Health and Safety Policy — Gardening Osterley

Gardener preparing tools on a neat lawn for garden service Scope and commitment: This Health and Safety Policy sets out the standards and practices that Gardening Osterley and associated teams follow to protect employees, clients, visitors and the public. The policy applies to all gardening operations, including garden maintenance in Osterley, landscaping tasks and groundskeeping activities. We commit to a positive safety culture that promotes continuous improvement, risk awareness and responsible working methods. All staff, contractors and sub-contractors must understand and comply with this policy and any supporting procedures.

Responsibilities

Management, supervisors and operatives share clear duties. Company leaders provide resources, training and oversight. Site supervisors are responsible for daily implementation of safe systems of work and for reporting near-misses and incidents. Employees must follow instructions, wear required PPE and report hazards promptly. Osterley gardening teams will ensure that tools and machinery are safe, maintained and used only by competent persons. Everyone is encouraged to suggest safety improvements and to take immediate action to remove obvious risks where safe to do so.

Team inspecting a garden site for hazards and planning work

Risk assessment and control

We conduct regular risk assessments for all services, from routine garden upkeep to project landscaping in Osterley and surrounding service areas. Assessments identify hazards such as manual handling, hazardous substances (e.g., pesticides, fertilisers), working at height, slips and trips, and plant and machinery operation. Control measures follow the hierarchy of risk control: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, safe systems of work, and personal protective equipment. Risk controls are reviewed after changes in activities, following incidents, or periodically as part of our safety audits.

Training, competence and supervision

We deliver role-specific training to ensure that staff carrying out garden maintenance in Osterley are competent. Training includes manual handling, chainsaw and strimmer operation, use of petrol-powered equipment, pesticide application (where applicable), electrical safety for powered tools, and first aid awareness. New employees and temporary workers receive induction training covering our safety procedures. Supervision is provided to mentor junior staff, verify competence and reinforce safe working practices during on-site operations.

Worker putting on protective gloves and safety gear before using machinery

Personal protective equipment and clothing

We supply and require the use of appropriate PPE for all tasks. This may include safety boots, gloves, eye protection, ear protection, hi-vis clothing and respiratory protection where dust or sprays are present. Clothing must be maintained in good condition and replaced when worn or damaged. The selection of PPE is task-specific and documented in the job risk assessment. Employees must ensure PPE is worn correctly and report any defects immediately.

Equipment, inspection and maintenance: All machinery and tools used by the gardening service are subject to scheduled inspection and maintenance. Portable appliances are tested as required, and powered gardening equipment is serviced by competent technicians. Faulty equipment is taken out of use and recorded. Safe storage and secure transport of sharp tools, fuel and chemicals are enforced to reduce the risk of injury and environmental harm.

Safe working procedures and site management

We plan work to avoid unnecessary hazards and to maintain safe conditions on site. Procedures cover traffic management, exclusion zones for operating machinery, safe use of ladders and steps, and working near boundaries, fences and buried services. Where work affects public footpaths or shared spaces, clear signage and temporary barriers are used. Our approach balances efficient service delivery with strong safety controls for employees and the public.

Labelled chemical containers and spill kit stored securely for safe use

Substances and environmental precautions

Where herbicides, pesticides or concentrated fertilisers are part of a job, they are stored securely and used only by trained, authorised personnel. COSHH-type precautions are applied: correct dilution, careful application, spill kits on site and effective PPE. Waste materials, green waste and chemical containers are disposed of responsibly. Landscaping Osterley projects prioritise environmental protection and aim to minimise chemical use through integrated vegetation management and best practice techniques.

First aid kit and emergency procedures displayed at a gardening worksite Incident reporting, first aid and emergency response: All incidents, injuries and near-misses are reported and recorded promptly so we can investigate root causes and implement improvements. First aid kits are available on site and at company depots, and appointed first aiders are identified. Emergency procedures cover serious injury, fire, hazardous spills and severe weather. Employees receive training on how to respond and how to summon appropriate emergency assistance.

Monitoring, review and continuous improvement

This policy is monitored through regular safety inspections, toolbox talks and performance reviews. Key performance indicators include incident rates, completion of training, equipment inspection compliance and findings from site audits. We commit to reviewing this health and safety policy at least annually and whenever there are significant changes to work practices, equipment or legislation. Gardening Osterley aims to learn from every event and to embed improvements that enhance safety across all gardening and landscaping operations.

Worker engagement and wellbeing

We recognise that a healthy workforce underpins safe performance. Staff wellbeing measures include sensible scheduling to reduce excessive fatigue, access to hydration and shelter during hot conditions, and initiatives to support mental health. Regular communication channels, including briefings and safety meetings, help ensure concerns are raised and acted upon. Employees are encouraged to take personal responsibility for safe behaviours and to support colleagues in doing the same.

Policy acceptance: This policy represents the commitment of the organisation to maintain high standards of health and safety across all gardening services, including garden maintenance and landscaping in the Osterley area and nearby service points. It is the duty of every person working under this policy to co-operate with procedures and to report hazards. By working together we protect people, property and the environment while delivering professional gardening services.