Health & Safety Policy for Gardener Docklands

Gardener Docklands is committed to maintaining a safe working environment for staff, contractors and the public across its gardening service area. This policy sets out how our Docklands gardener teams manage risks, operate machinery and work responsibly in gardens, public spaces and private grounds. The purpose is to ensure that garden maintenance, planting, landscaping and other horticultural activities are carried out with the highest regard for safety and wellbeing.

Our core principles include prevention of harm, continual improvement and clear accountability. Every Docklands garden maintenance operative must follow safe systems of work, use appropriate personal protective equipment and participate in training. Safety is integrated into scheduling, vehicle use, tool selection and client communications, and we emphasise a proactive approach to hazards rather than a reactive one.

Risk assessment is central to our approach. Before starting work, teams will identify hazards such as uneven ground, overhead lines, hazardous plants, chemical use and manual handling challenges. Assessment results determine control measures, including exclusion zones, signage and method statements. This reduces incidents and protects both our workforce and the communities we serve in the Docklands service area.

Scope, Responsibilities and Duty of Care

The scope of this health and safety policy covers all gardening services provided by Gardener Docklands: routine garden maintenance, landscape installation, hedge and tree work, turfing and seasonal clearances. Our gardening company Docklands teams follow documented procedures for each service type to ensure consistent safety standards across the service area.

Management has overall responsibility for implementing this policy, ensuring adequate resources, training and supervision are available. Managers will review risk assessments regularly and ensure staff are competent to use powered equipment and implements. Employees and subcontractors have a duty to report hazards immediately and to work in accordance with safe operating procedures and site rules.

To support these obligations, we maintain a clear reporting structure and encourage a culture where safety concerns are raised without delay. Reporting includes near-miss records and incident logs, which are reviewed to prevent recurrence. Regular toolbox talks and briefings are scheduled to keep safety measures fresh in everyone’s mind.

Training, Equipment and Personal Protective Measures

All staff receive induction training, job-specific instruction and periodic refresher courses covering the safe use of mowers, chainsaws, strimmers and hand tools. Competence is assessed and recorded, and only trained operatives will undertake high-risk tasks such as tree work or operating ride-on machinery. We emphasise manual handling techniques and use mechanical aids where possible.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided and must be worn where required. Typical PPE and controls include:

• Head protection for tree work and where falling objects are possible;
• Eye and ear protection for cutting, grinding and powered equipment;
• Gloves, high-visibility clothing and safety boots for general gardening tasks;
• Respiratory protection and appropriate chemical controls when using plant protection products or dealing with dusts.

Equipment is inspected before use, maintained by competent technicians and removed from service if defective. Safe storage and transport of tools within the Docklands service area are enforced to prevent accidents.

Hazardous Substances and Environmental Controls

We minimise use of hazardous substances and follow manufacturer instructions for any chemicals used in garden care. Substances are stored securely, and spill kits are available for accidental releases. Where possible, Gardener Docklands prefers low-toxicity products and non-chemical alternatives to protect staff, clients and local wildlife.

Waste management and environmental protection are integral to our safety practices. Clippings, green waste and removed materials are handled to avoid slips and falls and are disposed of in accordance with environmental best practice. Site cleanliness and tidy work zones reduce trip hazards and improve safety for all.

Emergency arrangements are in place for injury, fire or severe weather. Operatives carry basic first-aid kits and know how to summon additional medical help. Evacuation and incident procedures are rehearsed, and key staff are trained in first aid to ensure timely response to emergencies.

Monitoring and continuous improvement underpin our policy. Regular inspections, audits and performance reviews identify opportunities to strengthen controls. Where incidents occur, we conduct investigations to learn and adapt procedures. This commitment to improvement ensures Gardener Docklands remains a trusted provider of gardening services across its service area.

Clients and site contractors are expected to cooperate with our safety measures. Prior to commencing work we will agree site-specific arrangements to protect third parties and property. Our Docklands garden teams liaise with clients on access, exclusion zones and safe working times to minimise disruption while maintaining safety standards.

Conclusion: This Health & Safety Policy reflects our dedication to protecting people and property while delivering high-quality garden maintenance and landscaping. All staff, subcontractors and managers must read, understand and apply this policy. It will be reviewed periodically and updated as necessary to reflect changing risks and improvements in safe working practices.