Health & Safety Policy — Garden Maintenance Tufnell Park

Garden Maintenance Tufnell Park is committed to protecting the health, safety and welfare of all staff, contractors, clients and members of the public affected by our work. This policy sets out the standards we adopt across our gardening operations to ensure safe delivery of horticultural services, whether routine garden maintenance or specialist landscaping. The document outlines responsibilities, risk control measures, training expectations and monitoring arrangements for our Tufnell Park service area and nearby locations while avoiding specific legal interpretation.

Our objective is to prevent harm by embedding safety into daily routines for every gardener and operative. We apply a consistent approach to risk assessment, safe systems of work and the provision and use of appropriate personal protective equipment. Staff are required to follow written procedures and report hazards. The company will support a culture where safety is valued equally with productivity and high-quality garden care.

Scope: This policy covers all activities undertaken by the firm including routine lawn care, hedge trimming, planting, pruning, mulching, tree work carried out by approved arborists, and the use of powered tools and equipment. It applies to permanent employees, temporary workers and authorised subcontractors providing Tufnell Park gardening services, as well as visitors and clients on site during operations. Where tasks fall outside staff competence, work will be referred to suitably qualified contractors with documented safe working procedures.

Responsibilities and roles

Senior management is responsible for ensuring that the policy is implemented, monitored and periodically reviewed. Line managers must ensure that all operatives are competent for their tasks and that adequate resources are provided for safe working. Every operative has a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and to co-operate with management. Supervisors shall perform daily briefings and confirm that risk assessments are available for specific jobs.

Risk assessment and control measures

Before starting any task, a documented site-specific risk assessment must be completed. Typical controls include segregation of public access with barriers or signs, use of suitable PPE such as cut-resistant gloves, eye protection and hearing protection, and ensuring plant and handheld tools are maintained and safety-checked. For chemical use, COSHH-style assessments shall be recorded and stored; non-chemical alternatives are promoted where practical. Emergency procedures must be visible and understood by all operatives.

Safe systems of work for garden upkeep in Tufnell Park include:

• Permit-to-work for high-risk activities and work at height;
• Lock-off procedures and guards for powered equipment;
• Manual handling assessments and mechanical aids for heavy loads;
• Clear exclusion zones during tree work and hedge cutting.

These measures aim to reduce incidents and provide clear, practical guidance for field teams.

Training and competence: We provide induction training for all new staff covering company safety rules, safe use of machinery, basic first aid awareness and incident reporting. Ongoing training includes tool-specific qualifications, pesticide handling where required and refresher sessions on manual handling and working at height. Training records will be maintained and evaluated to ensure competence for assigned duties in any garden maintenance in Tufnell Park or surrounding service zones.

Equipment, inspection and maintenance - All vehicles, trailers, power tools and protective equipment must be inspected before use and maintained according to manufacturer guidance. Defective equipment will be removed from service and replaced or repaired. Fuel handling and storage rules will be strictly followed to prevent spills and fire risks. A system of pre-start checks and weekly records supports equipment integrity and safe operation.

Operational controls for Tufnell Park garden maintenance include provisions for lone working, adverse weather, and site-specific hazards. Lone workers must maintain contact with a nominated supervisor, carry a mobile device and follow a check-in regime. Work will be paused in unsafe weather conditions, such as high winds that increase the risk of falling branches or when ground conditions are unstable. Transport and access arrangements shall be planned to avoid risk to staff and the public.

Incident reporting and investigation: All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported promptly. An internal reporting form will be completed for every event and a supervisory investigation carried out to identify root causes and necessary corrective actions. Lessons learned will be shared with teams and incorporated into risk assessments and training to prevent recurrence. The company will maintain statistics and review trends as part of continuous improvement.

Health surveillance and wellbeing - Where tasks expose employees to significant noise, vibration or hazardous substances, appropriate health surveillance will be offered. The company recognises the importance of mental health and promotes an open culture where operational pressure or welfare concerns may be raised without fear. Reasonable adjustments will be considered to support staff with medical needs while maintaining safe service delivery in garden upkeep operations.

Policy review and monitoring: This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed at least annually or when significant changes to operations occur. Performance will be monitored through workplace inspections, audits and employee feedback. The aim is to ensure a robust, practical approach to risk management for all aspects of garden care including landscape construction, maintenance contracts and seasonal projects offered by our gardening company. Maintaining a safe environment is an essential part of providing reliable, professional garden services in and around Tufnell Park.