Health & Safety Policy — Gardening Ilford

Gardening Ilford is committed to maintaining safe working conditions for employees, contractors and the public while delivering high-quality horticultural services across our service area. This Health and Safety policy describes the core principles and practical measures that govern safe operations for Ilford gardening teams, gardeners working in residential and commercial settings, and anyone affected by our activities. The policy is intended to be clear, practical and actively enforced.

We recognise that good safety management reduces risks and improves outcomes for staff and clients. Ilford gardening operations range from basic garden maintenance and planting to more complex landscaping tasks; therefore routine risk assessment, training and supervision are essential. This policy applies to all activities undertaken under the company name, whether on private properties, communal grounds or while using public access points.

The purpose of this document is to set out responsibilities, identify likely hazards and describe control measures. It is not an exhaustive technical manual but a practical statement of how the gardening company will manage health and safety. Key features include hazard identification, PPE requirements, safe use of tools and machinery, chemical handling, traffic management during deliveries and waste disposal procedures.

Scope, Roles and Responsibilities

All staff and contractors engaged in Gardening Ilford activities must comply with this policy. Senior managers will ensure resources for safety are available, supervisors will monitor day-to-day compliance, and individual operatives are responsible for following safe systems of work. Employees are required to report hazards, near-misses and incidents without delay. Supervisors will confirm competence and maintain training records for tasks such as chainsaw operation, pesticide application and working at height.

Risk assessments must be completed for each job before work begins. Assessments will identify hazards such as uneven ground, overhead services, manual lifting risks, powered equipment, and nearby traffic or pedestrian movement. Identified risks will be controlled by eliminating hazards where possible, substituting less hazardous methods, using engineering controls, implementing safe systems of work and issuing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Training and competence are essential. All Ilford gardeners will receive induction training, task-specific instruction and regular refresher training. Operatives using machinery must hold the required certificates and demonstrate safe operation. Supervisors will conduct toolbox talks and periodic practical assessments. Records of training, certifications and equipment inspections will be maintained.

Operational Controls and Safe Working Practices

Equipment maintenance is a core control. Lawn mowers, strimmers, chainsaws and other powered tools will be checked before use and serviced at manufacturer intervals. Ilford gardening teams will use guards, shut-off switches and other safety features at all times. Batteries and fuel will be stored safely, and spill kits available when refuelling on-site.

Personal protective equipment must be provided and worn as required. Typical PPE includes gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, hi-vis clothing and suitable footwear. For chemical operations, additional protection such as respirators or chemical-resistant garments will be provided and recorded. PPE is the final layer of control and does not replace safe systems of work.

Waste and environmental controls are important for community safety and sustainability. Ilford gardeners will separate green waste, timber and soil; dispose of hazardous liquids and containers in accordance with signage and collection arrangements; and take steps to prevent pollution of drains and watercourses. Smoking, unattended fires and unauthorised use of client property are prohibited while carrying out work.

Emergency preparedness includes first aid provision, access arrangements for emergency services and clear procedures for dealing with incidents. First aid kits will be available on vehicles and at designated sites. All employees must know how to report an incident, who to inform and how to secure the scene until help arrives. After any incident, the company will investigate to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Monitoring and review will be continuous. Supervisors will carry out site inspections and audits; regular management reviews will assess policy effectiveness and adjust controls in response to changes in equipment, legislation or the scope of work. Gardening Ilford will learn from near-misses and incidents and will update procedures and training accordingly.

This policy will be communicated to all staff, contractors and those working on our behalf. Copies are available to employees during induction and via internal channels. Everyone is expected to contribute to a positive safety culture: report concerns, follow procedures, and support colleagues. Together, the team ensures that garden maintenance Ilford clients receive a professional service delivered with safety, respect and environmental care at its core.