Health and Safety Policy — Gardening Uxbridge

Gardening Uxbridge is committed to protecting the health, safety and welfare of its employees, contractors and the general public while delivering professional gardening services in Uxbridge. This policy sets out the approach the gardening company Uxbridge adopts to manage risk on sites, within clients' gardens and when operating machinery. The aim is to prevent accidents, minimise hazards and promote a safe working culture where every team member understands their role and responsibilities.

All staff receive induction training tailored to horticultural tasks, safe use of equipment and manual handling. Training records are maintained and updated regularly; competency is confirmed before individuals work unsupervised. The policy emphasises the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), safe ladder and access procedures and the correct handling of power tools and hand tools. Supervisors are required to carry out spot checks and coaching to reinforce safe behaviours.

Risk assessment is central to how we operate. Before any work begins a documented site assessment is completed to identify hazards such as uneven ground, overhead utilities, buried services, hazardous plants and wildlife, public access, and vehicle movements. Where tasks involve potentially harmful substances or fuels, measures are in place to minimise exposure and environmental impact. Key controls include:

• Clear identification of hazards and recording of residual risk
• Implementing controls to eliminate or reduce risk
• Use of safe systems of work and method statements for higher-risk tasks

Equipment safety is strictly managed: machines are inspected before use, maintained according to schedules, and taken out of service if defects are found. Uxbridge gardeners are trained in pre-use checks, fuel handling, and secure transportation of machinery. Hand tools are stored safely, and cutting tools are kept sharp to reduce the force needed during use. The policy also covers weather-related controls such as stopping work in high winds or during electrical storms.

Chemical safety follows a precautionary approach. Only approved horticultural products are used, and substances are stored securely with clear labelling. When handling plant protection products or fuels, staff use appropriate PPE and follow supplied instructions. Records of hazardous substance use are maintained, and spill kits are available on vehicles. Staff are instructed to avoid use of pesticides in areas where they could affect non-target people or pets.

Manual handling procedures are in place to reduce strain injuries: team lifting, mechanical aids and correct lifting techniques are standard practice. Job planning considers the physical demands of tasks, and rotations reduce repetitive strain. The policy encourages staff to report early signs of discomfort so that adjustments can be made before conditions worsen.

Incident reporting is mandatory for all accidents, near misses and unsafe conditions. A clear, confidential reporting route allows timely investigation and corrective action. Lessons learned from incidents are communicated to all staff and are used to update risk assessments and safe systems of work. First aid provisions are maintained on-site and in vehicles, and personnel with first aid training are identified for each job.

Records of training, equipment maintenance, risk assessments and incidents are kept to support monitoring and compliance with company policy. Management performs regular audits and site inspections to evaluate performance against the policy and to identify opportunities for improvement. Feedback loops ensure that procedural changes are practical and reflect front-line experience.

This Health and Safety policy applies across our service area and underpins every contract and day-to-day activity. Everyone working for Gardening Uxbridge has a duty to co-operate with the policy and follow safe working practices. Management commits to providing the resources necessary to implement and review the policy and to promote an environment where safety is integral to delivering quality garden maintenance and landscaping services.