Gardeners Friern Barnet Health and Safety Policy

Gardeners Friern Barnet is committed to providing professional gardening and grounds maintenance services in a way that safeguards the health, safety and welfare of our clients, our staff, contractors, visitors and members of the public. This policy sets out our approach to managing risk and promoting a safe working environment in all gardens and outdoor spaces where we operate.

Our Health and Safety Commitments

We will take all reasonably practicable steps to prevent injury and ill health arising from our gardening activities. We aim to continually improve our health and safety performance by reviewing our working methods, equipment and training. Senior management is responsible for ensuring that sufficient resources are available to implement this policy and that health and safety considerations are integrated into everyday business decisions.

Legal Responsibilities

Gardeners Friern Barnet will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and industry best practice for gardening and landscaping work. We recognise our duty of care to employees, subcontractors and others who may be affected by what we do, and we expect everyone working with us to cooperate with these requirements and to act safely and responsibly at all times.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before starting work at any garden or property, we assess the potential risks associated with the specific tasks and surroundings. This includes considering terrain, access routes, weather conditions, nearby roads, public pathways, shared spaces and any special features of the site. Where significant risks are identified, we introduce control measures and safe systems of work to reduce those risks to an acceptable level.

We develop method statements for higher risk tasks such as tree work, hedge cutting at height, use of powered machinery and handling of heavy loads. These methods are communicated clearly to our team and reviewed regularly to ensure they remain effective and appropriate for the locations we serve.

Training, Competence and Supervision

We ensure that all gardeners and support staff are competent to carry out their duties safely. This includes providing induction training, task-specific instruction and refresher training where needed. Team members using powered tools, machinery or equipment at height receive appropriate training in safe operation, maintenance and emergency procedures.

Less experienced staff are supervised by senior gardeners until they are assessed as competent to work independently. We encourage all staff to take personal responsibility for their own safety and that of others, and to raise any health and safety concerns without delay.

Use of Tools, Machinery and Equipment

All tools and machinery used by Gardeners Friern Barnet are selected, maintained and inspected to ensure they are suitable and safe for the tasks undertaken. Damaged or defective equipment is taken out of service immediately and repaired or replaced as necessary.

Team members follow safe operating procedures for lawn mowers, trimmers, hedge cutters, blowers, chainsaws and other powered equipment. Where required, only trained and authorised personnel may use certain items of machinery. Fuel, oils and other consumables are stored and handled with care to minimise fire risk and environmental impact.

Personal Protective Equipment

We provide appropriate personal protective equipment for the work being carried out, which may include safety boots, gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, high-visibility clothing, helmets and respiratory protection. Staff are expected to use this equipment correctly, keep it in good condition and report any loss or damage immediately so that replacements can be arranged.

Safe Handling, Storage and Use of Substances

Where gardening work involves the use of substances such as fertilisers, soil conditioners, paints, treatments or approved garden chemicals, we carry out assessments to understand and control any associated risks. Products are stored securely, used in line with manufacturer guidance and applied carefully to protect people, plants, wildlife and water sources.

Only trained personnel may use specialist products and they do so in accordance with relevant guidance, applying the least hazardous options that will still achieve the desired horticultural results.

Manual Handling and Physical Work

Gardening often involves lifting, carrying and repetitive physical tasks. To prevent injury, we promote safe manual handling techniques, plan the movement of heavy or bulky items and use mechanical aids or team lifting where appropriate. Staff are encouraged to work at a reasonable pace, take suitable breaks and report any discomfort or signs of strain promptly.

Control of Public and Client Safety

Many of our services are delivered in residential gardens, communal spaces and shared outdoor areas. We take care to protect clients, neighbours, visitors and passers-by while work is in progress. This may include setting up clear working zones, using barriers or warning signs, and scheduling particular activities at times that reduce disruption and risk.

When operating noisy or potentially hazardous equipment, we remain alert to the presence of others and stop work if necessary to avoid danger. We keep access paths and entrances as clear as reasonably practicable and ensure that tools and materials are not left in places where they could cause trips or other accidents.

Environment, Welfare and Hygiene

We recognise the close relationship between health, safety and environmental care in gardening work. Our teams aim to minimise dust, noise and waste, and to work in a manner that respects established plants, wildlife habitats and neighbouring properties.

Staff are provided with guidance on personal hygiene, hydration and sun protection, especially when working for extended periods outdoors. Where work continues in poor weather, precautions are taken to reduce the risk of slips, trips, falls and cold-related ill health.

Accidents, Incidents and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, near misses and hazardous situations are reported and recorded so that we can investigate causes and prevent recurrence. Basic first aid provisions are available while work is taking place, and our team members know how to seek additional assistance if required.

Emergency arrangements, including procedures for fire, serious injury or sudden illness, are communicated to staff and, where appropriate, explained to clients at the start of substantial projects. Access routes for emergency services are kept clear whenever reasonably practicable.

Responsibilities and Communication

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the management of Gardeners Friern Barnet. Day-to-day duties are delegated to supervisors and team leaders, who ensure that this policy is implemented on site and that staff follow agreed procedures.

All employees and contractors share responsibility for maintaining safe standards by working carefully, using protective equipment, following instructions and speaking up about any hazards or improvements they identify. We value open communication with clients about safety considerations and are happy to discuss any specific requirements relating to their gardens or outdoor areas.

Monitoring and Review

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry guidance, our services or the locations in which we work. Gardeners Friern Barnet is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety, ensuring that the gardens we care for are maintained not only to a high horticultural standard but also in a manner that protects everyone involved.