Health and Safety Policy — Super Gardeners

Welcome to the Health and Safety Policy for Super Gardeners. This document sets out the commitments and practical arrangements for safe operation by our gardening teams and represents our approach to maintaining a safe working environment for staff, clients and the public within our service area. The SuperGardeners approach balances practical risk management with respect for the natural environment and the needs of clients who use our garden maintenance service.

Scope and Objectives

This policy applies to every person working for or on behalf of the gardening company whether employed, contracted or volunteering. Our objectives are to prevent accidents and work-related ill health, ensure appropriate safety training and supervision, and to promote an active safety culture across every garden site we attend. We aim to minimise hazards associated with typical garden tasks including planting, pruning, hedge cutting, turf care and mechanical equipment operation.

Responsibilities and Roles

The Super Gardeners team expects management to provide the resources and leadership necessary to keep everyone safe. Employees and subcontracted gardeners must follow safety procedures, report hazards and use personal protective equipment. Site supervisors will carry out routine checks and risk assessments, while each gardener is responsible for maintaining their own competence and stopping work if they consider it unsafe. Strong communication channels and clear allocation of duties are central to our gardener safety policy.

Risk Assessment and Control Measures

We carry out practical, proportionate risk assessments for typical gardening activities and for unique site-specific hazards. Risk control follows a hierarchy: eliminate hazards where possible, substitute safer methods, use engineering and administrative controls, and finally ensure effective PPE. Examples of controls include isolating dangerous machinery, securing ladders, using mechanical assist devices for heavy loads, and scheduling work to avoid extreme weather.

Personal protective equipment is supplied where risk assessments indicate it is required. Common items include gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, high-visibility clothing, and appropriate footwear. We maintain a store of PPE and expect that all team members will wear and care for equipment properly. Records of PPE issue and replacement are kept to support the long-term safety of the workforce.

Work Procedures and Safe Systems

To ensure consistency and reduce risk, the Super Gardeners safe working procedures include:

• Pre-start checks on powered tools and ride-on machines.
• Clear exclusion zones when using chainsaws, shredders and chippers.
• Manual handling techniques and use of trolleys for loads.
• Traffic management while operating vehicles on clients' premises.
• Safe ladder use and working at height protocols.

Training, Competence and Supervision

We commit to providing suitable training and refreshers so every gardener understands the hazards they face and the controls in place. Training covers tool operation, first aid awareness, hazardous substance handling, and emergency procedures. Supervisors will assess competence on the job and arrange additional support for new recruits or when introducing new equipment or methods.

Emergency Response and First Aid

Super Gardeners maintains first aid kits on all work vehicles and a documented emergency response process. In the event of an incident we prioritise care for the injured, secure the scene and report the event through our internal reporting system. All incidents, near misses and hazardous findings are recorded and reviewed so that improvements are identified and implemented quickly.

Equipment, Vehicles and Maintenance

All machinery, tools and vehicles used by Super Gardeners are subject to planned maintenance and pre-use checks. Faulty equipment is taken out of service and repaired by authorised personnel. Fuel and hazardous materials are stored and transported in accordance with safe handling practices, and spill kits are available where required. Vehicle safety includes load security, driver vetting and adherence to safe driving practices while operating in our garden service area.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

We monitor safety performance through regular inspections, toolbox talks and analysis of incident reports. Performance indicators include number of reported hazards, near misses and completion of required training. The policy is reviewed at least annually and updated when operational changes, new equipment or lessons from incidents require improvements. Our approach is built on continual learning and a commitment to protecting people and property.

Engagement and Communication

Good communication is essential to effective health and safety. We encourage open reporting of hazards and involve staff in developing safe working practices. Safety information is communicated through briefings, written procedures and visual reminders on site. Everyone in the workforce is urged to contribute to a culture where safety is visible, practical and part of daily work.

Conclusion: Super Gardeners takes health and safety seriously. By combining clear leadership, competent staff, well-maintained equipment and proportionate risk control measures we strive to provide a safe, professional garden maintenance service. This policy is the framework for action; its success depends on the ongoing commitment of every member of the team.