Garden Maintenance Gipsy Hill Health & Safety Policy

Garden Maintenance Gipsy Hill is committed to providing a safe working environment for employees, subcontractors and clients while delivering professional gardening and grounds care. This policy sets out the core principles and practical procedures that govern our operations across the service area, ensuring that everyday landscaping, hedge work, lawn care and planting activities are conducted with safety and care as priorities. The following statements outline responsibilities, risk management approaches and measures to reduce incidents on site.

Our approach integrates risk assessment with clear communication and training. Every task is evaluated for hazards before works commence and supervisors must ensure that all operatives understand safe working methods. The company recognises that hazards vary by site and task; therefore we adopt a flexible but consistent method to manage risks associated with powered tools, manual handling, working at height and traffic access. Preventative action and prompt reporting of near-misses form essential parts of our safety culture.

The policy applies to all personnel involved in delivering Gipsy Hill garden maintenance and to any contractors operating under our direction. Responsibilities are allocated so everyone knows their role: management provides resources and oversight, supervisors ensure compliance on site, and staff must follow safe systems of work and use personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly. We emphasise mutual responsibility so that colleagues look out for one another and intervene when unsafe acts or conditions are observed.

Risk Assessment, Control Measures and Safe Systems

Risk assessments are carried out for routine and non-routine jobs. Tasks are broken down into steps and hazards identified, with control measures recorded and communicated before work begins. Control measures include task rotation to reduce repetitive strain, use of mechanical aids for heavy lifts, and defined exclusion zones when using rotary equipment. Hazard control is practical: remove or reduce risks at source where possible, and apply administrative controls where elimination is not feasible.

We maintain a hierarchy of controls: eliminate, substitute, engineer, administer and PPE. Chemical use is minimised and stored safely; where herbicides or other substances are necessary, they are handled under safe procedures and with COSHH principles in mind while adhering to supplier guidance. Employees are instructed in correct mixing, application and disposal methods to protect themselves, clients and the environment.

Essential site practices include clear worksite setup, signage and cordons, vehicle and equipment checks, and secure storage of tools. A typical site brief covers emergency access, utilities, neighbouring property risks and weather contingencies. First aid provision is maintained at an appropriate level for the crew size and nature of work, and all incidents are recorded and reviewed to prevent recurrence.

• PPE requirements: eye, ear and hand protection, hi-vis clothing and appropriate footwear
• Equipment: regular maintenance, pre-use checks and safe guarding fitted
• Vehicles: safe loading, secure storage and competent drivers for site deliveries

Training, Supervision and Continuous Improvement

All staff receive induction training and role-specific instruction covering safe operation of mowers, chainsaws, strimmers and elevated work platforms where used. Supervision is provided until competence is demonstrated, and refresher training is scheduled periodically. We support learning from incidents and hold toolbox talks to reinforce safe methods, new risks and seasonal considerations, such as heat stress or slippery conditions.

Operational supervision ensures that garden maintenance in Gipsy Hill standards are upheld and that safe working practices are embedded into daily routines. Supervisors monitor compliance, advise on control measures and update site-specific risk assessments when conditions change. Performance is reviewed through routine inspections and safety audits designed to identify improvement opportunities and maintain accountability.

The company fosters a culture where safety and quality of workmanship are equally important. Contractors and subcontractors are required to demonstrate competence and alignment with our safety expectations before engagement. We keep records of training, equipment maintenance and incident investigations to track trends and measure the effectiveness of our safety systems. Strong leadership, clear responsibilities and ongoing investment in competence underpin our ability to deliver reliable, secure gardening services across the community.