Gardeners Camden: Health and Safety Policy

Gardeners Camden is committed to providing a safe working environment for staff, contractors and the public. Our policy applies across our gardening company service area and to all operations undertaken by Camden gardeners, from routine lawn care to complex landscape maintenance. We will take reasonable steps to prevent harm by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing controls. This policy sets out the principles we follow to protect employees, clients and the community while delivering high-quality gardening services.

Scope and Objectives

The objectives of this policy are to: prevent accidents, reduce work-related ill health, and promote safe practices across our local gardening teams. We aim to ensure that every member of the team understands their role and receives appropriate instruction, training and supervision. Key aims include maintaining safe equipment, managing hazardous substances responsibly and fostering a culture where safety is integral to the Camden gardening company ethos. Safety is a priority and will be reflected in planning, work method selection and ongoing review.

All staff and contractors must participate in risk assessment processes and follow safe systems of work. Assessments will cover machinery use, manual handling, work at height, use of pesticides and herbicides, and interactions with the public in shared spaces. The company will maintain written method statements where tasks present significant risk and will provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, eye protection and hearing protection. Camden gardeners will ensure equipment is maintained and inspected regularly to avoid mechanical failures and associated hazards.

Training and competence are essential. We provide induction training for new recruits and periodic refresher sessions for experienced staff. Training covers emergency procedures, safe use of hand tools and powered machinery, and awareness of environmental responsibilities. Supervisors are responsible for confirming competence before delegating tasks that involve chainsaws, ride-on mowers or chemical application. Records of training and qualifications are kept up to date to ensure that everyone operating in the gardening company service area meets required standards.

Safe Working Practices

Practical safety measures include planning work to minimise manual handling, using mechanical aids where possible, maintaining clear sight lines when operating equipment, and establishing exclusion zones when cutting or pruning. Staff will follow best practice for chemical handling, storage and disposal without over-emphasising legal jargon. Gardeners Camden expects all team members to report defects, unsafe conditions and near misses promptly so hazards can be corrected before they cause harm.

We manage risks associated with working near roads, in communal gardens and on private estates by using high-visibility clothing, traffic cones where appropriate and clear signage to warn the public. A basic toolbox talk is conducted before higher-risk jobs and recorded in job logs. The company maintains an inventory of safety equipment, ensures emergency spill kits are available for hazardous substances, and promotes environmentally responsible waste handling to reduce contamination and protect biodiversity in the areas we serve.

Inspections, audits and record keeping support continuous improvement. Regular site inspections are carried out to confirm that control measures are working effectively, and any non-conformances are addressed quickly. Incident records, maintenance logs and training documentation form part of our quality and safety management. Camden gardeners will use these records to identify trends, set corrective actions and review the policy to keep it relevant across the gardening company service area.

Emergency procedures and first aid provision are outlined in our site-specific plans. Staff receive basic first aid training and know how to summon further assistance when required. For lone workers, we implement check-in procedures and robust communication methods to reduce isolation risks. In severe weather or unexpected site hazards the team will halt work until conditions are safe, demonstrating a conservative approach to protecting people and property.

Commitment to safety is a shared responsibility. Managers will lead by example, employees will follow procedures and clients will be informed of any necessary precautions while work is carried out. This Health and Safety Policy for Gardeners Camden will be reviewed annually or after significant changes to operations to ensure it remains effective. By embedding safety into everyday activities, our local gardeners and Camden gardening company staff contribute to a safer community and a sustainable, professional service.