Health and Safety Policy for Garden Maintenance Fitzrovia

Purpose: This Health and Safety policy sets out how our gardening company in Fitzrovia delivers safe, reliable and compliant services for garden maintenance in Fitzrovia and surrounding areas. The objective is to protect our workforce, clients, visitors and the public while ensuring that all routine and specialist gardening tasks are planned, assessed and executed with safety as the primary priority.

Scope and Application

This policy applies to all employees, contractors and subcontractors engaged in Fitzrovia garden maintenance, including seasonal teams, tree care operatives and landscape technicians. The statement covers activities such as mowing, pruning, planting, hedge cutting, mulch application and site clearance. The policy does not attempt to list every individual task but establishes the framework for risk assessment, safe systems of work and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities and Accountability

All team members are required to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work. Management will: provide leadership, ensure appropriate resources for safe delivery, and maintain records of risk assessments and training. Employees must follow the safe working procedures, use personal protective equipment and report hazards promptly. The gardening company Fitzrovia management will review responsibilities annually and after any significant incident.

Risk Assessment and Control Measures

A documented risk assessment process underpins every job. Key controls include:

• Pre-task planning: site checks, identification of underground services and confirmation of access routes.
• Traffic and pedestrian management: clear signage, barriers and exclusion zones for powered equipment.
• Manual handling controls: use of mechanical aids, team lifts and correct lifting techniques.
• Pesticide and chemical safety: secure storage, COSHH-based handling and authorised application only by trained staff.

These controls are applied across all Fitzrovia gardening services and adapted to site-specific conditions. Where hazards are identified that cannot be immediately controlled, work will be stopped until effective mitigation is in place.

Training, Competence and Supervision

We commit to maintaining a competent workforce through ongoing training, toolbox talks and supervised practical development. Induction covers basic safe working, emergency procedures and the correct use of tools and machinery. Supervisors are responsible for assessing competence on-site and authorising complex or high-risk tasks such as arboriculture operations or pesticide application.

Equipment, PPE and Maintenance

All powered machinery, hand tools and protective equipment used by the gardening company in Fitzrovia must be suitable for the task, regularly inspected and maintained. Personal protective equipment is mandatory where risks cannot be eliminated and includes eye protection, gloves, hearing protection, high-visibility clothing and sturdy footwear. Faulty equipment is removed from service and reported in the asset register until repaired or replaced.

Reporting, Records and Incident Management

Incidents, near misses and health concerns must be reported without delay. We maintain incident logs and investigate events to identify root causes and prevent recurrence. Records include risk assessments, maintenance logs, training certificates and incident reports. Where necessary, remedial actions are assigned, tracked and verified to completion.

Site-Specific Considerations

The garden maintenance policy recognises varying site conditions found across the service area. Seasonal risks such as icy surfaces, falling debris from mature trees and increased public use during warm months are addressed through dynamic risk assessments. Fitzrovia gardening services teams adapt working hours, protective measures and communication to suit each environment.

Health, Wellbeing and Welfare

We promote the physical and mental wellbeing of staff. Provisions include appropriate rest breaks, hydration, safe storage for personal items and access to first aid. Lone working procedures are in place for staff who operate without direct supervision, including check-in routines and emergency escalation protocols.

Continuous Improvement and Review

This policy is reviewed regularly and following significant changes to work methods, equipment or regulations. Performance is measured through routine inspections, feedback from staff and analysis of incident trends. The aim is to sustain a culture where safety is integral to every element of garden maintenance Fitzrovia teams deliver.

Implementation

Managers and team leaders are responsible for implementing this Health and Safety policy throughout the organisation. Practical implementation includes ensuring that risk assessments are current, PPE is available and training is up to date. All operatives are expected to contribute to a proactive safety culture by voicing concerns and suggesting improvements.

By committing to these standards, our gardening company ensures that every client engagement is carried out with competence, care and a firm focus on safety. This document provides the core framework for safe operations across our Fitzrovia garden maintenance activities and supports the well-being of everyone involved.