Gardeners Mortlake Health & Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitments and procedures of Gardeners Mortlake and associated Mortlake gardening services to protect staff, clients, contractors and the public. The policy applies to all operations carried out by Gardeners in Mortlake, including routine maintenance, planting, landscaping and horticultural projects across our service area. Our aim is to provide gardening solutions while minimising risk through active management, clear responsibilities and continuous improvement.

The organisation recognises that safe working reduces accidents and supports high quality outcomes. All personnel, from supervisors to gardening operatives, are required to follow this policy. We endorse a culture where everyone feels empowered to raise concerns and suggest improvements. Responsibilities are allocated at all levels: directors set policy and resourcing; managers implement controls and training; operatives follow safe systems of work and use equipment appropriately.

Risk Assessment, Planning and Control Measures

Before work begins, a site-specific risk assessment is completed by a competent person to identify hazards such as slopes, public access, overhead services, insect nests, chemical use and tree operations. Controls are proportionate and documented. Where practicable, hazards are avoided; where not, they are controlled through engineering, organisational or personal protective measures. We adopt the hierarchy of control and review plans if conditions change.

Key control measures include clear exclusion zones for powered equipment, segregation of pedestrians from active works, and the use of appropriate PPE such as gloves, eye protection, hearing protection and hi-vis clothing. For mechanical and motorised tools, we ensure regular maintenance, safety guards and secure fuel handling. Manual handling risks are mitigated by using mechanical aids and team lifts when required.

Training, Competence and Communication

Competence is central to our safety approach. All staff receive induction training on company policy, emergency procedures and communication protocols. Specific training covers safe operation of chainsaws, hedge cutters, ride-on mowers, pesticide handling and first aid. Supervisors carry out toolbox talks and regular competence checks to ensure that Mortlake gardeners maintain safe techniques and are refreshed on changing legislation and best practices.

We maintain clear written instructions and safety data for any chemicals used, and operate strict controls in line with COSHH principles. Staff are trained to read labels, use correct dilution and storage methods, and to record any applications. Communication with clients about safe access, parking and animal control is part of every job briefing to reduce unplanned exposure to hazards.

Emergency procedures and incident reporting are communicated to all teams. In the event of an accident, we ensure first aid is administered, the scene is made safe and incidents are reported and investigated to prevent recurrence. Near-miss reporting is encouraged to capture learning without assigning blame. Insurance and external compliance requirements are observed, but our emphasis is on practical preventive actions that protect people and property.

Operational controls include documented systems for vehicle safety, secure storage of tools, safe disposal of green waste and recycling of materials where possible. For tree work and significant landscaping, we use qualified arborists and ensure scaffold or specialist access equipment meets current safety standards. Work affecting neighbours, footpaths or highways is planned to minimise disruption and risk to the public.

Monitoring, audit and continuous improvement are integral to our policy. Regular site inspections, vehicle and plant checks, and scheduled reviews of risk assessments allow us to respond to emerging issues and refine working practices. We hold periodic management reviews to assess performance against key safety indicators and to allocate resources for training or equipment upgrades.

Roles and responsibilities are clearly documented. Senior management is accountable for policy and resourcing; line managers ensure safe systems are implemented; employees are responsible for following procedures and reporting hazards. Contractors and sub-contractors working alongside Gardeners Mortlake must meet our safety standards and provide evidence of competence and insurance before commencing work.

To support these arrangements we maintain accessible records of risk assessments, training, maintenance, incident reports and safety briefings. Where appropriate, we consult with staff on changes to working methods and involve them in safety decisions. This collaborative approach strengthens compliance and embeds safe working practices across the Mortlake gardening company.

Overall, the policy demonstrates our commitment to effective health and safety management for gardening services. It applies across the service area and is reviewed at least annually or following a significant incident or change in operations. By applying these measures, Gardeners Mortlake seeks to deliver quality horticultural services while protecting people, property and the environment.

• Key commitments: maintain safe systems of work
• Prevention: identify and control hazards before work
• Training: ensure competence and continual learning
• Reporting: investigate incidents and near misses
• Review: monitor, audit and improve performance

Signed on behalf of the organisation — this policy is communicated to all staff and made available to stakeholders as required. Implementation is monitored and supported through regular supervision, training resources and allocation of sufficient time and equipment to carry out works safely. The aim is a safe, professional and reliable gardening service across Mortlake and surrounding areas.