Garden Maintenance Erith – Health and Safety Policy

Policy statement: Garden Maintenance Erith is committed to delivering safe, high-quality gardening and grounds maintenance services across its service area. This health and safety policy outlines our approach to protecting employees, clients, visitors and the general public while carrying out garden maintenance in Erith and nearby neighbourhoods. The policy sets out responsibilities, risk control measures and our commitment to continual improvement through monitoring, training and review.

Scope and objectives: Our garden care and landscaping operations include lawn care, hedge trimming, pruning, waste clearance, planting, and light hard landscaping. The objectives are to: reduce risk of injury, prevent damage to property and the environment, ensure safe use of tools and machinery, and maintain clear communication with clients. We adopt proportional prevention measures for domestic and commercial gardening services Erith engagements and ensure staff follow documented safe systems of work.

Responsibilities: Senior management holds ultimate responsibility for health and safety policy implementation and resourcing. Supervisors and team leaders ensure safe working practices on site. Every operative must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others affected by their work. Contractors and subcontractors engaged for Erith garden maintenance tasks must comply with this policy and demonstrate suitable competence and insurance before starting work.

Risk assessment and safe systems

Risk assessments are carried out for routine services and for specific tasks that present higher hazards, such as using powered equipment, working at height or handling chemicals. We implement control measures based on hierarchy of risk control: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls and personal protective equipment (PPE). Written safe systems of work and method statements accompany higher risk tasks and are reviewed when circumstances change.

Training and competence: All staff involved in Erith garden maintenance receive induction training, task-specific instruction and periodic refresher training. Training covers equipment operation, manual handling, ladder safety, traffic and pedestrian awareness, and safe use of horticultural chemicals. Records of qualifications, toolbox talks and competence assessments are maintained to ensure workforce readiness and to support quality and safety assurance.

Personal protective equipment and equipment management: Appropriate PPE such as gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, hi‑vis clothing and safety boots is provided and maintained. Powered tools and machinery are serviced regularly by competent technicians and checked before use. Defective equipment is taken out of service. Fuel and battery handling procedures are in place to reduce fire and spill risks during garden maintenance operations.

Operational controls and site safety

When working on clients' properties or public spaces, teams establish safe perimeters, use signage and barriers where necessary, and coordinate with property occupants to control hazards. Manual handling risks are mitigated through correct techniques, team lifts and mechanical aids. For works adjacent to roads or footpaths, traffic management measures are applied to protect operatives and passers-by.

Chemical safety and environmental protection: We apply a cautious approach to pesticide and herbicide use, prioritising non-chemical alternatives and mechanical methods where practical. When chemicals are used, COSHH-style precautions are followed: correct product selection, use of PPE, secure storage and disposal of surplus product and containers. Waste materials from garden maintenance are segregated, composted or disposed of responsibly to protect soil and waterways.

Emergency procedures and first aid: First aid arrangements are provided for all work sites, with trained first aiders and appropriate kits available. Emergency contact procedures and clear reporting channels ensure timely response to incidents. Near-miss and accident reports are reviewed to identify improvements. We also plan for adverse weather events and adjust operations to maintain safety during extreme conditions.

Monitoring, audit and continuous improvement: Regular inspections, site audits and management reviews measure compliance with this policy. Performance indicators include training completion rates, incident statistics and audit findings. We maintain records of risk assessments, maintenance logs and training to allow objective review of our safety performance. Lessons learned from incidents are integrated into procedures, toolbox talks and ongoing staff development.

Client and public considerations: Our teams aim to minimise disruption and ensure clear communication about scheduled works. We respect client property and privacy, operate considerately in residential areas and avoid unnecessary noise or disturbance. For larger projects, clients are informed of relevant risks and control measures so they understand how safety is maintained during Erith garden upkeep and landscape services.

Policy review and responsibility: This health and safety policy is reviewed annually or after significant incidents, changes in legislation, or operational changes. Garden Maintenance Erith expects everyone associated with its gardening activities to cooperate with these requirements. Compliance is not optional; it is an essential part of delivering reliable, professional and safe garden maintenance and grounds care across our service area. Signed on behalf of management.