Health and Safety Policy for Gardening Regents Park Services

Purpose: This policy sets out the health and safety principles and practical measures that govern safe working for our gardening services in and around the service area. It reflects a commitment to protecting staff, contractors, visitors and the public while delivering professional Regents Park gardening and landscape care.

Scope: The policy applies to all employees, subcontractors and anyone working on behalf of the gardening company providing garden maintenance Regents Park and surrounding locations. It covers routine tasks, seasonal works, use of powered equipment, and interactions with public spaces where gardens and green spaces are maintained.

Policy statement: We will eliminate hazards where practicable and otherwise reduce risks to an acceptable level. Our approach to safe gardening in Regents Park and nearby service zones is proactive: risk assessments, appropriate controls, staff training and documented procedures underpin every job.

Responsibilities and leadership

Management is responsible for implementing this policy, allocating resources and ensuring regular review. Supervisors ensure that safe systems of work are followed. Every operative must take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others, report hazards, and use provided protective equipment.

Risk assessment: Before work begins, a documented risk assessment will identify risks such as slips, trips, manual handling, machinery hazards, chemicals and interaction with the public. Controls will be proportionate and recorded as part of the work plan for garden maintenance in Regents Park areas.

Training and competence: We deliver job-specific training including tool and machine operation, pesticide safety awareness, manual handling and emergency response. Competence for specialist tasks is verified; Regents Park gardeners will only undertake activities for which they are trained.

Safe working practices

Personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided and maintained. Typical PPE includes gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, hi-vis clothing and appropriate footwear. PPE is a last resort control after elimination, substitution and engineering controls.

Machinery and equipment: All powered tools and machinery are subject to regular maintenance and inspection. Operators must follow manufacturer instructions and use guards and safety devices. Portable appliance testing and documented maintenance records support safe use across the service area.

Working near the public: When operating in public or shared spaces, we plan pedestrian controls, cordons and signage to minimize risk to bystanders. Teams adopt courteous communication and visible safety measures to reduce hazards in parks, communal gardens and other locations.

Hazardous substances: Where herbicides, pesticides or fertilizers are used, we maintain up-to-date COSHH-style records, use approved products and ensure safe storage, handling and disposal. Material Safety Data Sheet information is available to staff and supervisors as needed.

Manual handling: Tasks with lifting, carrying or awkward postures are assessed and, where possible, mechanical aids used. Training in safe lifting technique and team lifts are standard to prevent musculoskeletal injuries during garden maintenance operations in the service area.

Traffic and vehicle safety: Vehicles and trailers used for garden services are roadworthy, secured and loaded safely. Drivers follow safe access procedures, vehicle checks and on-site speed controls to protect staff and the public in transport corridors and site entrances.

Emergency procedures: Clear emergency plans cover first aid, fire, severe weather and onsite accidents. First aid equipment and trained personnel are available on larger contracts. Incidents trigger immediate first aid, securement of the scene and prompt notification to supervisors.

Incident reporting and investigation: All accidents, near-misses and hazardous exposures are reported and investigated. Findings drive corrective actions and updates to risk assessments. Learning is shared across teams to prevent recurrence in future gardening projects throughout the service area.

Monitoring and review: Health and safety performance is monitored through inspections, audits and job briefings. We set measurable objectives and review the policy regularly to ensure continuous improvement and alignment with safe working practices for gardeners in Regents Park and adjacent neighbourhoods.

Communication and participation: Employees are consulted about changes affecting health and safety. Toolbox talks, pre-start briefings and documented procedures ensure that safety-critical information is shared. A culture of reporting concerns is encouraged without blame.

Key controls summary:

• Formal risk assessments for all tasks
• Competence-based training and supervision
• Maintenance and inspection of tools and machinery
• Use of appropriate PPE and safe systems of work
• Clear emergency arrangements and incident investigation

Commitment: Our organisation is committed to providing a safe working environment for staff, contractors and the public. This policy is part of daily operations for garden maintenance and landscaping across the service area and will be reviewed to reflect operational changes and lessons learned.

Implementation: Supervisors will ensure this policy is distributed, accessible and enacted. Records of risk assessments, training, equipment checks and incident reports are maintained to support compliance and operational excellence in all gardening and grounds maintenance activities.

This Health and Safety Policy is a living document: it guides safer working practices for Regents Park landscaping, urban garden care, and wider service operations while prioritising the wellbeing of everyone affected by our work.

Signed on behalf of the company: A named representative will endorse and review the policy periodically to ensure its effectiveness and relevance to our gardening service area.