Health and Safety Policy — Gardeners Hammersmith
This Health and Safety Policy has been prepared for Gardeners Hammersmith and applies to all staff, contractors and on-site operatives delivering gardening work across our service area. The policy sets out how we identify, assess and control hazards commonly encountered by Hammersmith gardeners, including manual handling, use of powered tools, and handling of planting materials and chemicals. It reflects our commitment to create a safe working environment while delivering reliable Hammersmith gardening services with respect for clients and the public.
Management has overall responsibility for health and safety and will ensure that resources are available to implement this policy. Supervisors and team leaders will make sure that risk assessments are carried out and that safe systems of work are followed. Employees and operatives must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and co-operate with management arrangements. Gardeners in Hammersmith must report hazards promptly so remedial action can be taken without delay.
Risk assessment is the foundation of our safety approach: each task is evaluated for potential harm and control measures are recorded. Common risk areas include working at height, working near traffic, use of petrol-powered and electric equipment, and exposure to pesticides and soil-borne organisms. Assessments will be kept under review and updated when tasks, equipment or locations change. Training, supervision and personal protective equipment (PPE) are essential parts of the control strategy.
Control Measures and Safe Working Practices
We implement a hierarchy of controls to reduce risk: eliminate hazards where practical, substitute hazardous methods or materials, use engineering controls, and adopt safe work practices supported by PPE. Planned work must include a safe system that defines the sequence of tasks, exclusion zones and emergency contacts. Staff are trained in the safe use of mowers, strimmers, chainsaws and other landscaping tools, and are required to follow manufacturer guidance and site-specific rules.
Emergency procedures are in place and communicated to all employees: this includes first aid arrangements, incident reporting and evacuation routes when working in confined or public spaces. First aid kits and spill kits are maintained in vehicles and depots, and nominated first-aiders are available during normal working hours. All incidents, near misses and hazards are recorded and investigated so we can learn and reduce recurrence.
Key control items include:
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, high-visibility clothing and protective footwear.
- Equipment checks: pre-use inspections, scheduled servicing and defect reporting for mowers, blowers and power tools.
- Chemical safety: safe storage, COSHH assessments, correct dilution/usage and secure transport of approved products.
Plant, Vehicles and Contractor Management
Plant, vehicles and trailers used by our teams are maintained to a high standard with documented servicing records. Drivers hold appropriate licences and follow safe loading and unloading procedures. When sub-contractors or temporary staff are engaged, they are required to demonstrate equivalent safety standards so that the gardening services in Hammersmith we provide remain consistent and safe for everyone involved.
Supervision, monitoring and review are ongoing: routine site inspections, toolbox talks and periodic audits ensure compliance and continuous improvement. Performance indicators include training completion rates, incident frequency and corrective action closure times. Where hazards are identified, a prompt action plan is implemented and outcomes are communicated to relevant teams.
This policy will be reviewed at regular intervals and whenever there is a significant change in operations, legislation or equipment. Management will lead reviews and staff will be consulted to capture practical improvements from those undertaking the work. By following these procedures, Gardeners Hammersmith seeks to protect employees, clients and the public while delivering high-quality horticultural services.
