Health and Safety Policy — Gardening Sutton
Gardening Sutton is committed to the health, safety and welfare of our employees, contractors and clients while delivering high-quality gardening and grounds maintenance services. This health and safety policy applies across our service area and to all work activities undertaken by our team, whether routine garden maintenance, landscape construction, hedge cutting, or other horticultural services. The aim is to prevent injury, occupational illness and damage to property by implementing sensible controls and fostering a strong safety culture.
We operate as a professional gardening company and recognise that effective risk management and safe working systems are essential to reliable delivery. Key principles include hazard identification, risk assessment, lawful and safe use of equipment, proper handling of chemicals, and ensuring that all staff are competent for the tasks they perform. The policy is reviewed regularly and updated when there are changes in operations, equipment, or legislation.
Scope and Objectives
The policy covers all activities undertaken by Sutton gardening services, including but not limited to pruning, turf care, planting, tree work, machinery operation and site clearance. Our objectives are to:- Eliminate or reduce workplace hazards
- Provide training and supervision to ensure safe systems of work
- Maintain plant and equipment in a safe condition
- Respond effectively to incidents and near-misses
We follow a structured approach to risk assessments and method statements for all significant activities. A documented risk assessment sets out the hazards, current controls, residual risk and actions required. High-risk operations such as working at height, operating chainsaws or handling pesticides require specific method statements and, where necessary, written permits to work. Our team of supervisors ensure that risk control measures are implemented and monitored on site.
Responsibilities and Roles
Management has overall responsibility for ensuring the policy is implemented, that suitable resources are allocated, and that staff receive appropriate training. Site supervisors and team leaders are responsible for daily safety briefings, checking equipment, and ensuring compliance with safe systems of work. All employees, including temporary workers and subcontractors, must take reasonable care for their own safety and that of others and follow instructions, safety rules and use provided personal protective equipment (PPE).We require that every operative is competent for their role. Training records are maintained and include induction training, job-specific training, first-aid awareness, manual handling, machinery operation and pesticide application where applicable. Competence is assessed during supervised tasks and refreshed periodically.
Safe working practices include the regular inspection and maintenance of handheld and powered tools, vehicle checks, secure storage of hazardous substances, and safe lifting techniques. Our fleet and plant are subject to routine maintenance schedules and pre-start checks. Where powered machinery is used, guards and safety devices are maintained and operatives are trained in safe operation and emergency shutdown procedures.
Emergency preparedness is an essential part of our safety arrangements. First aid kits are provided on every site and there are trained first-aiders in the workforce. All incidents, near-misses and unsafe conditions must be reported promptly so that corrective actions can be taken. We investigate significant incidents to identify root causes and implement changes to prevent recurrence.
The policy emphasises consultation and communication. Regular toolbox talks, team briefings and safety meetings provide opportunities for staff to raise concerns and suggest improvements. We maintain clear lines of communication between office staff, supervisors and on-site teams to ensure that safety information is disseminated promptly.
Manual handling assessments are carried out for tasks involving lifting, carrying or moving bulky materials such as turf rolls, compost bags, stone, timber and planters. Where mechanical aids can reduce manual handling risks we will provide them. For activities involving working at height — for example, roofline clearance, hedge trimming from ladders or low scaffolds — we apply the hierarchy of control: avoid where possible, use safer alternatives, and provide appropriate fall protection and training. All ladder work must be planned, supervised and subject to documented risk control measures.
We manage hazardous substances carefully. When herbicides, pesticides or fertilisers are required, we follow manufacturer instructions, COSHH principles and safe storage practices. Use of chemicals is restricted to trained operatives and only when necessary. Spill kits are available and procedures are in place to control and report any release of substances to the environment.
Vehicle safety is integral to our operations. Drivers are vetted, hold valid licences as required by vehicle class, and follow company rules for load securing, speed limits and journey planning. Vehicles carry essential safety equipment and are inspected regularly. We expect staff to act responsibly when travelling between job sites and to comply with legal and company transport policies.
Monitoring, review and continual improvement underpin this health and safety policy. We carry out regular site audits, equipment inspections and review training needs. Performance indicators such as incident rates, near-miss reports and audit findings are used to measure improvements. The policy is reviewed at least annually, or sooner if there are changes in operations, legislation or following a significant incident.
All employees, subcontractors and visitors are required to cooperate with this policy. Non-compliance may lead to disciplinary action. Our goal as a gardening contractor in Sutton is to create safe, efficient and sustainable working practices that protect people and the environment while delivering excellent garden services.
Signed on behalf of Gardening Sutton: This policy is endorsed at senior management level and is made available to all staff. By working together and taking personal responsibility we aim to maintain a safe working environment and deliver dependable horticultural services across our service area.