Health & Safety Policy — Gardening Hackney

This policy outlines the commitments of Gardening Hackney and its teams to protect employees, clients and the public while delivering landscaping, garden maintenance and horticultural services. Our mission is to deliver reliable, safe garden care across our service area with consistent standards that reduce risk and promote well-being. The policy applies to all routine maintenance, seasonal projects and bespoke landscaping works. Safety is integral to quality, and every job is planned with that priority in mind.

Scope and responsibilities: This policy covers all staff, contractors, subcontractors and visitors involved in Hackney gardening and related operations. Managers are responsible for ensuring safe systems are implemented, monitored and improved. Operatives must follow instructions, report hazards and use issued equipment correctly. Clear accountability ensures tasks are assigned to competent people and that supervision is proportionate to the task complexity and associated risks.

Risk assessment and job planning are fundamental to safe delivery of gardening services in Hackney. Before work starts, a site-specific assessment identifies hazards such as underground services, uneven terrain, public interfaces and weather effects. Control measures are selected, documented and communicated to the team. Plans must consider the sequence of work, exclusion zones and emergency access. Assessments are revisited if conditions change or new information emerges.

Safe systems, plant and personal protective equipment

All plant and equipment used for Hackney garden maintenance must be suitable for the task, well maintained, and inspected at regular intervals. Hand tools, petrol and battery-powered machinery are checked before use with documented servicing. Operators are trained in safe handling, correct start/stop procedures, and safe refuelling. PPE such as protective gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, footwear and high-visibility clothing is provided and its use enforced based on risk assessments.

Driver and vehicle safety: Vehicles used for garden care Hackney operations are maintained to a high standard, loaded safely and parked considerately to protect pedestrians. Drivers are trained to secure loads, prevent spills and plan routes to minimise exposure to high-risk junctions and narrow streets. Safe vehicle interaction with public spaces is a key part of our operational planning.

Working near roads, footpaths, parks and communal spaces requires specific controls: signage, cones, temporary barriers and, where necessary, trained banksmen. Communication with local residents or site contacts is arranged to reduce conflicts, and timings can be adapted to avoid peak pedestrian flows. Teams are briefed on public-facing behaviour and on protecting vulnerable people, pets and wildlife encountered during operations.

Hazardous substances, waste management and environmental protection

The safe use of fertilizers, herbicides and oils is essential. Products are selected to minimise environmental harm and are used according to manufacturer instructions. Secure storage, clear labeling and training on spill response mitigate risks to soil, water and biodiversity. Waste is segregated on site, removed and disposed of responsibly to reduce environmental impact and to align with best practice for green space management.

Working at height, tree operations and manual handling are managed through safe systems of work. Ladders and access equipment are inspected and used only where appropriate; higher risk tree work is carried out by qualified arborists using specialist equipment. Manual handling is reduced by mechanical aids and team lifting, and staff receive instruction on safe lifting techniques to prevent injury.

Core controls used across all jobs include:

• Pre-start briefings outlining hazards and controls for the shift
• Site segregation with exclusion zones and protective barriers
• Communication protocols for lone workers and teams, including check-ins
• Emergency arrangements with designated first aiders and clear access routes
• Plant inspection and maintenance logs for all machinery

Training, competence and welfare: Induction training covers company policy, site practices and basic safety skills relevant to gardening services in Hackney. Ongoing training includes refreshers on machinery operation, pesticide handling, manual handling and environmental awareness. Mental health and welfare are part of our approach; supervisors are trained to recognise fatigue and stress, and adjustments are made to workload or schedules where needed to keep people safe and productive.

Incident reporting and continuous improvement: All incidents, near misses and hazardous conditions are reported promptly and recorded for investigation. Investigations focus on identifying root causes and implementing corrective measures rather than assigning blame. Findings inform training, process changes and procurement decisions so that lessons improve safety across all areas of garden care.

Policy review and audit: This Health & Safety Policy is reviewed at least annually and whenever operational changes, new equipment or altered work environments require it. Internal audits and periodic external reviews assess compliance and effectiveness. Records of risk assessments, training, inspections and incident investigations are maintained to support continual improvement and to demonstrate our commitment to safe, professional gardening services throughout the Hackney area and neighbouring communities. By following these principles, Gardening Hackney aims to protect people, property and the environment while delivering dependable, high-quality garden maintenance and landscaping.