Health and Safety Policy for Gardeners Bowes Park

Gardeners Bowes Park is committed to providing gardening services in a way that protects the health, safety and welfare of our workers, clients, visitors and members of the public. This policy explains our approach to managing risks, planning safe work and promoting a culture of safety across all gardening activities.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

Our primary objectives are to prevent accidents, injuries and ill-health arising from our work, and to continually improve our health and safety standards. We aim to identify and control hazards in all gardening tasks, from routine maintenance to more specialised work, and to ensure that our team is competent, informed and properly equipped.

Management Responsibilities

Management at Gardeners Bowes Park has overall responsibility for health and safety performance. This includes setting safe working procedures, providing appropriate training, ensuring that equipment is fit for purpose, and monitoring compliance with this policy. Managers will review risk assessments regularly and update them when methods, tools or locations change.

Management will also ensure that incidents, near misses and concerns are recorded and investigated so that corrective actions can be taken promptly and effectively.

Employee Responsibilities

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

Staff are expected to cooperate fully with this policy, attend required training sessions and raise any concerns about unsafe conditions so they can be addressed before harm occurs.

Risk Assessment and Safe Work Planning

Before work begins at any property or outdoor space, a suitable and proportionate assessment of risks will be carried out. This assessment will consider factors such as terrain, weather, access routes, overhead and underground services, presence of the public or pets, and specific gardening tasks to be undertaken.

Where necessary, work will be planned to minimise risks, for example by scheduling more hazardous tasks for quieter times, restricting access to certain areas during operations, or using alternative methods or tools that present lower risk. Risk assessments will be reviewed if there are significant changes to the work or location.

Use of Tools, Machinery and Equipment

Gardeners Bowes Park will provide tools, machinery and equipment that are suitable for each task and maintained in safe working order. Regular inspections will take place, and any defective items will be removed from service until repaired or replaced. Only trained and authorised staff may use power tools, machinery and specialist equipment.

Instructions and safety information supplied by manufacturers will be followed at all times. Guards, covers and other protective devices will not be removed or bypassed. Where noise, vibration or flying debris may be a risk, additional controls such as hearing protection, anti-vibration gloves or eye protection will be used.

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment will be provided as required by the nature of the work. This may include safety boots, gloves, eye and ear protection, high-visibility clothing, respiratory protection and weather-appropriate clothing. Staff must use the equipment provided, keep it in good condition and report any damage or loss so that it can be replaced promptly.

Chemicals and Hazardous Substances

Where gardening work involves the use of chemicals such as fertilisers, weed control products or cleaning agents, these will be selected, stored and used in accordance with safety guidelines and legal requirements. Safety data and instructions will be followed, and only workers who have been trained and authorised may handle such substances.

Measures will be taken to prevent exposure to clients, neighbours, pets and wildlife, including application at suitable times, using the minimum effective quantities and preventing contamination of water features or drains.

Manual Handling and Physical Wellbeing

Gardening work can involve lifting, carrying, digging and repetitive movements. To reduce the risk of strains, sprains and other musculoskeletal injuries, staff will be trained in safe manual handling techniques and encouraged to use mechanical aids or team lifting where appropriate.

Tasks will be planned to avoid unnecessary heavy lifting and to allow for breaks, rotation of activities and hydration, particularly during hot or cold weather. Workers are encouraged to report early signs of discomfort so that adjustments can be made.

Safe Access, Site Security and Public Protection

When working at client properties or public spaces, steps will be taken to maintain safe access routes and protect others from harm. This may include using barriers or signage, securing tools and machinery when not in use, and keeping walkways clear of hoses, cables and debris.

Particular care will be taken in areas used by children, older people or those with limited mobility. Vehicles will be parked and manoeuvred with attention to pedestrians, driveways and neighbouring properties.

Environmental and Weather Considerations

Weather conditions such as high winds, heavy rain, ice or extreme heat can significantly increase risk during gardening operations. Work may be postponed, adjusted or shortened where weather conditions make tasks unsafe, particularly when working at height, with electrical equipment or on slippery or uneven ground.

Gardeners Bowes Park also aims to work in ways that minimise environmental harm, including responsible waste handling, careful use of water and avoiding unnecessary disturbance to habitats.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff will receive induction training covering this policy, safe use of tools, manual handling, emergency arrangements and site-specific rules. Additional training will be provided for higher-risk tasks or specialist equipment.

Supervision will be proportionate to the risks and the experience of the workers involved. Less experienced staff will be supported and monitored closely until they are assessed as competent.

Accidents, Emergencies and First Aid

Appropriate first aid supplies will be available to teams on site. Staff will be informed about emergency procedures, including how to summon assistance if an accident or sudden illness occurs during work.

All accidents, injuries and near misses must be reported as soon as possible. They will be recorded, investigated and reviewed to identify root causes and prevent recurrence.

Monitoring, Review and Policy Updates

Gardeners Bowes Park will monitor health and safety performance through incident reports, feedback from staff and clients, and periodic inspections of working practices and equipment. This health and safety policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, guidance, work methods or organisational structure.

By implementing this policy and working together, Gardeners Bowes Park aims to provide high-quality gardening services while maintaining a safe and healthy environment for everyone involved.