Health and Safety Policy for Gardening Forest Gate

Gardening Forest Gate is committed to maintaining a safe working environment for our staff, clients and the public. This policy outlines the standards we apply across our service area for all aspects of garden maintenance, landscaping and horticultural work. It applies to every operative, contractor and visitor engaged in garden care, shrub pruning, lawn maintenance and landscaping projects. Our core aim is to prevent accidents, minimise health risks and ensure compliance with good practice for garden services in and around Forest Gate.

We employ a risk-based approach to everyday tasks. Tasks are assessed for hazards such as working at height, manual handling, use of powered tools, chemical use for pest control and potential interactions with utility services. Forest Gate gardening services follow clear procedures for the safe use of equipment, protective clothing and site set-up. All operatives receive induction training and regular refresher sessions that cover emergency response, safe lifting techniques and safe operation of machinery. Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, eye protection and hearing protection is mandatory where risks are identified, and records of PPE issue are maintained.

To further reduce risk, we maintain a documented system of job-specific risk assessments and method statements. These documents describe the sequence of work, the controls to be implemented and the responsible person for safety on site. Garden maintenance in Forest Gate includes regular checks on tools, electrical equipment and fuel storage. We operate an equipment inspection schedule and ensure that all power tools are PAT-tested where applicable, and mowers and chainsaws are serviced according to manufacturer guidance. Any defects found are reported and the item is taken out of service until repaired.

Operational Controls and Safe Working Practices

Our safe systems of work cover routine operations and less frequent activities such as tree work, hedge reduction and temporary site fencing. Forest Gate garden care teams use exclusion zones to protect the public during noisy or hazardous tasks. Signage and barriers are used when working near footpaths or driveways. We also apply controls to manual handling by using mechanical aids where feasible and by training staff in safe carrying techniques. Supervisors carry out pre-start briefings to confirm responsibilities and identify any site-specific hazards.

Chemicals and materials used for weed control and plant health are handled according to product instructions and stored securely. Only trained staff authorised for agrochemical application will perform any pesticide treatments. Spill kits are kept on vehicles and at storage areas, and staff are trained in spill response and correct disposal. We also adopt integrated pest management strategies to reduce reliance on chemicals, prioritising physical and biological controls where practical.

Emergency preparedness is central to our policy. First aid provision is available on every crew and contained in our vehicles, with appointed first aiders on larger projects. Teams carry mobile communications and a system is in place to locate and summon help quickly should an incident occur. Incident reporting is mandatory; all near-misses and accidents are recorded, investigated and used to update procedures and prevent recurrence.

Training, Monitoring and Environmental Considerations

Training and competence form the backbone of safe service delivery. Regular assessments ensure operatives are competent in risk assessment, safe tool use and first aid. New starters receive site-specific induction, and ongoing professional development is encouraged so that those delivering gardening services in Forest Gate remain up to date with best practice. Supervisors undertake periodic audits to confirm compliance with this health and safety policy.

We recognise our environmental responsibilities as a gardening company. Waste materials are segregated and disposed of responsibly; green waste is recycled where possible and hazardous waste is managed to minimise environmental impact. Fuel and lubricant handling follow spill prevention measures, and we aim to use sustainable materials and practices in landscape projects. Staff are trained to identify ecological sensitivities and protect wildlife and native plants when working on site.

The policy is supported by clear roles and accountability: managers ensure resources for safety are available; supervisors implement procedures on-site; and every operative is responsible for working safely and reporting hazards. Our commitment to continuous improvement means this policy is reviewed regularly, updated following incidents or regulatory changes, and communicated to all staff and contractors. Together, these measures create a safety-first culture that underpins all Forest Gate gardening and landscaping work.