Gardeners Selhurst Health and Safety Policy

Gardeners Selhurst is committed to providing gardening and landscaping services in a way that protects the health, safety, and welfare of our employees, contractors, clients, visitors, and members of the public. This policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with garden maintenance, soft and hard landscaping, and related outdoor work across our service area.

We recognise our legal and moral duties to prevent injury and ill health and to provide safe systems of work, safe equipment, and appropriate training. Health and safety considerations are central to how we plan and deliver every gardening project, from small residential gardens to larger commercial grounds.

Roles and Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the management of Gardeners Selhurst. Management ensures that appropriate procedures, resources, and supervision are in place to maintain high standards of safety and wellbeing.

Supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy on site, carrying out checks, leading by example, and making sure that team members follow safe working practices. They must report hazards, incidents, and near misses promptly so that corrective actions can be taken.

All gardeners, operatives, and contractors working on behalf of Gardeners Selhurst have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work. They must cooperate with all safety instructions, use personal protective equipment correctly, and report any concerns immediately.

Clients also play a role in safe working by sharing relevant site information, allowing appropriate access and time for work to be completed safely, and keeping children, pets, and visitors away from active work areas.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We carry out risk assessments for our gardening and landscaping activities, including lawn care, planting, pruning, hedge cutting, tree work within our competence, use of machinery, and waste handling. Risks are identified, evaluated, and controlled through safe systems of work.

Before starting a job, the working area is assessed for hazards such as uneven ground, unstable structures, overhead cables, underground services, water features, wildlife, and potential environmental risks. Control measures may include exclusion zones, barriers, signage, and changes to work methods or timing.

Safe systems of work are communicated to all team members. Where a task presents significant risk, only trained and authorised personnel may carry it out. Work that falls outside our competence, such as specialist tree surgery or high-risk access, will be referred to appropriately qualified professionals.

Use of Tools, Machinery, and Substances

Gardeners Selhurst selects and maintains tools and machinery to ensure they are suitable and safe for the tasks undertaken. Equipment such as lawn mowers, trimmers, blowers, hedge cutters, and power tools is inspected regularly, and defects are reported and rectified before use.

Only personnel who have received appropriate information, instruction, and training may operate powered equipment. Machines are used in accordance with manufacturers instructions and relevant safety guidance, including guards, emergency stops, and safe starting and refuelling procedures.

Chemicals used for gardening, such as fertilisers and plant treatments, are stored, transported, and applied safely. Where required, we carry out specific assessments for substances and ensure use of appropriate protective equipment, correct dilution, careful application, and secure storage away from children, pets, and wildlife.

Personal Protective Equipment and Clothing

We provide and require the use of appropriate personal protective equipment where risks cannot be fully controlled by other means. Depending on the task, this may include safety footwear, gloves, eye and hearing protection, high-visibility clothing, and respiratory protection.

All team members must wear suitable clothing for outdoor work, including weather-appropriate garments that protect against sun, rain, wind, and cold. Long-term exposure to sun is managed by encouraging shade breaks, use of sunscreen, and adequate hydration.

Site Safety, Public Protection, and Traffic Management

We plan our gardening and landscaping work to minimise risks to clients, neighbours, and members of the public. Work areas are kept as tidy as practicable, with tools and materials stored safely to prevent trips, falls, and unauthorised access.

Where work is carried out near roads, driveways, or shared pathways, we take reasonable steps to manage traffic risks by using appropriate warning signs, cones, or temporary barriers and by coordinating with clients about vehicle movements.

Sharp tools, machinery, and hazardous materials are never left unattended in accessible areas. At the end of each working day, the site is checked and left in a condition that is as safe as reasonably practicable.

Manual Handling and Ergonomics

Gardening often involves lifting, carrying, digging, and repetitive movements. We assess manual handling tasks and aim to reduce risk by using mechanical aids, dividing loads, and adopting safe lifting techniques.

Team members are trained to recognise potentially harmful lifting practices and to request assistance where necessary. We encourage rotation of tasks to reduce strain, particularly during intensive activities such as turf laying, soil moving, and hedge cutting.

Environmental Conditions and Weather

Outdoor work is influenced by weather and seasonal conditions. We take reasonable precautions when working in heat, cold, wet, or windy conditions, including rescheduling tasks where conditions present a specific risk, such as high winds affecting ladder use or tree work.

Ground conditions are considered when using ladders, access equipment, or heavy machinery. Work is adapted to reduce the risk of slips, trips, falls, and loss of control of equipment in adverse conditions.

Training, Information, and Supervision

Gardeners Selhurst provides information, instruction, and training to ensure that employees and contractors understand their responsibilities and can work safely. This includes induction training, task-specific guidance, and updates when new equipment or methods are introduced.

Supervision is proportionate to the risk and experience of those involved. Less experienced staff are monitored more closely and are not asked to perform high-risk tasks unsupervised.

Incident Reporting and Policy Review

All accidents, injuries, near misses, and hazardous situations must be reported to management as soon as possible. We investigate incidents to identify causes and implement corrective measures to prevent recurrence.

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes in our activities, equipment, or legal requirements. We are committed to continuous improvement and welcome feedback from employees, contractors, and clients to help maintain safe and healthy gardening and landscaping services across our operating area.