Health & Safety Policy — Gardening Haringey

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitment of Gardening Haringey and associated teams to protect employees, customers and the public while delivering professional gardening services. It applies to all activities carried out by the gardening company Haringey teams including routine maintenance, landscaping, hedge and tree work, planting and site clearance. The policy is designed to be practical and proportionate, ensuring safe systems of work without unnecessary complexity.

This document outlines responsibilities, risk management, training and monitoring arrangements to ensure compliance with recognised safety standards. The policy is relevant to gardening in Haringey and adjacent service areas and is implemented consistently across sites and contracts.

Scope and responsibilities are central. The company director holds overall accountability for health and safety. Supervisors and site leads are responsible for day-to-day implementation, and every operative, subcontractor and visitor must follow safe working practices. Employees are encouraged to report hazards and suggest improvements.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

The company will carry out risk assessments for all common tasks and specific site conditions. Control measures will be recorded and communicated through job briefs and pre-start checks. Typical controls include exclusion zones, tool checks, traffic management and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment.

Key safety measures include the following:

• Pre-task risk assessments for each job type and site;
• Safe systems for the operation of chainsaws, shredders, mowers and powered equipment;
• Clear marking of hazards and segregation of the public from live works;
• Maintenance and inspection schedules for plant and equipment;
• Control and safe storage of hazardous substances such as fuels and pesticides.

Training, Competence and Supervision

Gardening Haringey commits to ensuring staff and contractors are competent for their roles. Training covers equipment operation, manual handling, working at height, pesticide use where applicable, and emergency first aid. Records of training and qualifications will be maintained and reviewed periodically.

Supervision is provided according to the nature of the work and the experience of staff. New operatives receive site induction and mentorship until they are assessed as competent. The policy promotes continuous learning and the use of toolbox talks to reinforce safety messages.

Special attention is given to the safe operation of machinery and tools; only trained individuals will operate powered equipment. Routine checks ensure guards, safety devices and warning signs are in place and in working order.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided and maintained for all staff. Use of PPE is mandatory where risk assessments indicate need. Examples include gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, high visibility clothing, chainsaw trousers and safety boots. The company provides guidance on correct selection and fitting of PPE.

Management of hazardous substances follows a control hierarchy: eliminate where possible, substitute with safer options, implement engineering controls, and provide PPE and training. Material Safety Data information is kept available for relevant substances used in horticultural operations.

Traffic and site access management are integral to protecting operatives and the public. Plans include vehicle exclusion zones, safe loading/unloading procedures and clear signage. When work affects public footways or carriageways, the company implements appropriate control measures to reduce risk.

Lone working, working near power lines and confined space considerations are assessed before work begins. Where necessary, additional controls such as buddy systems, check-in arrangements and permit-to-work processes are used to manage these risks effectively. Emergency procedures and contact routes are communicated to personnel and are part of site inductions.

Accident reporting and investigation procedures ensure incidents are recorded promptly and lessons are applied to prevent recurrence. The company maintains an incident log and conducts regular reviews to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.

Monitoring, review and continual improvement underpin the policy. Regular site inspections, safety audits and management reviews are carried out to ensure effectiveness. The policy will be reviewed annually or sooner in response to significant change, new risks or regulatory updates.

The organisation is committed to a positive safety culture where everyone from directors to seasonal workers takes responsibility for safe work. Effective communication, clear roles and a practical approach to risk control make the policy achievable on the ground.

By embedding these principles, the Haringey gardeners and support teams deliver high quality landscaping and garden maintenance with safety at the forefront. The aim is to protect people, manage risk and ensure reliable, sustainable gardening services across the service area.

Signed on behalf of Gardening Haringey — policy ownership is maintained by senior management and made available to staff and contractors as part of company induction and job briefings.