Health & Safety Policy — Gardening Chigwell

Gardening Chigwell is committed to maintaining the highest standards of health and safety across all of our garden maintenance and landscaping operations. This policy applies to every employee, contractor and subcontractor working for or on behalf of the company. The aim is to prevent accidents, protect the public and preserve client property while delivering professional garden care in Chigwell and surrounding service areas. We will meet these aims through effective planning, instruction, training and supervision, and by promoting a culture of continual improvement.

Scope and Objectives

This Health and Safety policy covers routine grounds maintenance, planting, hedge work, tree pruning, turf care, hardscape work and the use of powered garden equipment. The policy sets out responsibilities, safe working procedures and the controls required to manage risks arising from our gardening operations. Our objective is to protect staff, clients, visitors and members of the public and to ensure that landscaping and gardening services provided by Chigwell teams are carried out safely and sustainably.

Responsibilities & Accountability

Management responsibilities include ensuring suitable risk assessments are completed, that safe systems of work are in place, and that training, supervision and equipment are provided. Employees must follow safe systems, use provided personal protective equipment, report hazards and incidents promptly and take reasonable care for themselves and others. Contractors are expected to comply with this policy and demonstrate competency before starting work.

• Managers: maintain documentation, review procedures and ensure compliance.
• Supervisors: brief teams, monitor tasks and enforce safety standards.
• Operatives: use PPE, follow instructions and report unsafe conditions.

Risk Assessment and Work Planning

All jobs are subject to a proportionate risk assessment prior to commencement. Risk assessments identify hazards such as working at height, manual handling, use of chainsaws and strimmers, noise, vibration, interaction with pedestrians, and the presence of underground services. Control measures are established for each identified risk and documented within the job brief. Safe work method statements and permit-to-work procedures will be produced where required for higher-risk tasks.

Personal Protective Equipment and Equipment Safety The company ensures that appropriate PPE is provided and maintained: safety boots, hi-vis clothing, gloves, eye and ear protection, and respiratory protection if required. All powered equipment is inspected and serviced to manufacturer standards andlogged for traceability. Operatives must undertake pre-use checks, report defects and never use damaged machinery. Chigwell gardening teams will only use equipment for which they have training and competence.

Chemical, Waste and Environmental Controls

Safe handling of chemicals is essential: available safety data sheets (SDS) will be reviewed before use, and herbicides or pesticides will be applied only by trained personnel using suitable controls. Waste materials including green waste, packaging and chemical containers will be managed responsibly and disposed of in accordance with environmental best practice. Spill kits are available for fuel or chemical leaks and operatives are trained in containment and reporting procedures.

Emergency Procedures and Incident Reporting

In the event of an incident, immediate measures will be taken to secure the scene, administer first aid and alert emergency services where required. All vehicles carry a first aid kit and trained first aiders are identified on job briefs. Incidents, near-misses and property damage must be reported through the company's reporting system. Investigations will identify root causes and remedial actions to prevent recurrence. The policy emphasises open reporting to support learning and improvement across the team.

Working Near the Public and Site Security When operating on customer properties or public-facing sites, teams will use suitable signage, barriers and exclusion zones to protect passersby. Traffic management must be considered where equipment or materials obstruct footpaths or driveways. Tools and materials will be secured overnight and vehicles locked to reduce theft and unauthorised access. Respect for client property is paramount: driveways, lawn edges, fences and planted areas will be protected while work is in progress.

Training, Documentation and Continuous Improvement

Training and competence are central to our safety approach. Staff receive induction training, job-specific training and refresher sessions on safe use of machinery, hazardous substances and manual handling. All training is recorded and reviewed. Documentation including risk assessments, inspection logs and incident reports is maintained to demonstrate compliance and to drive improvements. The policy will be reviewed annually or following significant change, incident or updated guidance to ensure continued relevance and effectiveness for our gardening services in the area.

Monitoring and Review

Regular site audits and supervisory checks will assess adherence to this policy. Performance indicators such as incident frequency, near-miss reporting and completion of training will inform management reviews. Continuous feedback from operatives is encouraged to refine procedures and improve the safety of our garden maintenance operations.

Commitment

Gardening Chigwell is committed to providing a safe working environment and to protecting the health of employees and the public. This policy is an integral part of our approach to delivering reliable, high-quality gardening and landscape services while minimising risk. Everyone engaged in our operations is expected to support and uphold these standards.