Health and Safety Policy
Gardeners Marylebone is committed to providing gardening services in a way that protects the health, safety, and welfare of our team, clients, visitors, and any other people who may be affected by our work. We recognise that gardening and grounds maintenance can involve physical work, tools, machinery, working at height, moving materials, and exposure to changing outdoor conditions. Our aim is to manage these risks through careful planning, safe working practices, and ongoing awareness.
This policy applies to all services we provide, including regular garden maintenance, planting, pruning, lawn care, hedge cutting, soft landscaping, site tidying, and related outdoor work. We expect every person working for or on behalf of the company to follow safe systems of work and to act responsibly at all times.
Our commitment
We will take reasonably practicable steps to prevent accidents and ill health. This includes identifying hazards before work begins, assessing the risks involved, and putting suitable controls in place. We will provide employees and contractors with appropriate instruction, supervision, and information so they can carry out their duties safely and competently.
We will also maintain equipment in a safe condition, use tools for their intended purpose, and stop work if conditions become unsafe. Safety is considered alongside quality and efficiency, and no task should be carried out in a way that places anyone at unnecessary risk.
Risk assessment and site awareness
Before starting work, we expect hazards to be considered in relation to the site and the task. This may include uneven ground, slippery surfaces, falling branches, hidden debris, proximity to roads or parked vehicles, pets, children, public access, wildlife, and underground or overhead services. Where necessary, work will be adapted to reduce the likelihood of injury or damage.
We encourage clear communication with clients about access, known hazards, site restrictions, and any specific concerns that may affect the job. If a risk cannot be managed safely, the task will be delayed, changed, or declined until suitable controls are in place.
Safe use of tools and machinery
All tools and machinery must be used in line with manufacturer guidance and only by people who are trained and competent to do so. This includes hand tools, powered cutting equipment, lawn machinery, and any other equipment used in the course of our work. Guards, safety features, and protective devices must not be removed or bypassed.
Pre-use checks should be carried out where appropriate, and defective equipment must be taken out of service immediately. Sharp tools should be handled carefully, stored securely, and transported in a safe manner. Fuel, batteries, and electrical equipment must be managed responsibly to reduce fire, shock, and spill risks.
Protective measures and personal conduct
Suitable personal protective equipment will be used where required. Depending on the task, this may include gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, safety footwear, and weather-appropriate clothing. PPE is an additional safeguard and does not replace safe working methods.
Anyone carrying out work on our behalf must remain fit for duty, avoid working while unwell or impaired, and report any condition that could affect safety. Horseplay, unsafe shortcuts, and failure to follow instructions are not acceptable. We expect a professional standard of behaviour at all times.
Manual handling and physical work
Gardening often involves lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, bending, and repetitive movement. We aim to reduce manual handling risks by planning loads sensibly, using suitable equipment, working in teams where needed, and avoiding unnecessary strain. Staff should use correct posture and take breaks when required.
Where a task involves heavy, awkward, or awkwardly positioned items, the work should be assessed before proceeding. If a safer method is available, it should be used.
Weather, environment, and public safety
As outdoor workers, our team may be affected by heat, cold, rain, wind, poor visibility, and changing ground conditions. Work should be adjusted when weather makes tasks unsafe, and staff should take suitable precautions to remain hydrated, protected, and alert. Surfaces and access routes should be kept as clear and tidy as reasonably possible to reduce trip and slip hazards.
We also take care to protect the public and property. Tools should not be left unattended in accessible areas, waste should be cleared promptly, and work areas should be managed to minimise disruption and risk to others nearby.
Training, reporting, and review
We provide guidance and supervision so that safe working practices are understood and followed. Health and safety expectations are reviewed regularly to reflect changes in work methods, equipment, or risk. Any accident, near miss, unsafe condition, or concern should be reported as soon as possible so it can be addressed promptly.
Gardeners Marylebone is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety. By working carefully, planning ahead, and maintaining high standards, we aim to deliver reliable gardening services while protecting everyone involved.
