Health & Safety Policy for Gardening Services Mill Hill

Our Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitment of this gardening company in Mill Hill to protect employees, clients and the public while delivering high-quality garden services. The aim is to ensure that all work for garden maintenance, hedge cutting, lawn care and planting is carried out safely and consistently. This document outlines responsibilities, safe working practices and the controls we use to reduce risk to an acceptable level. The policy applies to all staff, contractors and subcontractors engaged by our Mill Hill garden services and to work on private and commercial sites within our operating area.

Scope and Responsibilities

This policy covers routine grounds maintenance, landscaping, tree work, and seasonal gardening tasks delivered by our team. The Company Management is responsible for providing safe systems of work, training and necessary equipment. Supervisors must ensure compliance with procedures and that each operative understands their role. Every staff member has a duty to act safely, follow instructions and report hazards. Temporary workers and visitors must be supervised. Risk assessments will be completed and recorded for all significant tasks and locations where our garden services Mill Hill teams operate.

Risk assessment and control measures are central to safe operations. We identify hazards such as manual handling, use of power tools, vehicle movements, pesticide application and working at height. Control measures include safe working procedures, tool maintenance, exclusion zones, and ensuring that only competent operatives use specific machinery. A sample list of common controls includes:

• Pre-use equipment checks and maintenance schedules
• Use of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves, eye protection and hearing protection
• Clear segregation of work areas from the public and site traffic
• Written method statements for higher risk tasks

Training, competence and supervision are essential. All employees receive induction training, on-the-job coaching and periodic refreshers relevant to their role. Specific training is provided for operating lawn mowers, chainsaws, brush cutters and other powered equipment. Supervisors regularly assess competence and arrange further training where gaps are identified. Records of training and qualifications are maintained to demonstrate that people are competent to carry out their duties for Mill Hill gardening services.

Personal Protective Equipment and Safe Equipment Use

Appropriate PPE must be provided and used where risks cannot be adequately controlled by other means. This includes cut-resistant gloves, chainsaw trousers, high-visibility clothing and safety boots. Equipment is to be serviced by qualified technicians and subject to pre-use checks. Faulty equipment must be taken out of service and reported immediately. We enforce a 'stop work' rule if any operative believes a task is unsafe until a safe method is agreed.

Use and storage of chemicals and fuels are managed to minimise exposure and environmental impact. COSHH-style assessments are used for hazardous substances; containers are clearly labelled and bunding is provided for fuel storage. Waste green material, oil and chemical containers are disposed of via authorised routes. Emergency procedures, including spill response and first-aid arrangements, are in place; all operatives are briefed on reporting incidents and near misses, which are investigated to prevent recurrence.

Monitoring, incident reporting and continuous improvement ensure the policy remains effective. We carry out periodic inspections, audits and toolbox talks to review compliance and to share lessons learned. All incidents, however minor, must be recorded and investigated; where appropriate corrective actions and changes to procedures are implemented. The company maintains records of risk assessments, training, inspections and incidents to support audits and demonstrate that the garden services provider meets its responsibilities.

Contractors and subcontractors engaged to support garden maintenance Mill Hill operations must comply with this health and safety policy and demonstrate suitable competence. Before appointment, contractors are assessed for safety performance, method statements and insurance. Sites with multiple employers require clear coordination to manage overlapping risks; the company will nominate a site safety coordinator where necessary. Safe working relationships and communication are essential between all parties to maintain a safe working environment.

Policy review and management commitment: Management will review this policy at planned intervals and following significant incidents, changes to work practices or changes in legislation. The review process ensures that the policy stays current, practical and aligned with best practice for gardening firms operating in the local area. This organisation is committed to providing the resources necessary for effective health and safety performance. By following these procedures, our Mill Hill garden services will protect people, property and the environment while delivering reliable and professional gardening and grounds care.