Health and Safety Policy
Gardeners Docklands is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy working environment for our team, clients, visitors, and anyone who may be affected by our gardening activities. We provide a range of garden services in residential, commercial, and shared outdoor spaces, and we recognise that each site presents different hazards. This policy sets out the standards we follow to reduce risk, support safe working practices, and ensure our work is carried out responsibly.
Our commitment
We aim to prevent accidents, injuries, ill health, and damage to property through careful planning, proper training, suitable equipment, and clear communication. Safety is considered before work begins and continues throughout each job. We will review our methods regularly and update procedures when work conditions, equipment, or legislation change.
Responsibilities
Management is responsible for making sure safe systems of work are in place, staff are trained appropriately, and equipment is maintained in good condition. Team members are expected to follow instructions, use equipment correctly, wear any required protective clothing, and report hazards, defects, incidents, or near misses as soon as possible. Clients and site occupants are also asked to cooperate by informing us of known risks, restricted areas, pets, underground services, access issues, or any other conditions that may affect safe working.
Risk assessment and planning
Before starting work, we assess the site to identify potential hazards such as uneven ground, slippery surfaces, sharp tools, moving machinery, traffic, falling branches, trip hazards, manual handling risks, chemicals, and contact with public areas. Where necessary, we adapt our working methods to reduce risk. This may include setting aside safe access routes, isolating certain areas, postponing work during severe weather, or using additional controls for larger or more complex jobs.
Safe use of tools and machinery
All tools, machines, and vehicles must be used only by competent personnel and only for their intended purpose. Equipment is checked before use and maintained according to a planned schedule. Defective items are taken out of service until repaired or replaced. Guards, safety devices, and protective features must not be removed or bypassed. Fuel, batteries, and sharp tools are handled and stored safely to reduce the risk of fire, cuts, spills, and contamination.
Personal protective equipment
Suitable personal protective equipment is provided or required where needed. This may include gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, safety footwear, high-visibility clothing, and weather-appropriate clothing. PPE must be worn correctly and kept in usable condition. However, PPE is treated as a last line of defence and does not replace safe planning, proper training, or effective supervision.
Manual handling and physical work
Gardening work often involves lifting, carrying, bending, reaching, and prolonged physical effort. We take steps to minimise strain by breaking down loads, using lifting aids where practical, working in teams for heavier items, and planning tasks to avoid unnecessary repetition. Staff are encouraged to stop and seek assistance if a task feels unsafe or beyond their capability.
Chemicals, plants, and environmental care
Where fertilisers, weed treatments, cleaning products, or other substances are used, they are stored and handled in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidance. We aim to use products responsibly and only when necessary. Staff are also made aware of plant-related hazards such as thorny species, toxic plants, allergies, insect activity, and irritants that may be present in gardens and outdoor spaces.
Weather, public safety, and site conditions
Outdoor work is affected by rain, wind, frost, heat, and reduced visibility. We may delay or stop work if weather conditions create unacceptable risk. When working near paths, entrances, roads, or shared spaces, we take extra care to protect passers-by and keep the area as tidy and unobstructed as possible. Tools and materials are stored safely during breaks and at the end of each visit.
Incidents and emergency response
All accidents, injuries, property damage, and near misses must be reported and recorded so they can be reviewed and prevented in future. First aid arrangements are kept appropriate to the nature of the work being carried out. If an emergency occurs, work will stop immediately and the situation will be handled in a calm and orderly way, with emergency services contacted where needed.
Review of this policy
This policy is reviewed regularly to make sure it remains suitable for our work and the needs of our clients. We are committed to continual improvement and to keeping our gardening services safe, professional, and reliable.
