Health & Safety Policy for Gardener Surbiton

Gardener Surbiton is committed to protecting the health, safety and welfare of all employees, contractors and members of the public affected by our gardening activities. This policy describes how our gardening company Surbiton operates to minimise risk across routine garden maintenance, landscaping and specialist grounds work. Safety is integral to every job, from a basic lawn cut to complex tree work. We set clear standards, provide appropriate training and supply the correct personal protective equipment to ensure safe delivery of gardening services in Surbiton and surrounding areas.

Our approach applies to all gardening services Surbiton offers and is designed to be practical and proportionate. The policy covers risk assessment, safe systems of work, equipment maintenance, hazardous substances, manual handling, and emergency response. We expect every Surbiton gardener and subcontractor to follow the controls set out, to report hazards immediately, and to cooperate with monitoring and improvement activities. The organisation recognises its duty to consult with staff and to make continual improvements where necessary.

The following list summarises key responsibilities for safety and health in our garden maintenance Surbiton operations:

• Management will provide leadership, resources and ensure compliance with the policy.
• Supervisors will implement safe systems and carry out site checks before work begins.
• Operatives are required to follow safe working instructions, use PPE and report incidents.

Risk assessment, control measures and safe systems of work

Risk assessments are carried out for all activities undertaken by our Surbiton gardening team, including hedge trimming, tree pruning, pesticide application and mechanical mowing. Assessments identify hazards, evaluate the level of risk and set out proportionate mitigation measures. Controls include exclusion zones, appropriate signage, the use of qualified operators for specialist plant, regular maintenance of machinery, and clear instructions for manual handling tasks. Where specialist skills are required we arrange competent contractors and ensure their method statements align with our safety expectations.

Equipment and machinery are serviced under a planned maintenance schedule. Chainsaws, ride-on mowers and power tools receive documented checks; guards, blades and safety features are inspected before use. Training and assessment of competence are provided for all staff operating powered equipment, with refresher sessions to cover changes in equipment or procedures. We emphasise tool selection, safe operating distances, and the importance of working with a second person when appropriate to reduce the risk of injury during garden jobs.

Chemical use, PPE and environmental controls

Where herbicides or pesticides are used in our landscaping Surbiton work they are stored securely and used according to manufacturer instructions. We apply the precautionary principle: minimising chemical use, using non-chemical alternatives where feasible, and ensuring all users are trained in handling and disposal. Operatives are provided with suitable respiratory protection, gloves, eye protection and footwear. Spill kits and containment measures are available to prevent environmental contamination and to protect the public and wildlife in and around client properties.

Working alone, first aid and emergency procedures

Many gardening tasks require operatives to work alone or in small teams; our lone working policy requires check-ins, reliable communication and risk-based controls for remote locations. A first aid kit is available on every job and selected staff hold valid first aid training. In the event of a serious incident we follow a clear escalation procedure, secure the scene, notify emergency services if required and preserve evidence for investigation. All accidents and near-misses are recorded and analysed to prevent recurrence.

Training, monitoring and continuous improvement are central to our safety culture. We maintain records of competence, toolbox talks and on-site inductions for new operatives. Regular audits and site inspections assess performance against the policy. Corrective actions are assigned and tracked to completion. Our Surbiton gardener teams are encouraged to contribute practical safety improvements and to speak up about hazards without fear of reprisal.

This Health and Safety Policy is owned by the management of Gardener Surbiton and is reviewed at least annually or following significant changes to operations, incidents or legislation. It is communicated to all employees, displayed on site notices where appropriate and forms part of our induction for new staff. By following these principles and procedures, our gardening business in Surbiton aims to deliver reliable services while safeguarding people, property and the environment. Commitment to safety is non-negotiable and underpins everything we do.