Health and Safety Policy for Gardening Kenton and Local Garden Services

Purpose: This health and safety policy sets out the commitment of Gardening Kenton and associated garden maintenance teams to maintain safe working environments across the service area. The policy applies to all gardening activities including routine maintenance, landscaping, tree care and seasonal contracts. It is designed to reduce harm, protect staff, clients and the public, and ensure consistent standards for garden contractors and Kenton gardening professionals.

Scope: The policy covers employees, subcontractors and anyone working on behalf of the gardening operation. It addresses site assessments, equipment safety, personal protective equipment, manual handling, working at height and the safe use of machinery. The approach is practical: identify hazards, manage risks and promote safe working methods for all local gardening projects provided by Kenton garden teams.

Accountability: Responsibility for implementing this policy is shared. Management will ensure resources, training and supervision are provided. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day-to-day enforcement. Individual staff and contractors must follow instructions, report hazards and use protective equipment. Gardeners in Kenton are expected to exercise reasonable care for their own safety and for others affected by their activities.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

All sites must receive a documented risk assessment before work begins. Assessments will consider terrain, access, presence of utilities, wildlife, and client property. Risk control measures will be proportionate and recorded, with special attention to Kenton gardening services that involve digging, tree work or operating petrol-powered machines. Control measures will include exclusion zones, signage and the use of appropriate guards or barriers.

Training and Competence

Staff competence is a core requirement. Training programmes cover safe operation of tools and machinery, chainsaw awareness, pesticide application basics, manual handling and first aid awareness. Kenton garden maintenance teams must complete induction training and periodic refresher sessions. Records of training and qualifications are kept to ensure staff are competent for assigned tasks.

Working safely also relies on clear communication. Pre-job briefings, task-specific method statements and sign-offs are used for higher risk jobs. The policy promotes a culture where raising concerns is encouraged and near-misses are reported so that corrective action can be taken quickly.

Equipment, Tools and PPE: All tools and equipment will be maintained and inspected according to manufacturer recommendations. Portable equipment checks, fuel storage controls and secure transportation of tools are mandatory. Staff must wear suitable personal protective equipment such as gloves, eye protection, hearing protection and high-visibility clothing where required.

Hazardous Substances and Waste: When using herbicides, fertilisers or solvents, safe storage, correct labelling and minimal use are required. Relevant data and handling instructions will be available for substances used on site. Waste materials and green waste will be disposed of responsibly, using licensed outlets when necessary, and in line with environmental best practice to protect local ecosystems.

Standard safety rules include:

• Carry out and document a site risk assessment before starting.
• Ensure machinery guards and safety features are in place and working.
• Wear appropriate PPE at all times when performing hazardous tasks.
• Follow safe manual handling procedures to reduce back and soft-tissue injuries.
• Do not work alone on high-risk tasks; maintain a buddy system or supervision.

Emergency Procedures and First Aid

First aid arrangements will be tailored to the size and risk level of each job. At minimum, a trained first aider or rapid access to external emergency services is planned for higher risk operations. Clear instructions for emergency contact, site evacuation and incident reporting are provided at every site. All incidents and near-misses must be recorded and reviewed to prevent recurrence.

Inspection, Monitoring and Review: The policy will be reviewed at regular intervals and after any significant incident. Routine inspections and supervisor spot checks will ensure compliance with safe working practices. Performance metrics such as incident rates, training completion and audit outcomes are used to measure effectiveness. Continuous improvement is emphasised through corrective actions and updates to practices and training.

Implementation: Practical steps to implement this policy include scheduled training, clear method statements, pre-job checks, and documented equipment maintenance. The organisation promotes a responsible safety culture where every member of the team—whether part of the main gardening company or a visiting subcontractor—is empowered to stop work if an unsafe condition exists. This Health and Safety Policy underpins the delivery of professional, reliable and safe garden services across the Kenton service area, ensuring that garden maintenance in Kenton is carried out with respect for people, property and the environment.