Gardeners Dartmouth Park Health and Safety Policy

Gardeners Dartmouth Park is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our gardeners, clients, visitors and members of the public who may be affected by our gardening and grounds maintenance activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks and maintaining high standards of safety in all work we carry out in gardens, outdoor spaces and communal grounds.

Policy aims and scope

This policy applies to all employees, subcontractors and temporary workers engaged by Gardeners Dartmouth Park. It also informs clients and members of the public about the measures we take to protect their safety while gardening services are being delivered in residential gardens, commercial premises and shared outdoor areas.

Our aims are to prevent accidents and work-related ill health, comply with all relevant health and safety legislation, and promote a positive safety culture where everyone understands their responsibilities.

Management responsibilities

Management at Gardeners Dartmouth Park is responsible for implementing and reviewing this policy and for providing the resources needed to maintain safe working practices. This includes ensuring risk assessments are completed, maintaining safe systems of work, supplying appropriate equipment and personal protective equipment, and arranging relevant training and supervision.

Managers will regularly review health and safety procedures, investigate any incidents or near misses, and take appropriate corrective actions. They will also consult with staff about health and safety issues and encourage open communication about potential hazards or improvements.

Employee and contractor responsibilities

Every gardener, employee and contractor working on behalf of Gardeners Dartmouth Park has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. All workers must follow the safety procedures and instructions provided, use equipment correctly, and wear the required protective clothing and equipment.

Employees and contractors must promptly report hazards, defects, accidents, near misses or unsafe conditions to management so that appropriate measures can be taken. They must not intentionally misuse or interfere with anything provided in the interests of health and safety.

Risk assessment and planning

Before starting gardening work, an assessment of risks will be carried out to identify potential hazards such as uneven ground, traffic, overhead cables, manual handling tasks, use of machinery, chemicals and potential risks to members of the public. Control measures will be put in place to reduce risks to an acceptable level.

For regular maintenance work, standard risk assessments and safe working procedures will be followed. For unusual or higher-risk tasks, a task-specific assessment will be completed. Work will be planned and scheduled to minimise disruption and risk to clients, neighbours and passers-by.

Safe use of tools, machinery and equipment

Gardeners Dartmouth Park will ensure that all tools, machinery and equipment used for gardening work are suitable for their purpose, well maintained and serviced in accordance with manufacturers' instructions. Only trained and competent personnel will operate powered equipment such as lawn mowers, hedge trimmers, strimmers, chainsaws and similar machinery.

Guards and safety devices will be kept in place and used correctly at all times. Equipment that is damaged or defective will be taken out of use immediately and reported for repair or replacement. Fuel, oils and other substances associated with machinery will be stored, handled and disposed of safely.

Personal protective equipment and clothing

Where risks cannot be eliminated through other means, appropriate personal protective equipment will be provided, such as safety boots, gloves, high-visibility clothing, eye and ear protection, and respiratory protection where necessary. Gardeners must wear the protective equipment specified for the task at all times while the work is being carried out.

Clothing worn for gardening must be suitable for outdoor work, allow free movement and provide adequate protection against weather conditions and foreseeable hazards such as thorns, sharp objects and contact with soil and plants.

Manual handling and physical work

Gardening involves regular lifting, carrying, bending and other physical activities. Gardeners Dartmouth Park will take steps to reduce the risk of injury from manual handling by using equipment and techniques that minimise heavy lifting, planning work to avoid unnecessary strain and providing guidance on safe lifting and carrying methods.

Where loads are heavy or awkward, mechanical aids, team lifting or load reduction will be used. Workers are expected to follow safe manual handling techniques and not to attempt tasks beyond their physical capabilities.

Chemicals, pesticides and hazardous substances

Any use of chemicals, pesticides, fertilisers or other potentially hazardous substances will be strictly controlled. Only approved products will be used, and always in accordance with manufacturers' instructions and relevant safety guidance. Appropriate storage, mixing, application and disposal procedures will be followed.

Where hazardous substances are used, suitable personal protective equipment will be provided and used. Care will be taken to protect clients, pets, wildlife and planting, and to prevent contamination of soil and water sources.

Public and client safety at work sites

When working in gardens and outdoor areas, Gardeners Dartmouth Park will take reasonable steps to protect clients, visitors, neighbours and members of the public. Work areas may be clearly identified, and access restricted where necessary while machinery is in use or higher-risk tasks are being performed.

Tools and equipment will be kept in safe positions when not in use, and work areas will be kept as tidy as reasonably practicable. At the end of each job, waste will be managed responsibly, and the site left in a safe condition.

Training, competence and supervision

We are committed to ensuring that all gardeners and workers are competent to carry out their tasks safely. Appropriate induction, on-the-job training and, where necessary, formal qualifications will be provided. Additional training will be arranged when new equipment, processes or identified risks arise.

Less experienced staff will be supervised until they can demonstrate consistent safe working practices. All workers are encouraged to ask for guidance if they are unsure how to complete a task safely.

Accidents, incidents and emergencies

All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported as soon as possible so that they can be recorded, investigated and used to improve safety measures. First aid arrangements will be in place, and suitable first aid supplies will be available to workers.

Gardeners Dartmouth Park will plan for foreseeable emergencies, such as severe weather, fire, chemical spills or injuries, and will ensure that workers know how to respond, including how to obtain medical assistance when required.

Monitoring and review of this policy

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated whenever there are significant changes in legislation, work practices or identified risks. Feedback from employees, contractors and clients will be considered as part of the review process.

Gardeners Dartmouth Park expects everyone involved in our gardening services to support and uphold the principles set out in this policy so that all work is carried out safely and responsibly in every garden and outdoor space we maintain.