Health and Safety Policy — Gardening Manor Park

Gardening Manor Park is committed to maintaining the highest standards of health and safety across all garden maintenance, landscaping and horticultural services. This policy sets out our approach to managing risk for staff, clients, contractors and the public within our service area. The purpose is to create a clear, practical framework so that everyone involved in Manor Park gardening services understands their duties and expectations. We will operate proactively to prevent harm, protect the environment and promote safe working practices.

Scope and Objectives

This policy applies to all employees, sub-contractors and visitors involved in our Manor Park gardening operations, including grounds maintenance, planting, tree care, hedge cutting and seasonal work. Our objectives are to: maintain safe systems of work; ensure effective training and supervision; reduce incidents and ill health; and ensure compliance with relevant safety standards across the service area. We prioritise prevention, review and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities and Roles

Management will provide leadership, resources and arrangements needed to implement this policy. Line managers and supervisors must ensure safe methods, risk assessments and training are in place. All operatives are responsible for following safe working procedures and reporting hazards. Key responsibilities include:

• Carrying out risk assessments before work starts;
• Ensuring use of suitable PPE and safety equipment;
• Reporting incidents, near misses and unsafe conditions promptly;
• Participating in training and toolbox talks;
• Cooperating with monitoring and review activities.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

All tasks are subject to documented risk assessments that identify hazards, evaluate risks and establish controls. Assessments will cover site-specific elements such as slopes, boundaries, underground services, public access and weather conditions. For routine tasks our standard safe working methods are applied and reviewed periodically to reflect changes in equipment or working practices. Control measures include exclusion zones, robust plant guarding and secure storage of tools and materials.

Hazard Controls, Tools and PPE

The safe selection and use of tools, machinery and protective equipment is essential to our Manor Park garden safety approach. Operatives must use PPE appropriate to the task — gloves, eye and hearing protection, hi-vis, and protective footwear. Equipment inspections are carried out before use and defective items are removed from service. Safe manual handling techniques are reinforced through training and ergonomic adjustments.

Chemicals, Soil and Waste Management

Handling of fertilisers, pesticides and other substances is controlled through COSHH-style assessments and manufacturer guidance. Storage is secure and labelled; spill kits and containment measures are available during operations. We minimise chemical use by adopting sustainable horticultural practices. Waste is segregated and disposed of responsibly to protect the environment and public spaces.

Traffic, Machinery and Public Safety

Working near roads, paths and communal areas demands careful traffic management. When operating ride-on mowers, chipper units and powered tools we set up exclusion zones, barriers and signage where necessary. Operatives are trained in vehicle safety, reversing procedures and safe loading of trailers. We schedule disruptive works at times that reduce public exposure and maintain clear communication with site users.

Incident Reporting, First Aid and Emergency Response

All incidents, near misses and injuries must be reported immediately. We maintain accessible first aid kits, trained first aiders and documented emergency procedures. In an emergency, staff will follow the site's response plan and liaise with emergency services when necessary. Incident investigations are carried out to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Training, Supervision and Continuous Improvement

We invest in training, competency checks and regular toolbox talks to keep skills current for gardening services at Manor Park and across our service area. Supervision ensures that safe work methods are followed and that new or changing tasks are risk assessed. Performance is monitored through inspections, audits and review meetings. Management will set measurable objectives and review this policy at least annually or sooner if there are significant changes to operations or personnel.

Key Commitments

Our commitments include maintaining safe equipment, providing clear instruction and supervision, ensuring adequate welfare facilities and striving to reduce incidents and environmental harm. We will consult staff on safety matters and encourage a culture where everyone feels responsible for safety. This health and safety policy is an active document; it will be communicated to all employees and made available to relevant stakeholders upon request.

Approval and Review: The policy is endorsed by senior management and forms part of the operational standards for Gardening Manor Park and affiliated teams. It will be reviewed following significant incidents, operational changes or annually to ensure effectiveness. Adherence to this policy is a condition of employment and contract for all personnel involved in Manor Park gardening services.