Health and Safety Policy for Garden Maintenance Coney Hall
This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitment of Garden Maintenance Coney Hall to provide a safe working environment for employees, clients and the public while delivering professional garden maintenance and groundskeeping services. The policy is designed to cover all routine landscaping, garden care and seasonal works, and to ensure that every member of staff understands their responsibilities for safety and risk control. Garden maintenance in Coney Hall demands consistent application of safe working practices to reduce harm, protect property and preserve the environment.
Our objectives are clear: to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses, to minimise risks from plant, machinery and chemicals, and to ensure that projects are planned and executed with due regard for safety. The company will provide adequate resources for training, personal protective equipment and supervision. This policy supports continuous improvement in safe working procedures across all aspects of Coney Hall garden upkeep and grounds maintenance.
The scope of this policy covers routine mowing and turf care, hedge and shrub trimming, tree works where qualified, planting and soil handling, use of powered tools and machinery, storage and use of pesticides and fertilisers, manual handling and working near traffic or public areas. All operatives will follow documented safe systems of work and risk assessments specific to each task. The management will ensure regular site inspections and that method statements are available for higher-risk activities.
Roles, Responsibilities and Training
Senior management has overall responsibility for health and safety and will ensure that this policy is implemented and reviewed. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for communicating safe working instructions, supervising staff on site and ensuring that Coney Hall garden services are delivered without compromising safety. Employees must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions.
Training is a cornerstone of safe operations. Staff will receive induction training, task-specific instruction and refreshers on safe operation of machinery, manual handling, ladder use and chemical handling. Where relevant, operatives will hold appropriate qualifications and certificates for chainsaw use, pesticide application and tree work. Records of training and competence checks will be maintained and reviewed regularly.
Visitors and subcontractors engaged to support garden maintenance operations will be required to comply with this policy and any site-specific safety requirements. Before work commences, the company will verify that subcontractors have adequate insurance, qualifications and safety procedures consistent with the standards expected for garden upkeep in Coney Hall and similar service areas.
Risk Management, Equipment and PPE
Risk assessments will be carried out for all regular activities and for one-off or high-risk tasks. Control measures following the hierarchy of risk control will be applied: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls and the use of personal protective equipment. Routine checks on plant, machinery and hand tools will be recorded. Faulty equipment will be taken out of service until repaired or replaced to prevent avoidable incidents.
Personal protective equipment must be used as determined by risk assessment and includes, but is not limited to:
- Protective footwear and high-visibility clothing
- Hearing protection for prolonged machinery use
- Eye and face protection for cutting, trimming and chemical application
- Gloves suitable for handling plants, soil and chemicals
Control of hazardous substances will follow safe handling, storage and disposal practices. Material Safety Data Sheets will be available for all chemicals and staff trained in safe use and emergency measures. Where possible, the company will select less hazardous products and adopt integrated pest management to reduce dependency on chemical treatments in Coney Hall garden care.
Safe Working Practices and Emergency Preparedness
Safe working procedures include pre-start checks, clear site setup to protect the public, secure storage of tools and materials, traffic management where roadside works are performed and correct use of ladders and access equipment. Manual handling will be assessed and mechanical aids used where practical to avoid strains and sprains. Working at height will be planned and carried out by trained personnel only.
First aid arrangements will be in place at all operational sites and larger projects will have designated first aiders. Procedures for reporting incidents, near misses and hazards are mandatory: all events will be recorded, investigated and corrective actions implemented. Regular drills and review of emergency arrangements will ensure readiness for accidents, fire or severe weather events affecting garden operations.
Environmental protection is integral to safe working. Measures will be applied to prevent fuel and chemical spills, to protect trees and wildlife, and to manage green waste responsibly. The company supports sustainable landscaping practices and will ensure its health and safety approach aligns with environmental stewardship in Coney Hall garden maintenance.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
Health and safety performance will be monitored through inspections, audits and review of incident records. Key performance indicators (KPIs) related to accident rates, training completion and equipment maintenance will be evaluated regularly. Management commits to reviewing this policy at least annually or more frequently following significant operational change, incident or regulatory update.
Communication is essential: safety briefings, toolbox talks and accessible documentation ensure that everyone involved in garden maintenance understands current risks and the controls in place. The aim is to foster a positive safety culture where staff are encouraged to contribute ideas for improvement and to report hazards without fear of reprisal.
In summary, Garden Maintenance Coney Hall is committed to maintaining high standards of health, safety and welfare across all garden and grounds services. By combining effective risk management, competent people, safe systems of work and continual review, we will protect our workforce, our clients and the public while delivering professional garden upkeep and landscaping services.