners Wandsworth is committed to providing professional gardening services carried out in a safe and responsible manner. This Health and Safety Policy sets out how we protect our team members, our clients, visitors, and the wider public while we deliver gardening, grounds maintenance, and related services.
Policy Objectives
The primary objective of this policy is to prevent accidents, injuries, and ill health arising from our work activities. We aim to integrate health and safety considerations into every stage of our services, from planning and preparation through to completion and site handover.
All employees, contractors, and regular partners working with Gardeners Wandsworth are expected to follow the principles set out in this policy, take reasonable care for their own safety, and not put others at risk by their actions or omissions.
Management Responsibilities
Management at Gardeners Wandsworth has overall responsibility for implementing and maintaining effective health and safety arrangements. This includes:
Ensuring that suitable and sufficient risk assessments are carried out for our gardening tasks and locations.
Providing clear instructions, information, and supervision so that work is performed safely and competently.
Supplying appropriate tools, machinery, and personal protective equipment that are fit for purpose and well maintained.
Reviewing this policy regularly and updating it in line with changes in legislation, industry standards, or our own working practices.
Employee Responsibilities
Every member of the Gardeners Wandsworth team has an individual responsibility to:
Work safely at all times and follow the procedures, training, and guidance provided.
Use tools, machinery, and protective equipment only for their intended purpose and in accordance with instructions.
Report hazards, near misses, accidents, damage, or unsafe conditions immediately to a supervisor or manager.
Maintain a professional standard of conduct, including being fit for work and not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Risk Assessment and Planning
Before starting any gardening work, we assess the risks associated with the specific site and the tasks to be undertaken. This may include:
Identifying uneven ground, slippery surfaces, low branches, or hidden obstacles.
Assessing the presence of utilities, structures, or fragile surfaces that could be affected by our activities.
Evaluating the use of chemicals, power tools, ladders, and any work at height.
Planning traffic routes, access points, and equipment placement to minimise risk to team members and the public.
Control measures identified in these assessments are communicated to the team and incorporated into the way the work is carried out.
Use of Tools, Machinery, and Equipment
We use a range of gardening tools and machinery such as mowers, trimmers, blowers, and hand tools. To ensure safe use we:
Provide instruction and training for team members on the correct operation of each item.
Carry out regular maintenance, checks, and servicing as recommended by manufacturers.
Remove from service any tool or machine that is damaged or unsafe until it has been repaired or replaced.
Ensure guards, safety devices, and emergency stops are present and functional where applicable.
Personal Protective Equipment
Where necessary, Gardeners Wandsworth provides appropriate personal protective equipment. This may include safety boots, gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, high-visibility clothing, and respiratory protection. Team members are required to:
Wear the protective equipment specified for the task and site conditions.
Take reasonable care of equipment issued to them and report any damage or defects.
Store protective equipment clean and dry so that it remains in good condition.
Chemicals, Substances, and Environmental Care
When using fertilisers, weed control products, or other substances, we follow manufacturer instructions and applicable guidance. Our approach includes:
Using the least hazardous product suitable for the job wherever possible.
Ensuring correct storage and transport of chemicals to avoid leaks, spills, or contamination.
Applying products carefully to minimise exposure to people, pets, and wildlife.
Disposing of waste materials responsibly and in line with environmental requirements.
Working at Height and Manual Handling
Some gardening work may involve the use of ladders, steps, or access equipment and the lifting or moving of heavy loads such as soil, plants, or paving materials. To reduce risks we:
Use appropriate access equipment and ensure it is in good condition and set up correctly.
Avoid overreaching and unsafe practices when trimming, pruning, or cleaning at height.
Apply safe manual handling techniques, using mechanical aids or team lifting when appropriate.
Plan tasks so that heavy or awkward loads are reduced, split, or moved in stages where possible.
Public Safety and Client Sites
We recognise our duty to protect clients, visitors, neighbours, and the public while we are working. Gardeners Wandsworth takes steps to:
Set up safe working areas, using cones or signs when necessary to make people aware of ongoing work.
Manage access routes so that pedestrians and vehicles can pass safely.
Control the use of noisy or potentially hazardous equipment at appropriate times to limit disturbance and risk.
Leave sites clean, tidy, and as free as reasonably possible from hazards at the end of each visit.
Training, Communication, and Monitoring
Health and safety is supported through ongoing training and communication. We provide induction for new team members and refresher training where needed. Key safety information is shared through briefings, instructions, and on-site supervision.
We monitor our performance by reviewing incidents, feedback, and site inspections. Where improvements are identified, we update our procedures and communicate changes to our team.
Accidents, Incidents, and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, injuries, and significant near misses occurring during Gardeners Wandsworth activities must be reported and recorded. This enables us to investigate causes and implement corrective actions to help prevent recurrence.
On each site, team members are briefed on relevant emergency procedures, including how to respond to injuries, fires, chemical spills, or other urgent situations. First aid equipment is available, and details of emergency services access are considered during planning.
Policy Review
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed periodically and whenever there are material changes to legislation, our services, or the nature of the risks we manage. Updated versions are communicated to all employees and relevant contractors so that safe working remains central to the gardening services offered by Gardeners Wandsworth.
