Health and Safety Policy — Gardener Heston

Gardener Heston is committed to providing a safe working environment for all staff, contractors and the public affected by our work. This health and safety policy outlines the approach our Heston gardener team takes to identify, control and reduce risks associated with landscaping, gardening and grounds maintenance. The goal is to protect people and property while delivering professional Heston gardening services with care and competence. All employees are expected to read, understand and work in accordance with this policy as part of their employment responsibilities.

Policy statement and objectives

Policy statement: We adopt a proactive approach to risk management and continuous improvement. Our objectives include preventing injury and ill health, promoting safe working methods, and ensuring that everyone involved in our operations knows their role and responsibilities. The company will: provide appropriate training; maintain safe equipment; assess risks before work starts; and monitor compliance. This gardening company policy is designed to be practical and actionable for day-to-day operations and routine maintenance tasks.

Roles and responsibilities

Management responsibilities: Senior staff are responsible for ensuring resources, procedures and supervision are in place. Site supervisors and lead gardeners must implement risk assessments and ensure teams follow safe systems of work. Worker responsibilities: All operatives must use equipment responsibly, report hazards and wear required personal protective equipment. Key duties include:

• Following risk assessments and method statements for each task
• Reporting accidents, near-misses and unsafe conditions promptly
• Using PPE and safety devices correctly
• Participating in training and toolbox talks

Training and competence: Personnel are competent through a mix of formal instruction, on-the-job training and periodic refresher sessions. Induction for new staff covers hazard awareness, manual handling, use of machinery, and chemical safety. For specific tasks such as tree surgery or operating powered equipment, only trained and authorised staff will be assigned. The Gardener Heston team maintains records of qualifications and training to ensure consistent standards across all projects and maintenance contracts.

Risk assessment and safe systems of work: Before any task begins, a risk assessment is completed to identify hazards such as slopes, underground services, roadside working or hazardous plants and chemicals. Controls are applied using the hierarchy of controls: eliminate, substitute, engineer, administrate and use PPE. Method statements set out step-by-step safe working procedures, and high-risk tasks are subject to additional supervision and pre-start checks.

Incident reporting and emergency response: All incidents, including near-misses, are recorded and investigated to prevent recurrence. Emergency procedures are established for medical emergencies, fire, or environmental incidents. First aid provision, emergency contact chains and clear site access routes are maintained so that personnel and emergency services can respond quickly. Lessons learned from incidents are used to update procedures and training.

Equipment and maintenance: Safe plant and tools are essential. Machinery is inspected before use and serviced at specified intervals. Portable equipment is subject to regular checks and electrical safety testing where applicable. Operators are trained in correct operation, including safe startup, use, refuelling and shutdown. The company enforces lock-out/tag-out procedures where equipment maintenance could expose staff to hazards.

Handling of substances and waste management: Where herbicides, pesticides or other chemicals are necessary, Heston gardening services apply a risk-based approach: using the least hazardous effective product, following manufacturer guidance, and ensuring correct storage and spillage controls. Waste, including green waste and chemical containers, is managed responsibly to prevent pollution, with segregation, secure storage and appropriate disposal methods applied.

Working near the public and traffic: When operating in public spaces or near roads, the safety of the public is prioritised. Barriers, signs and traffic management measures are used as needed. Teams keep work areas tidy and secure to prevent slips, trips and falls. Communication with clients and site users about scheduled work reduces unexpected interactions and improves overall safety.

Environmental and ecological considerations: As a gardening company, Gardener Heston recognises its responsibility to protect local ecosystems. Staff are briefed on identifying protected species and habitats and will avoid actions that could cause harm. Sustainable practices such as mulching, composting and using eco-friendly products are encouraged to reduce environmental impact while maintaining safety standards.

Monitoring, review and continuous improvement

Regular site inspections, audits and performance reviews ensure the policy remains effective. The company evaluates incident trends and consultation feedback to adjust controls and training. Senior management reviews this policy periodically to reflect operational changes, emerging risks or new best practice. Continuous improvement is driven by a commitment to safer, greener working practices.

Acceptance and implementation: This Health and Safety Policy applies to all employees, contractors and subcontractors engaged by Gardener Heston. Everyone has a part to play in maintaining a safe working environment. Compliance is mandatory, and breaches will be dealt with through company procedures. By working together, the Heston gardener team will deliver quality services while protecting people, property and the environment.