Health and Safety Policy — Gardener Mitcham

This Health and Safety policy sets out the commitment of Gardener Mitcham and associated teams to maintaining safe, professional garden maintenance and landscaping operations across our service area. The aim is to protect staff, clients, contractors and the public by embedding a culture of safety, risk awareness and continuous improvement in all aspects of the gardening business.

The policy covers roles and responsibilities: the owner and managers take overall responsibility for safety; supervisors and team leads ensure safe systems on site; each operative is accountable for following procedures. Responsibilities include reporting hazards, using protective equipment and participating in training. This statement applies to the whole workforce of the gardening company and to subcontractors while they work on behalf of the business.

The scope of the policy spans routine garden maintenance, landscaping, hedge and tree work, turfing, planting and seasonal contracts. Where tasks are outside normal capability the company uses documented safe work method statements and ensures that Mitcham gardener staff or partners have the required competence. The policy is adaptable across locations to reflect local site risks and service needs without dwelling on legal detail.

Risk assessment, Equipment and Training

All work begins with a site-specific risk assessment that identifies hazards, evaluates risk and determines control measures. The assessment covers manual handling, slips, trips and falls, working at height, traffic and plant movement, electrical dangers and biological hazards such as plants and soil contaminants. Controls are applied in a hierarchy: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls and personal protective equipment.

Personnel must be trained and competent. Training includes tool and machinery operation, pesticide awareness, first aid basics and safe manual handling techniques. The company maintains training records and schedules refresher training to keep the team up to date. Emphasis is placed on supervision, on-the-job coaching and documented induction for all new staff.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided and maintained. Team members must use appropriate gear such as gloves, eye protection, ear defenders, high-visibility clothing and sturdy boots. The company enforces PPE use and carries out regular inspections of equipment and machinery to ensure items like mowers, chainsaws and blowers are safe and well serviced.

Operational Controls and Safe Working Practices

Safe systems of work are implemented for higher-risk tasks. This includes permit-to-work where applicable, exclusion zones when using powered equipment, and clear communication procedures on site. Job briefings take place before starting significant tasks and are recorded where required. The gardening business promotes a proactive safety culture in which hazards are highlighted and mitigated before work continues.

Use of chemicals and hazardous substances follows a conservative approach: only trained staff handle pesticides and herbicides, and all substances are used according to manufacturer guidance. Storage and transport of chemicals are controlled, and waste disposal follows environmental best practice. When handling materials, staff must consult product information and apply controls to avoid exposure.

Machinery and tools are subject to scheduled maintenance. Pre-start checks are mandatory and defects are reported immediately. Ladders and access equipment are inspected before use and used only by trained personnel. The company enforces safe use of vehicles and plant to separate pedestrians and machinery on sites and during deliveries.

To support safe operations, the policy mandates routine site inspections and documented audits. Supervisors complete daily and weekly checks to ensure compliance with safe systems and that PPE and tools are in good condition. Findings result in corrective actions and follow-up to ensure that safety improvements are embedded across the gardening service.

Incident reporting and investigation procedures ensure that all accidents, near-misses and hazardous occurrences are recorded promptly. Investigations focus on root causes and learning, not blame. First aid provision is available on sites as appropriate to the scale of work, and staff are informed about emergency procedures and assembly points before work starts.

Environmental protection and public safety are core considerations. Work is planned to minimise noise, dust and disturbance, and the company avoids unnecessary damage to habitats. Where tree work, invasive species control or protected features are involved, operations are planned to respect wildlife and local ecology while maintaining safe practices for operatives and the public.

Management review and continuous improvement ensure the policy remains effective. The leadership team reviews safety performance, incident trends and legislative changes and updates procedures accordingly. Performance indicators include training completion rates, incident frequency, audit results and corrective action closure.

Key controls used across the gardening company and by the Mitcham operations include:

• Risk Assessments: site-specific and task-specific assessments.
• PPE: gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, hi-vis and boots.
• Training: machinery, chemical safety, first aid and manual handling.
• Maintenance: scheduled inspections and servicing of tools and plant.

All staff and contractors are required to familiarize themselves with this policy, adhere to its principles and participate in safety activities. Supervisors ensure implementation on the ground, and the company provides support and resources necessary to meet the standards described.

The Health and Safety policy is reviewed at least annually or when operational changes, incidents or new hazards arise. This document is an operational statement of intent for the gardening business and the Mitcham service area, providing a clear framework for safe and responsible garden care.

By maintaining a focus on training, risk management and responsible operations, the company ensures that garden maintenance and landscaping services are delivered with professionalism and regard for health, safety and the environment. Every team member plays a part in making safety a priority and continuously improving how work is planned and executed.

Signed for the company: management will monitor implementation, support staff welfare and review the policy to keep practices current and effective.