Health and Safety Policy — Garden Maintenance Lewisham

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitments and procedures of Garden Maintenance Lewisham for the safe delivery of gardening and grounds maintenance work. It applies to all staff, contractors and sub‑contractors engaged in garden care in Lewisham and to activities conducted on customer premises. The policy is designed to ensure risks are identified and controlled, that everyone understands their responsibilities, and that safe systems of work are implemented across our garden maintenance services.

Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health and property damage by embedding a safety culture within every aspect of gardening Lewisham operations. This includes regular risk assessments, provision of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), safe use and maintenance of powered tools and machinery, and safe manual handling practices. We adopt a proactive approach to hazard control, incident reporting and continuous improvement.

Roles and responsibilities are clearly allocated. Senior management are responsible for establishing policy, resourcing health and safety programmes and ensuring that risk control systems are monitored. Supervisors and team leaders must ensure that daily safe work plans are followed, that staff are competent for the tasks assigned, and that corrective actions are taken promptly. Employees are required to follow instructions, use PPE correctly, report hazards and incidents without delay, and participate in training.

Risk assessment and safe systems of work form the foundation of our approach. We carry out written risk assessments for recurring activities such as hedge cutting, lawn mowing, tree pruning, pesticide application and the use of chainsaws and brushcutters. Assessments consider site conditions, pedestrian and vehicular access, services and utilities, weather and the presence of vulnerable people or animals. Controls follow the hierarchy: eliminate, substitute, engineer, administrate and use PPE.

Equipment safety is mandatory: all powered garden machinery is inspected before use, maintained by competent personnel and serviced at recommended intervals. Machines with guarding, kill switches and vibration controls are preferred. Fuel is stored safely and refuelling carried out only with engines stopped and cool. We impose strict controls on the use of petrol‑driven equipment in confined spaces and require fit‑for‑purpose hearing and eye protection where appropriate.

Training, competence and supervision

Staff competence is assured through induction, task‑specific training and periodic refresher training. Lewisham garden maintenance teams are trained in safe operation of tools, chainsaw awareness where relevant, pesticide safe handling (where permitted), emergency first aid, manual handling and ladder safety. New recruits work under supervision until competence is demonstrated. Records of training and qualifications are maintained and reviewed.

Hazards and control measures

Common hazards inherent in garden maintenance include slips, trips and falls, cuts and lacerations, hand‑arm vibration, noise exposure, chemical exposure (plant protection products and fuels), manual handling injuries and working at height. Control measures include:

• Pre‑site assessment and exclusion of the public from active work areas where appropriate
• Provision and enforcement of PPE such as cut‑resistant gloves, eye protection, hi‑vis and safety boots
• Safe systems for pesticide use and storage, complying with current safe handling principles
• Regular maintenance and guarding of cutting equipment and clear tool stop procedures
• Use of mechanical aids and team lifting to reduce manual handling risks

We emphasise reporting and investigation of incidents and near misses as a learning tool. All incidents are recorded, reviewed and where necessary, revised controls are implemented to prevent recurrence. Strong corrective action is taken when unsafe acts or conditions are identified, and lessons learned are communicated to the whole team.

Contractor and visitor management is integral to our policy. All contractors engaged for specialist tasks must demonstrate suitable health and safety arrangements and insurance. Visitors and clients on site are given appropriate briefings and access restrictions where required. Where public footpaths or shared spaces are affected we implement signage and barriers to protect pedestrians and vehicles.

Emergency preparedness includes maintaining first aid provisions, trained first aiders on relevant visits, and clear procedures for ambulance access, site evacuation and communication. We maintain up‑to‑date records of medical incidents and ensure staff know how to summon emergency assistance. Plant and equipment are fitted with means for quick shutdown and safe isolation.

Monitoring and review ensure the policy remains effective. Performance is reviewed through spot checks, toolbox talks, audits and analysis of incidents and near misses. This policy is subject to periodic review and amendment to reflect changes in operations, equipment, legislation and best practice. Employees are encouraged to contribute suggestions for safety improvements and to take personal responsibility for a safe working environment.