Gardeners St Johns Health and Safety Policy

Gardeners St Johns is committed to providing professional gardening services while protecting the health, safety and welfare of our employees, clients, visitors and members of the public. This policy explains how we manage health and safety across all gardening and grounds maintenance work carried out by our team.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

Our primary objective is to prevent injury, ill health and damage to property or the environment arising from our gardening activities. We aim to achieve this by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing sensible, proportionate control measures. We will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and follow recognised industry good practice in horticulture and grounds care.

Responsibilities and Management

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Gardeners St Johns rests with the company management. They are responsible for ensuring that this policy is implemented, maintained and reviewed. Supervisors are responsible for making sure that safe working procedures are followed on site and that team members have the training and resources they need to work safely.

Every gardener and member of staff also has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff must follow safety instructions, use equipment correctly, wear the appropriate personal protective equipment and report hazards or incidents without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Before starting work, we assess the risks associated with each gardening task and each site. This includes considering access routes, ground conditions, slopes, weather, nearby buildings, parked vehicles, utilities and the presence of the public or pets. From these assessments, we develop safe systems of work that are communicated to all staff involved.

Risk assessments are reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to the work, the equipment used or the site conditions. Our aim is to eliminate risks where possible, and where they cannot be eliminated, to reduce them to the lowest practicable level through planning, training and appropriate controls.

Training, Competence and Supervision

We ensure that our gardening staff are competent to carry out their tasks safely. Training covers the safe use of tools and machinery, manual handling, working at height where relevant, safe handling and application of horticultural products and general site safety awareness.

New employees receive an induction that includes health and safety expectations. Ongoing training and refresher sessions are provided as needed, particularly when new equipment or methods are introduced. Work is supervised to a level appropriate to the experience and competence of the individuals involved.

Tools, Machinery and Equipment Safety

All tools, machinery and equipment used by Gardeners St Johns are selected with safety and suitability in mind. We maintain equipment in good working order and carry out regular checks and servicing in line with manufacturer recommendations and applicable standards.

Only trained and authorised staff are permitted to use powered machinery such as lawn mowers, hedge trimmers, brush cutters and similar equipment. Guards, safety devices and other protective features are never removed or bypassed. Equipment is switched off and secured when not in use and when left unattended on site.

Personal Protective Equipment

Appropriate personal protective equipment is provided and used where necessary to control residual risks. This may include safety boots, gloves, eye protection, ear protection, high visibility clothing, respiratory protection and weather-appropriate clothing. Staff are required to wear the specified protection for each task and to keep it in good condition. Damaged or worn items are replaced promptly.

Safe Use of Substances

When gardening tasks require the use of fertilisers, soil improvers or other horticultural substances, we handle and apply them in accordance with product instructions and relevant safety guidance. Hazardous substances are assessed and stored securely, and only trained staff are permitted to use them.

We minimise the use of chemicals and seek safer alternatives wherever possible, supporting a healthy outdoor environment for clients, staff and wildlife.

Manual Handling and Physical Wellbeing

Gardening work can involve lifting, carrying and repetitive movements. To reduce the risk of strain and injury, we plan work to avoid unnecessary manual handling, use mechanical aids where practical and encourage team lifting for heavier items. Staff are trained in safe lifting techniques and are expected to work within their physical capabilities.

We promote good housekeeping on site to prevent trips and falls, keeping pathways clear of tools, materials and garden waste and managing cables, hoses and equipment to avoid creating hazards.

Public, Client and Property Protection

Gardeners St Johns takes care to protect clients, neighbours, visitors and members of the public during gardening operations. We plan work to minimise disruption and risk, using barriers, warning signs or temporary exclusions where appropriate, especially when using powered equipment or working near paths, driveways and entrances.

We take particular care around vehicles, glazing, garden structures and outdoor furniture to avoid damage. Garden waste and materials are managed and cleared promptly so that outdoor spaces are left tidy and safe at the end of each visit.

Emergency Preparedness and Incident Reporting

Our teams are briefed on emergency arrangements and the location and use of first aid supplies. In the event of an accident, near miss or dangerous occurrence, work is made safe as far as possible and assistance is sought immediately. All incidents are reported to management, recorded and investigated to identify causes and prevent recurrence.

Where required, serious incidents are reported to the relevant authorities in line with legal requirements. Lessons learned from investigations are shared with staff and used to improve our procedures.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Working outdoors means that weather and environmental conditions can influence safety. We assess conditions such as high winds, heavy rain, extreme heat, cold or poor visibility and may postpone or modify work if it cannot be done safely. Extra care is taken on wet or uneven ground, slopes, steps and when using ladders or platforms.

We also take reasonable measures to protect wildlife, plants and natural features while carrying out gardening tasks, recognising that safe work practices and environmental care go hand in hand.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

Gardeners St Johns monitors health and safety performance through regular site checks, equipment inspections, incident reviews and feedback from staff and clients. This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed periodically, and whenever there are significant changes in our operations or in relevant legislation.

We are committed to continual improvement in health and safety, and we encourage everyone involved in our gardening services to contribute suggestions for safer, more efficient and more sustainable ways of working.