Health & Safety Policy — Gardener Camberwell

Introduction: This Health and Safety policy sets out the standards and procedures followed by Gardener Camberwell and affiliated Camberwell gardener teams to protect staff, clients and the public. Our aim is to provide high-quality garden maintenance and landscaping services while minimising risk. The policy applies to all operational activities, from hedge trimming and lawn care to hard landscaping and site clearance. Everyone engaged by our gardening company in Camberwell must understand and comply with these measures. The document emphasises prevention, clear responsibilities and continual improvement.

We commit to a proactive approach to risk management. Staff receive training on safe operation of tools, plant and equipment, manual handling techniques and the correct use of personal protective equipment. Supervisors conduct routine checks and ensure that every Camberwell gardening service project has an appointed safety lead. Records of training and competence are maintained and reviewed regularly to ensure continuous improvement and adherence to industry best practice. Communication of risks is a daily routine through toolbox talks and briefings.

Risk assessment and planning: Before starting any job our crews complete a site-specific risk assessment. This covers hazards such as uneven ground, underground services, pesticide application, machinery operation and public access. The assessment identifies control measures and assigns responsibilities. Where necessary, exclusion zones, signage and barriers are implemented to protect neighbours and passers-by. Risk assessments are documented, retained with the job file, and reviewed if site conditions change or if work is extended beyond the original scope.

Safe working practices

Control measures include safe systems of work for chainsaws, rotavators, and ride-on mowers. Only trained operatives are permitted to use high-risk equipment. Regular maintenance and pre-use checks are carried out and logged. We apply a hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative measures and personal protective equipment. The Camberwell gardener teams are instructed to stop work and report immediately if they encounter unexpected hazards or conditions outside assessed risks.

PPE, health and wellbeing

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided where required: gloves, eye and ear protection, safety boots, hi-vis clothing and respiratory protection for dusty or chemical tasks. Employees must wear PPE as specified in method statements and task briefings. We also promote occupational health by encouraging breaks, hydration, heat and cold awareness, and offering information about vaccinations and fieldwork health. Mental health is supported through open communication channels, signposting to wellbeing resources and a culture of mutual support across crews.

Subcontractors and visitors must comply with our site rules and demonstrate competence and insurance where applicable. Vehicle safety and secure loading procedures are observed to prevent manual handling injuries. Hazardous substances are managed with clear labelling, safe storage and access to safety data sheets; waste and green waste are handled through permitted routes to reduce environmental and health risks. Incident records are used to identify trends and target improvements.

Emergency preparedness and incident management are central to protecting people and property. Emergency procedures cover first aid, fire response, accidental chemical release and machinery incidents, and are included in site inductions. Trained first-aiders and emergency contacts are assigned for each project; first aid kits and spill kits are readily available. Incident reporting is prompt and includes investigation, root cause analysis and corrective actions—all shared across teams to prevent recurrence and to strengthen our safety culture.

Training and competence are core commitments. New staff receive induction training that covers site rules, PPE requirements and emergency procedures, while ongoing apprenticeships, toolbox talks and refresher courses maintain skills. Supervisors conduct competence checks and update training plans when new equipment or methods are introduced. A clear responsibility framework ensures that managers allocate resources, supervisors monitor compliance and operatives understand their personal duties every day.

Monitoring, review and continuous improvement We monitor safety performance through inspections, near-miss reporting and audits. Performance metrics inform management reviews and help prioritise actions. The policy is reviewed at least annually or after significant incidents or operational changes. Communication and implementation are achieved by disseminating procedures, holding regular briefings and encouraging staff to raise concerns without fear of reprisal. This creates a pragmatic, safety-first ethos within our gardening company.