Gardeners Belvedere Health and Safety Policy

Gardeners Belvedere is committed to providing gardening and grounds maintenance services in a manner that protects the health, safety and welfare of our employees, clients, visitors and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and arrangements we follow to manage risks, prevent injury and ill health, and promote a safe working environment across all gardening projects and maintenance activities.

Policy Aims and Objectives

Our aim is to conduct all gardening and landscaping work safely and responsibly, minimising hazards associated with tools, machinery, chemicals, access equipment and manual handling. We seek continual improvement in our health and safety performance through careful planning, training, supervision and review of our working practices.

Our main objectives are to:

Identify, assess and control risks connected with gardening operations and site conditions.

Comply with applicable health and safety legislation and relevant industry guidance.

Provide clear instructions, information, training and supervision for all personnel.

Maintain plant, tools and equipment in safe working order.

Promote a positive safety culture where hazards and near-misses are reported and addressed.

Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Gardeners Belvedere rests with the company management, who ensure that adequate resources are made available for the implementation of this policy.

Management responsibilities include:

Developing and reviewing health and safety procedures for gardening work.

Carrying out and updating risk assessments for typical sites and tasks.

Ensuring that employees are competent for the tasks they undertake.

Providing and maintaining appropriate safety equipment and personal protective equipment.

Investigating accidents and incidents and implementing corrective actions.

Employees and contractors working under our control also have responsibilities to:

Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.

Follow all safety instructions, training and site-specific rules.

Use machinery, tools, vehicles and personal protective equipment correctly.

Report hazards, defects, near-misses and accidents promptly to management.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before starting work at any garden or outdoor space, risks are assessed and appropriate control measures are implemented. Factors considered include the layout and condition of the grounds, weather, access routes, proximity to roads and footpaths, and the presence of clients, neighbours and the public.

Safe working practices are established for core activities such as grass cutting, hedge trimming, planting, pruning, tree work within our competence, soil preparation and waste removal. Work that requires specialist expertise or equipment beyond our competence will be referred to suitably qualified professionals.

Where required, site specific method statements are agreed to make sure tasks are completed safely and efficiently, with minimal disturbance to clients and the surrounding area.

Use of Tools, Machinery and Vehicles

Gardeners Belvedere uses a range of powered and non-powered equipment, including mowers, trimmers, blowers, hand tools and, where appropriate, small vehicles or trailers to support gardening work.

To ensure safe operation:

Only trained and authorised personnel may operate powered equipment and vehicles.

Pre-use checks are carried out to confirm equipment is safe and in good condition.

Defective or damaged tools and machinery are taken out of service until repaired or replaced.

Equipment is stored and transported securely to prevent injury or damage.

Noise, vibration and emissions are considered when planning work, and exposure is controlled so far as reasonably practicable.

Chemical and Environmental Safety

Where garden chemicals, fertilisers or other substances are used, Gardeners Belvedere follows safe handling procedures based on product information and relevant guidance. We seek to minimise the use of chemicals and prefer environmentally responsible methods wherever practicable.

Control measures include:

Using only approved products suitable for garden and landscape environments.

Storing substances securely in accordance with manufacturer instructions.

Using appropriate personal protective equipment when handling or applying products.

Ensuring safe application methods that protect people, pets, wildlife, plants and water courses.

Disposing of waste, offcuts and containers responsibly, in line with local requirements.

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment is provided as necessary to manage residual risks that cannot be eliminated through other controls. Depending on the task, this may include safety footwear, gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, high visibility clothing and protective clothing suitable for gardening work.

Employees are required to use the equipment provided, keep it in good condition and report any defects so that it can be repaired or replaced without delay.

Training, Information and Supervision

Gardeners Belvedere ensures that all staff receive appropriate induction and task-specific training, together with ongoing guidance on safe gardening techniques, correct use of tools, manual handling, safe chemical use and awareness of site hazards.

Supervision and periodic monitoring are provided to confirm that safe systems of work are followed. Additional training is arranged when new equipment is introduced or where work practices change.

Working Around Clients and the Public

Our teams often work in residential gardens, shared outdoor spaces and other areas where clients, neighbours and members of the public may be present. We take particular care to minimise risks in these settings by:

Planning tasks to avoid creating unnecessary obstructions or trip hazards.

Using barriers or warning signs where appropriate to separate work areas.

Shutting down machinery when people are in close proximity.

Maintaining clear communication with clients about planned activities, especially any that may generate noise, dust or temporary access restrictions.

Accident, Incident and Near-Miss Reporting

All accidents, incidents and near-misses connected with our gardening work must be reported as soon as possible to management. Records are kept and reviewed to identify trends, understand root causes and implement practical measures that reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

Where necessary, relevant authorities will be notified in accordance with legal requirements.

Emergency Procedures

Gardeners Belvedere prepares for foreseeable emergencies by ensuring that appropriate first aid supplies are available, vehicles are equipped with basic emergency items and staff know how to obtain urgent medical assistance when required.

Where sites have specific emergency procedures, such as designated assembly points or access routes for emergency services, our staff will familiarise themselves with and follow these arrangements.

Policy Review

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our services, work methods or applicable legal requirements. Updated versions will be communicated to all staff so that our commitment to safe, responsible gardening remains at the centre of everything we do.