Health & Safety Policy — Gardening Seven Sisters

Purpose: This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitment of Gardening Seven Sisters to provide safe garden maintenance and landscaping services. It explains who is responsible, the measures we use to reduce risk, and how we will manage hazards across our service area. The policy applies to all staff, contractors and subcontractors engaged by Seven Sisters gardening teams and covers routine work, seasonal projects and emergency responses.

Scope and Responsibilities

Our gardening services in the Seven Sisters area include routine lawn care, shrub pruning, planting, hedge trimming, hard landscaping support and waste removal. Management has overall responsibility for health and safety while every team member has a duty to follow safe working procedures. Supervisors must ensure tools and equipment are maintained and that personnel have received appropriate instruction. Clients and site visitors should be made aware of ongoing work and kept clear of active operations.

Risk assessment and hazard control: Before any job we carry out a site assessment to identify hazards such as uneven ground, underground services, tree work risks, chemicals and traffic. Controls are put in place, and we prioritise measures using the hierarchy of control. Common control measures include:

• Safe work method statements for complex tasks
• Use of appropriate personal protective equipment
• Segregation of work zones and traffic management

Training, Competence and Supervision

We ensure operatives are trained in safe use of mowers, chainsaws, hedge trimmers, pressure washers and other equipment. Training records are maintained and refreshed regularly. New staff receive induction covering our policies, incident reporting and emergency procedures. Supervisors provide on-the-job coaching and ensure that less experienced workers are not assigned high-risk tasks without appropriate oversight. Competence is assessed and tasks are allocated accordingly.

PPE and equipment safety: Appropriate PPE is provided and must be worn, including eye protection, high-visibility clothing, hearing protection, gloves and safety boots where required. Equipment is inspected before use and any faults are reported immediately. We require machines to be fitted with guards, kill switches and other safety devices. Portable appliances are tested and battery tools charged safely. Maintenance schedules are kept to reduce the risk of mechanical failure.

Manual handling and ergonomics: Tasks are planned to minimise lifting and repetitive strain. Where possible we use mechanical aids, team lifts and correct lifting techniques. Staff are encouraged to take short breaks during repetitive tasks to reduce fatigue. For heavier landscaping operations, we employ appropriate machinery and ensure only trained operators use such equipment.

Chemicals, pesticides and environmental care: Pesticides and fertilisers are used only by trained staff, following product instructions and safety data. Storage is secure and labelled. Spills are managed with immediate containment and cleanup procedures. We employ integrated plant health strategies to minimise chemical use and protect local wildlife and waterways. Waste is segregated, recycled where possible, and disposed of responsibly.

Emergency procedures and incident management: First aid kits and trained first aiders are available on all jobs. Emergencies are responded to promptly, with local emergency services contacted when necessary. All incidents, near misses and unsafe conditions are recorded and reviewed to prevent recurrence. Investigations identify root causes and corrective actions, and lessons learned are incorporated into training and procedures.

Monitoring, review and continuous improvement: Performance is monitored through regular site inspections, toolbox talks and audits. We set measurable safety objectives and review them at planned intervals. Policies and procedures are updated to reflect operational changes, new legislation and industry best practice. Staff are encouraged to report hazards and suggest improvements; open communication supports a positive safety culture across our Seven Sisters garden care operations.