Health & Safety Policy — Gardener Kingston

Gardener Kingston (also referred to as Kingston gardener and Kingston gardening services) is committed to providing a safe working environment for employees, contractors and clients. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety across all garden maintenance, landscaping and horticultural services. The objective is to prevent accidents, reduce occupational illness, and protect the public and property while delivering high-quality garden care.

The policy applies to all staff and operations carried out by the gardening company whether on domestic or commercial sites. It outlines responsibilities, safe working procedures, training expectations and monitoring. Each member of the team, including temporary workers and sub-contractors, is expected to co-operate with this policy and follow safe systems of work.

Scope and Responsibilities

Our responsibilities include risk assessment, provision of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and maintenance of tools and machinery. Line managers will ensure that the Gardener Kingston crew receive adequate supervision and instruction. Employees must take reasonable care for their own safety and for others who may be affected by their activities. Any safety concerns should be reported promptly.

Key responsibilities are as follows: managers will conduct documented risk assessments; staff will attend required training and use PPE; and the company will provide safe plant, equipment and written safe operating procedures. The policy promotes a culture where safety is part of every job planning discussion.

Risk Management and Safe Systems

Risk assessments are carried out before starting new work, when conditions change, or when new equipment is introduced. Typical risk controls include exclusion zones around machinery, data sheets for chemicals, and locked storage for hazardous materials. The gardener in Kingston team follows established safe systems for tasks such as hedge cutting, tree work, strimming and use of chainsaws.

Equipment must be inspected before use; defective items are tagged and removed from service. Safe systems include pre-start checks, two-person working for certain tasks, and clear communication protocols when working near roads or in public spaces. All mechanical and powered tools are maintained to industry standards.

Personal protective equipment is provided based on task risk: eye protection, gloves, steel-toe boots, hearing protection and appropriate high-visibility clothing. Staff are trained in correct PPE selection and fit, and in the limitations of protective gear. The Kingston gardening workforce is encouraged to upgrade PPE where improved protection is available.

Chemical handling follows safe storage and usage practices. Substances hazardous to health are managed using clear labels, secure containers and appropriate handling equipment. Staff receive instruction on products used on site and are required to follow manufacturer guidance and company procedures. Strong emphasis is placed on environmental protection when applying treatments.

Typical site control measures include:

• Pre-job risk assessment and method statement
• Clear area signage and pedestrian management
• Routine machine and tool inspections
• Use of PPE and emergency spill kits
• Secure storage of sharp and hazardous items

Training and competence are fundamental. The company maintains a training programme covering manual handling, safe use of power tools, ladder and work-at-height procedures, and first aid awareness. Records of training and competencies are kept to ensure staff remain suitable for assigned tasks. The aim is a competent and confident team providing consistent garden maintenance Kingston clients can rely on.

First aid provision is scaled to the size and nature of the work. Trained first aid personnel are available during working hours, and suitable first aid kits are carried on-site. Emergency procedures are clearly displayed and part of every site induction. Incidents are recorded and reviewed to prevent recurrence.

Monitoring and review are ongoing: supervisors conduct spot checks and regular audits, while management reviews the policy at intervals or after significant incidents. Continuous improvement is achieved by learning from near misses, contractor observations and staff suggestions.

Environmental responsibility is included in our safety approach. Waste is segregated and disposed of responsibly, and measures are taken to protect soil, water and biodiversity during operations. The company encourages low-impact materials and methods wherever practical to protect the wider community and natural habitats.

Communication is essential: pre-start briefings, client notices and clear signage help manage risks in public-facing work. The company commits to transparency about safety practices and to working collaboratively with clients, neighbours and third parties to minimise disruption and hazards.

Commitment: Gardener Kingston pledges to maintain and improve health and safety performance through competent staff, effective controls and active monitoring. This policy is endorsed by senior management and applies across all gardening and landscaping operations. Everyone associated with the business is expected to uphold these principles to ensure safe, reliable and professional Kingston gardening services.