Health & Safety Policy for Gardener Dulwich

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitment of Gardener Dulwich and associated teams to maintaining safe working practices across all gardening operations. The purpose of this policy is to protect employees, clients, contractors and the public while delivering professional gardening services in Dulwich. The policy applies to routine garden maintenance, landscaping, tree work, and any temporary site operations carried out by a Dulwich gardener.

Our objectives are simple: to prevent harm, reduce risks and ensure that every member of the gardening crew understands their role in health and safety. All staff are expected to work in a manner that is safe for themselves and for others; managers will provide clear direction and support; and the company will remain proactive in monitoring performance and making improvements.

This policy complements existing sector best practices and is informed by recognised standards for grounds maintenance and small-scale landscaping. It is not a substitute for professional legal advice but is designed to be practical and relevant to day-to-day operations performed by a gardener in Dulwich.

Scope and Responsibilities

Scope: The policy covers all work activities carried out under the Gardener Dulwich name, including subcontracted tasks where we retain control of the work. Employees, supervisors and contractors must comply with the safety requirements set out here.

Key Responsibilities

The following responsibilities are assigned to ensure effective safety management:

• Company Management: set standards, provide resources, and ensure regular review of safety arrangements.
• Supervisors/Team Leaders: carry out risk assessments, brief teams, and monitor compliance on site.
• Operatives and Garden Staff: follow safe systems of work, use provided PPE, and report hazards without delay.

Risk assessment is central to safe gardening operations. Before work begins, the appointed person will carry out a site-specific assessment that identifies hazards such as uneven ground, buried services, plant and tool hazards, hazardous substances, and access limitations. Control measures will be implemented proportionately and reviewed when circumstances change. Routine checks of machinery, hand tools and powered equipment are mandatory and must be recorded.

Training and competence are actively maintained. All operatives receive induction training, job-specific instruction and periodic refresher sessions. Records of training, qualifications and relevant licences are kept up to date. Where specialist tasks are required (for example, the use of chainsaws, pesticide application or tree climbing), only trained and authorised staff will perform those tasks.

Health issues, welfare and personal protective equipment (PPE) are treated as essential protections. The company will provide appropriate PPE — such as eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, high-visibility clothing, and safety footwear — and ensure it is maintained and replaced when necessary. Staff are expected to use PPE correctly and to report defects.

Safe handling and storage of materials is enforced to avoid spillages, contamination and accidental access by the public. When using chemicals or horticultural substances the company will supply safety data sheets and impose suitable storage arrangements. Manual handling controls include team lifting, mechanical aids and training to reduce the risk of injury.

Emergency procedures are established for incidents such as serious injury, fire, significant chemical spill, or sudden illness. First aid provision is available on site or via a nominated first aider; emergency contacts and local emergency services will be used as appropriate without publishing specific contact details in this policy. Incidents and near-misses must be reported promptly, recorded and investigated to prevent recurrence.

Monitoring, review and continuous improvement: The effectiveness of this policy will be monitored through routine inspections, audits and review of incident records. The company will set measurable safety objectives and update this policy at least annually or when there are significant changes to operations. Everyone engaged in the delivery of gardening services in Dulwich is encouraged to participate in improving safety practices.

Contractors and visitors: when other businesses operate on a site under our control, they must provide assurances of their own safety standards and cooperate with site rules. Our staff will ensure that the public and clients are kept at a safe distance during hazardous activities and that boundaries are clearly signposted where appropriate.

Compliance with this policy is a condition of employment and engagement. Breaches may be subject to managerial action. The company emphasises a positive safety culture where issues are raised early and discussed openly. Leadership and active participation by all team members are essential to reduce risks and maintain a safe working environment.

Signature: This policy is endorsed by company management and will be made available to staff for reference. It should be read alongside any task-specific instructions and workplace procedures that apply to particular contracts or projects undertaken by the Dulwich gardening team.