Health & Safety Policy — Gardening Sudbury

Gardening Sudbury is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy working environment for all staff, contractors and anyone affected by our gardening services in the Sudbury area. This policy sets out the principles and responsibilities that govern safe working practices for all aspects of garden maintenance, landscape work and horticultural service delivery. The aim is to reduce risk, prevent harm and ensure that our Sudbury gardening operations are carried out with due care.

Policy Purpose and Scope

This policy applies to every person engaged by the company, including full-time staff, seasonal teams, subcontractors and volunteers performing groundskeeping, planting, pruning, turf care, hedge work, tree maintenance support and landscaping. It covers routine service visits, one-off projects and any work carried out under the banner of our Sudbury gardener operations. The policy provides a framework for risk assessment, control measures, training and the continuous improvement of health and safety performance.

Responsibilities: The following responsibilities ensure safe delivery of gardening services in Sudbury and surrounding locations.

• Management will lead by example, allocate resources, ensure risk assessments are completed and maintain documented safe systems of work.
• Supervisors will ensure tasks are planned, safe methods are followed and team members are competent.
• Employees and operatives must follow instructions, use provided personal protective equipment and report hazards or incidents promptly.

All personnel are expected to cooperate with this policy and participate in safety briefings and training.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems

Every work activity must be preceded by a suitable and sufficient risk assessment. This includes evaluating ground conditions, overhead hazards, proximity to roads, the presence of utilities and the condition of equipment. Where higher risks are identified, control measures will be implemented to eliminate or reduce exposure. Typical controls include method statements, exclusion zones, traffic management and the use of qualified technicians for specialist tasks.

Equipment, Tools and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Equipment must be maintained, inspected and used according to manufacturer guidance. Operators will be trained and competent to use powered garden tools such as strimmers, mowers, chainsaws and chipper-shredders. The company provides appropriate PPE and requires its use at all times when risks warrant it. Standard PPE includes:

• High-visibility clothing and suitable footwear with toe protection
• Eye and ear protection for powered equipment
• Gloves appropriate to the task
• Head protection where there is a risk of falling objects

Maintenance schedules and pre-use checks are documented. Faulty equipment is taken out of service and reported for repair. Training records and competency checks are retained to demonstrate compliance.

Hazardous Substances and Environmental Controls

Use of fertilizers, herbicides and other chemicals is controlled and documented. Products are used only by trained staff in accordance with product labels and safety data sheets. The company adopts appropriate storage, mixing and disposal procedures to protect people, wildlife and watercourses. Spill kits and containment measures are available where chemical use is necessary.

Manual Handling, Working at Height and Tree Work: Manual handling risks are reduced by using mechanical aids, team lifts and safe lifting techniques. For work at height, including ladders and temporary platforms, work will be planned and executed using secure access and fall protection where required. Tree work that involves significant risk is carried out by qualified arborists following industry best practice, using appropriate rigging and exclusion zones to protect the public and workers.

Traffic, Vehicles and Site Access

Service vehicles are maintained and operated by trained drivers. When working near roads, traffic management protocols are implemented to protect crews and the public. Vehicles and plant are parked and sited to avoid obstructing footpaths and to maintain safe access for pedestrians. Vehicle operatives follow defensive driving principles and comply with permitted load and towing limits.

First Aid, Emergency Response and Incident Reporting

First aid arrangements are in place, with trained first aiders on many worksites depending on task risk and team size. All incidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported promptly and recorded. The company will investigate to identify root causes and implement corrective actions. Emergency procedures cover serious injury, fire, chemical exposure and other critical incidents, ensuring that appropriate external emergency services are called when necessary.

Communication, Training and Monitoring: Effective communication of risks, procedures and changes to operations is essential. The company provides regular training, toolbox talks and competency assessments. Health and safety performance is monitored through site inspections, audits and review of incident data. Policies and procedures are reviewed periodically to reflect operational changes and continuous improvement objectives.

Contractors, Visitors and Environmental Stewardship: Contractors engaged to assist with landscaping or specialist work must demonstrate suitable safety standards and insurance. Visitors to work sites are briefed and supervised. Environmental stewardship is integral to our services: waste is managed responsibly, habitats are respected and sustainable practices are promoted in all gardening and landscaping activities.

Implementation and Review: This Health & Safety Policy is endorsed at management level and communicated to all staff. It will be reviewed at regular intervals or following significant changes to operations, incidents or legislation. Our commitment is to deliver high-quality, safe gardening services while protecting the health of our workforce and the communities we serve.