Health and Safety Policy — Gardening Services Kenton

Gardening Services Kenton is committed to providing safe, effective and reliable landscaping and garden maintenance across our service area. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the approach and standards that all staff, contractors and subcontractors must follow. The policy applies to every activity associated with our gardening operations, from routine garden maintenance and shrub trimming to larger landscape projects and horticultural works.

Our objectives are simple: to prevent incidents, protect the health of employees and clients, and reduce environmental impact. All personnel are required to follow the procedures described below, and managers are responsible for ensuring procedures are actively implemented and reviewed. This document also explains how Kenton gardening services will manage hazards, provide training, and monitor performance to maintain a safe working environment.

Responsibilities and Roles

The designated health and safety lead will oversee risk assessment, incident reporting and compliance checks. Supervisors must ensure teams have the correct personal protective equipment (PPE), safe plant and appropriate instruction for tasks. Each employee has a duty to work safely, report hazards and stop work if they believe there is a serious risk. Contractors must provide evidence of competence and adhere to our safety standards before starting any on-site tasks.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

All tasks will be covered by documented risk assessments and method statements. These will identify risks such as manual handling, use of powered equipment (mowers, hedge trimmers, chainsaws), working at height, chemical use and traffic or public pedestrian interactions. Control measures include task-specific PPE, exclusion zones while operating machinery, mechanical aids for lifting and clear traffic management where required. Assessments will be reviewed routinely and whenever work circumstances change.

PPE, Equipment and Maintenance - Staff must wear appropriate PPE at all times: eye protection, gloves, hearing protection, hi-vis clothing and boots with suitable grip. Powered tools and machinery are to be inspected before use, serviced according to manufacturer guidance and removed from service if defective. Fuel, oils and batteries must be stored safely in designated containers and refuelling carried out in well-ventilated areas away from ignition sources.

Chemical Safety and Waste - The safe handling of fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides requires COSHH-style controls even when operating at a contractor level. All hazardous substances will be stored securely, used at recommended concentrations and accompanied by manufacturer safety information. Dispose of green waste, chemical containers and contaminated materials following best practice to minimise environmental harm.

Training, Competence and Supervision

We ensure that staff are trained for their roles, including equipment operation, manual handling, first aid and emergency procedures. Training records are maintained and refresher training provided regularly. Apprentices and new starters receive supervised induction and are assessed for competency before undertaking unsupervised work. Kenton garden contractors engaged by the company must provide evidence of training and qualifications relevant to their scope of work.

Emergency Preparedness and First Aid - Emergency plans are maintained for all sites, including clear instructions for dealing with injuries, major incidents and fire. First aid kits are available in vans and at established sites, and trained first aiders are present during operational hours. In the event of a serious incident, work will be halted and emergency services contacted following the company's incident procedure.

Monitoring, Reporting and Continuous Improvement

We operate a non-punitive reporting system so that near misses, hazards and incidents are recorded and analysed. Regular site inspections, toolbox talks and safety audits help identify areas for improvement. Findings lead to corrective actions, updated risk assessments and additional training as required. Performance is reviewed periodically to ensure this health and safety policy remains effective and aligned with industry standards for landscaping and garden care.

Communication and Client Safety - Clear communication with householders, property managers and the public is essential to reduce risk. Before starting work teams will agree access, establish exclusion zones and advise clients of any temporary hazards. When working near public spaces or communal areas, additional signage and barriers will be used to protect passersby and property.

Contract and Site Management - Contracts will identify specific health and safety requirements, including responsibilities for waste removal, plant access and storage of materials. Site briefings are conducted for complex jobs and for sites where specific hazards are present, such as steep gradients, water features or confined spaces. Managers ensure that all necessary permits and approvals are in place before work begins.

Policy Review - This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there is a significant incident, regulatory change or new working practice. All employees will be informed of changes and training updated accordingly. By following these principles, garden maintenance Kenton operations will continue to deliver high-quality landscaping services while prioritising the safety and wellbeing of staff, clients and the wider community.