Health & Safety Policy — Gardeners Coney Hall
Purpose: This Health and Safety policy describes the commitment of Gardeners Coney Hall to protect the health, safety and welfare of team members, clients and the public while delivering professional garden care. It applies to everyone employed by the gardening company Coney Hall, to contractors working on our behalf and to supervisors responsible for site safety. The policy outlines practical standards for everyday tasks, sets expectations for behaviour and explains how risks are managed. Everyone has a role to play in creating safe outdoor working environments, and this document provides the foundation for consistent safe practice across our service area.
The policy clarifies roles and responsibilities: directors set policy and resource priorities; line managers ensure implementation; and each gardener accepts personal responsibility for working safely. Coney Hall gardeners are expected to complete induction and refresher training, follow safe systems of work and report hazards immediately. The gardening company Coney Hall commits to providing adequate training, appropriate equipment, and supervision so that staff can carry out duties without undue risk to themselves or others.
Risk assessment is at the heart of our safe working approach. Before starting work, teams carry out dynamic and formal assessments to identify hazards such as uneven terrain, live utilities, manual handling demands, plant allergens and weather impacts. Controls are implemented using the hierarchy of control and include elimination, substitution, engineering and administrative measures. Typical controls include:
- daily tool and machinery inspections and service schedules;
- the use of suitable PPE such as gloves, eye protection, boots and hearing protection;
- clear exclusion zones and signage to protect the public and site workers.
Safe Working Practices and Equipment
All powered equipment and hand tools used by our teams are subject to documented checks and maintenance to ensure they remain safe and effective. Only competent, authorised staff operate petrol-driven or electrically powered machinery. Manual handling risks are minimised through planning, mechanical aids and safe lifting techniques. Employees must never attempt tasks that exceed their training or physical capability, and supervisors will re-plan work to avoid hazardous manual handling when necessary. Lock-off, guarding and isolation procedures are enforced where appropriate for any machinery maintenance.
Responsible use of chemicals and materials is emphasised across Gardeners Coney Hall operations. Herbicides, insecticides and fertilisers are stored securely, labelled and used according to manufacturer guidance and best practice. Staff handling chemicals receive training on hazards, correct dilution, application techniques and spill response. Control measures include appropriate PPE, controlled application methods and environmental precautions to reduce runoff and protect non-target species. Regular audits ensure that applications remain justified and that safer alternatives are considered.
Emergency preparedness is part of everyday planning. First aid provision, access to trained first aiders and clear emergency contact arrangements are maintained for all sites. Incidents, near misses and unsafe conditions must be reported promptly; each report triggers an investigation to determine root causes and corrective actions. Lessons learned are communicated across the gardening company to reduce recurrence and to drive continuous safety improvement.
Working Safely Around People and Property
Working in residential and public spaces requires extra attention to public safety and property protection. Our teams use temporary barriers, cones and signage to control pedestrian access and to keep bystanders clear of work areas. Vehicles and trailers are parked considerately and loaded safely, using secure methods to prevent shifting equipment. Communication with residents, property managers and site contacts helps manage expectations and ensures routes remain accessible for vulnerable users.
Competence and ongoing development are essential. Inductions, practical training sessions, refresher courses and supervised on-the-job coaching are provided to all team members. Training records and qualifications are maintained, and supervisors conduct toolbox talks and competency checks to reinforce safe behaviours. Performance is monitored against measurable safety indicators and reviewed at management meetings to ensure the gardening company remains aligned with best practice and evolving risk profiles.
Continuous improvement and review underpin this policy. Garden maintenance Coney Hall will regularly review procedures, act on audit findings and invest in safer equipment and methods. Management will consult staff when developing changes to working methods and promote an open safety culture where concerns can be raised without blame. We are committed to protecting wellbeing while delivering high-quality gardening services, and Coney Hall gardeners will work with clients to maintain attractive and safe outdoor spaces through proactive risk management and practical safety leadership.
