Health & Safety Policy for Gardening Services Dalston

Introduction: This Health and Safety policy sets out the approach taken by Gardening Services Dalston to manage risks, protect staff, clients and the public, and deliver safe, professional garden work. As a responsible gardening company in Dalston, our goal is to combine high standards of workmanship with robust safety controls. All employees and contractors are required to familiarise themselves with this document and follow the procedures that apply to their role. Safety is a core value and will be maintained across operations.

Scope: The policy covers garden maintenance, landscaping, pruning, shrub and tree work, soft landscaping, hard landscaping activities and seasonal tasks carried out by our Dalston gardening services teams. It applies to permanent staff, temporary workers, self-employed operatives working for the company and any subcontractors while they operate on our behalf. The policy also extends to the management of tools, plant machinery and vehicles used in garden work.

Responsibilities: Management is responsible for providing resources, training and supervision to make sure safe working practices are implemented. Employees and sub-contractors must follow instructions, report hazards promptly and use personal protective equipment (PPE) provided. Supervisors will ensure risk assessments are completed and updated where necessary. The garden maintenance Dalston teams will document inductions, toolbox talks and site-specific controls before starting work.

Risk assessments will be carried out for each site and task, including lifting, manual handling, use of power tools, chainsaws, hedge cutters and the handling of chemicals. Assessments will identify hazards and set out controls such as exclusion zones, signage, safe work method statements and specialist training requirements. We use a hierarchy of controls: eliminate the hazard where possible, substitute, apply engineering controls, introduce administrative controls and provide PPE as a last line of defense.

Training and Competence: Employees receive structured training and competency checks for specific tasks. This includes certifications where needed for plant and machinery, practical training for safe use of tools, safe tree work practices and first-aid awareness. Regular refresher courses and on-the-job supervision ensure teams remain competent. Records of training are maintained centrally and reviewed as part of annual safety plan updates by the gardening company Dalston management.

Safe Use of Equipment: Tools and machines are inspected before use and maintained in line with manufacturer guidance. Portable electrical equipment undergoes portable appliance testing and batteries, guards and safety devices are checked daily. Where powered equipment is used, operators must follow safe start-up and shut-down procedures, and never work alone in high-risk scenarios.

Personal Protective Equipment and Clothing: Appropriate PPE (gloves, eye protection, high-visibility clothing, hearing protection and safety footwear) must be worn at all times when required. Where chemical treatments are used, additional respiratory protection and impermeable gloves will be supplied. PPE is inspected regularly and replaced when damaged or worn out.

Chemical and Substance Safety: The company maintains a register of substances used and ensures safe storage, mixing and application. COSHH-style controls are applied in practice: safety data sheets are available to operatives and spill kits are carried on relevant jobs. Only trained personnel are authorised to buy, carry and apply pesticides or herbicides, and records of use are kept.

Emergency Procedures, Reporting and Review: All staff must report incidents, near-misses and hazards immediately. The policy sets out emergency procedures for accidents, fire or chemical exposure, including arrangements for first aid and rapid access to emergency services. Managers will investigate incidents and take corrective actions to prevent recurrence. The Health & Safety policy is reviewed at least annually or when operational changes occur to ensure continuous improvement across our Dalston garden contractors network.