Gardening Parsons Green — Health & Safety Policy

Gardening Parsons Green is committed to providing a safe working environment for employees, clients and the public. This health and safety policy applies to all gardening operations, including garden maintenance, landscaping and grounds care across our service area. The policy explains responsibilities, safe working practices and the approach we take to risk control. Our Parsons Green gardening team aims to combine practical horticulture with rigorous safety management.

All staff and contractors engaged in Parsons Green garden services are required to understand and comply with this policy. Management will ensure resources are available for safe equipment, personal protective equipment and training. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring day-to-day safe systems of work, while every operative has a duty to work safely, report hazards and use issued PPE.

Training and competence are central to our approach. We provide induction training for new staff, refresher sessions, and role-specific instruction for operators of powered tools, chainsaws, ride-on mowers and other specialist plant. Competence is assessed regularly and recorded. We also maintain a schedule of toolbox talks, on-site briefings and shadowing for new tasks to make sure Parsons Green gardeners are prepared for changing site conditions and seasonal hazards.

Risk assessment and job planning

Prior to any task we carry out a practical risk assessment that identifies hazards, evaluates risks and determines control measures. Risk assessments consider client property, public access, utilities, weather and ecological sensitivities. Work plans and method statements are produced for complex tasks such as tree work, deep excavation or chemical application to ensure controlled, safe execution across the broader gardening service area.

Plant, tools and equipment are maintained to a high standard and inspected prior to use. We keep records of maintenance and service intervals. Personal protective equipment, such as safety boots, eye protection, hearing protection and high-visibility clothing, is issued and its use enforced. PPE is selected based on the hazard assessment and reviewed when tasks or conditions change.

Use of agrochemicals, fertilisers and fuels is tightly controlled. Only approved products are used, stored securely and handled by trained staff. Spill kits and safe disposal procedures are in place. Waste generated by landscaping or garden clearance is segregated and removed following environmental best practice. The policy prohibits indiscriminate burning or disposal that could endanger public safety or wildlife.

Working near the public and traffic requires careful planning. When operations are near footways, roads or communal areas we implement exclusion zones, barriers, signage and where necessary temporary traffic management. Operatives are briefed about pedestrian flow and emergency access so the public and clients are protected while work is underway.

Emergency procedures, first aid provision and incident reporting are detailed and practised. Every site has a nominated first aider and an emergency response plan that includes access routes for emergency services. All incidents, near misses and unsafe conditions are recorded, investigated and used as learning opportunities to prevent recurrence across our Parsons Green gardening and wider service operations.

Site access, vehicles and manual handling

Vehicles used for garden maintenance are checked daily and driven by authorised staff only. Loads are secured, and vehicle movements are coordinated to minimise risk. Manual handling training reduces the incidence of musculoskeletal injury. Mechanical aids are used where possible and team lifting is practised when necessary, with risk controls documented on site.

Monitoring, audit and review help us maintain standards. The policy is reviewed annually or after significant incidents and amended to reflect changes in equipment, legislation or service delivery. Performance is monitored through site inspections, safety observations and regular management reviews to ensure continuous improvement across all gardening activities in the local service area.

Communication with clients and contractors is essential. Before work begins we agree on site boundaries, client responsibilities and any restrictions. Our Parsons Green garden maintenance teams provide clear pre-start briefings and inform clients of foreseeable hazards. We discourage unapproved access to active work areas and request clients to advise of vulnerable people, pets or protected plants prior to the start of operations.

The company is committed to promoting a positive safety culture: staff are encouraged to speak up about hazards, propose improvements and participate in safety initiatives. This policy is a statement of intent to protect people and property while delivering high-quality gardening services. The management of Gardening Parsons Green will ensure the policy is implemented, resourced and maintained, and that safety remains integral to every job we undertake.