Health and Safety Policy — Garden Maintenance Shadwell
Garden Maintenance Shadwell is committed to delivering high-quality gardening services while maintaining the highest standards of health and safety for staff, clients and the public. This policy sets out the principles and responsibilities that govern safe working practice across our grounds maintenance, landscaping and routine garden care work. Our aim is to reduce risk through clear procedures, appropriate training and consistent supervision so that every Shadwell garden maintenance project is completed without harm.
Scope: This policy applies to all employees and contractors engaged in garden maintenance in Shadwell, including seasonal teams, subcontractors and temporary staff. It covers site assessments, equipment use, transport of materials, chemical application and interactions with the public. Managers must ensure that every operative understands the policy and that a copy is available on request. The document complements site-specific risk assessments and method statements used on larger landscaping engagements.
Key safety measures include a proactive approach to hazard identification and the use of personal protective equipment. Routine checks, maintenance schedules and machine logs are maintained for all powered tools and plant. Practical steps include:
- Regular pre-use inspections of mowers, chainsaws, blowers and trimmers.
- Safe storage and handling of fuels and lubricants.
- Clear exclusion zones for noisy equipment and designated walkways on site.
Responsibilities and training
Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for ensuring that staff receive appropriate instruction for each task. Training covers manual handling techniques, traffic awareness when working near roads, and correct selection and use of PPE such as gloves, eye protection and hearing protection. Records of training, certification and competency assessments are retained and reviewed periodically. Emphasis is placed on maintaining a safety culture across the Shadwell garden maintenance workforce.
All employees are required to report hazards and near misses. Incidents are investigated to identify root causes and to implement corrective actions. Where chemical treatments are used, team members follow label instructions and COSHH principles to manage exposure. Only trained operatives will undertake pesticide application or fertiliser spreading, and material safety data sheets are accessible during operations.
Plant and equipment safety forms a central part of our operational control. Machines are serviced to manufacturer recommendations, and guards are kept in place. Lock-off procedures are used for maintenance, and battery-charging areas are ventilated and free from ignition sources. For larger landscaping projects, a permit-to-work system is applied to control high-risk activities such as tree felling or deep excavations.
Site management and public safety
When working in public spaces, pavements or communal gardens, team members deploy clear signage, barriers and cones to protect passersby. Noise and dust are minimised through careful scheduling and equipment selection. If work may affect neighbours or shared facilities, notices are placed on site to explain the nature and expected duration of the activity. Our policy prioritises preventing harm to other users while delivering efficient garden services.
Emergency procedures are established and include first aid provision, communication protocols and an escalation route to senior management. First aiders are available for all larger jobs and kit contents are checked regularly. In the event of a serious incident, the focus is on securing the scene, providing immediate care and notifying emergency services if required. Written records of incidents and actions are kept to support learning and prevent recurrence.
Continuous improvement: The health and safety policy is reviewed annually or after any significant change to operations. Performance metrics such as incident frequency, near-miss reports and inspection outcomes inform improvement plans. Regular toolbox talks and briefings reinforce safe working practices and ensure that every member of the gardening team understands their role in delivering secure, reliable and professional gardening services in Shadwell.
Commitment: We commit to maintaining a safe workplace by integrating health and safety considerations into planning, procurement and day-to-day supervision. This policy reflects our dedication to preventing injuries, promoting wellbeing and ensuring that our garden maintenance services are delivered responsibly. It is the duty of every employee, contractor and manager to follow the policy and contribute to a safe working environment.
Monitoring: Regular site audits and management reviews track compliance with safety standards and identify opportunities for training, equipment replacement or process change. Where remedial actions are required, timelines and responsible persons are recorded and progress is followed up. These controls support a resilient approach to health and safety across all Shadwell garden maintenance activities.
Final note: Adherence to this policy ensures that Garden Maintenance Shadwell operates professionally and safely. By embedding practical risk controls, clear responsibilities and ongoing training, we safeguard people, property and the environment while providing dependable landscape and garden care services in the local area.