Health and Safety Policy
Gardeners Finchley is committed to providing gardening services in a safe, responsible, and professional manner. We recognise that gardening and grounds care can involve tools, machinery, manual handling, outdoor hazards, and work in changing weather conditions. This policy sets out the standards we follow to protect our team, customers, visitors, and the public while carrying out services in domestic and commercial gardens.
Our commitment
We aim to reduce the risk of injury and illness by planning work carefully, using suitable equipment, maintaining safe working practices, and reviewing hazards before and during each job. Safety is considered as part of every task, from routine lawn care and hedge trimming to planting, pruning, soil preparation, waste removal, and larger garden maintenance projects. We expect all work to be carried out with attention to detail and with the wellbeing of everyone on site in mind.
Responsibilities
Management is responsible for setting health and safety standards, providing appropriate training, selecting suitable equipment, and making sure safe systems of work are in place. Team members are expected to follow instructions, use equipment correctly, report hazards promptly, and avoid unsafe practices. Customers also play an important role by informing us of any site conditions, access issues, hidden hazards, or concerns that may affect safe working.
Risk assessment and site checks
Before starting work, we assess the site and identify hazards that may affect the task. These may include uneven ground, slippery surfaces, broken paving, low branches, underground services, sharp objects, pets, children, traffic, and adverse weather. Where necessary, we adjust the work method, isolate the area, or postpone a task if conditions are unsafe. We aim to carry out a sensible level of inspection before work begins and to remain alert to changing conditions throughout the visit.
Safe use of tools and equipment
All tools and equipment are used only for their intended purpose and are kept in suitable working condition. We inspect equipment regularly and remove any item from service if it is damaged, defective, or unsafe. Protective guards, safety features, and instructions are followed at all times. When required, personal protective equipment is worn, including gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, high-visibility items, and safety footwear. We also ensure that petrol, electric, and battery-powered equipment is handled and stored carefully to reduce the risk of fire, shock, cuts, or other injury.
Manual handling and physical work
Gardening often involves lifting, carrying, bending, pushing, and repetitive movement. To reduce strain and injury, we use practical manual handling techniques, split heavy loads where possible, and ask for assistance or use mechanical aids when needed. We plan work so that tasks are completed efficiently without unnecessary physical risk. Team members are encouraged to work at a steady pace and to stop if they feel unwell, fatigued, or unable to complete a task safely.
Weather, environment, and public safety
Outdoor work can be affected by rain, frost, heat, wind, and poor visibility. We adapt our working methods to suit the weather and may delay or reschedule work if conditions create unnecessary risk. We also take care to protect nearby people, property, plants, and garden features. Paths, driveways, and work areas are kept as clear as practicable, and hazards such as cuttings, cables, and tools are managed to reduce the chance of trips or accidents. When working in shared or accessible spaces, we take extra care to minimise disruption and maintain safe access where possible.
Training, supervision, and reporting
Our team receives guidance and supervision appropriate to their role and the type of work being undertaken. We encourage a culture of speaking up about hazards, near misses, unsafe conditions, and incidents. Any accident, injury, or equipment fault is reported and recorded so that action can be taken and lessons can be learned. We review our procedures regularly to improve safety and maintain high standards across all gardening services.
Policy review
This policy is reviewed periodically and updated when our working methods, equipment, services, or legal requirements change. Gardeners Finchley is committed to continuous improvement and to maintaining a safe service for every customer, on every site, throughout the areas we serve.
