Health and Safety Policy for Gardening Coney Hall
This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitment of Gardening Coney Hall to protect the wellbeing of staff, clients and the public while delivering professional garden maintenance and landscaping services. The purpose of this policy is to establish clear responsibilities, safe operating procedures and a culture of continuous improvement for all Coney Hall gardening services. Our approach balances practical site controls with staff training, appropriate equipment and documented processes so that risks are controlled proportionately and consistently across every contract.
Our core principles are prevention, responsibility and transparency. Prevention means identifying hazards early and removing or reducing risk. Responsibility means that supervisors, operatives and subcontractors understand their roles. Transparency means hazards, incidents and near misses are recorded and acted upon. This policy applies to routine lawn care, hedge work, tree pruning, paving, chemical use for weed control and machine operations delivered by Coney Hall gardeners or contracted workers providing gardening services in Coney Hall and nearby service areas.
Risk assessments and safe systems of work are central to the way we operate. Before any job begins we assess the site, identify hazards such as uneven ground, overhead cables, traffic, biological risks and chemical exposure, and select controls to reduce likelihood and severity. Controls include physical barriers, signage, traffic management, appropriate personal protective equipment and safe equipment selection. Records of risk assessments are maintained so that work is planned and communicated to everyone on site.
Staff competence and training are vital. We ensure that all Coney Hall gardeners receive induction training, task-specific instruction and refresher sessions appropriate to their duties. Training covers manual handling, use of powered tools and machinery, pesticide awareness, first aid basics and emergency procedures. Supervisors are trained to monitor performance and intervene when unsafe acts or conditions are observed. We also require that anyone operating powered equipment is assessed as competent and uses machines in accordance with manufacturer guidance and safe work procedures.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided and must be used where required. Common items include gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, high-visibility clothing, cut-resistant clothing for hedge and brush work, and suitable footwear. PPE is a last line of defence and must be combined with safe systems of work. All PPE is inspected before issue and maintained or replaced when damaged. Employees are encouraged to report any defects immediately so that items can be repaired or taken out of service.
Plant, tools and machinery are maintained on a planned schedule to reduce the risk of failure. Portable tools are checked prior to use and taken out of service if unsafe. Fuel and hazardous substances are stored securely in labelled containers; we follow manufacturer instructions and safety data sheets for correct use and disposal. Chemical treatments for weeds or pests are used only by trained staff and only when non-chemical measures are impractical. Records of COSHH-style assessments are kept to ensure safe handling of any hazardous substance.
Emergency procedures are in place for incidents, medical emergencies, fire and significant environmental events. First aid kits are available on every vehicle and at main depots, and employees know how to summon help. Reporting and investigation of incidents, accidents and near misses are required so we can learn and improve. Lessons learned are used to update risk assessments, training and controls, reinforcing a prevention-focused safety culture across the organisation.
Roles and responsibilities
Management provides leadership, resources and oversight for health and safety. Supervisors ensure job-specific arrangements are followed and that staff are fit for duty. Operatives are responsible for working safely, using controls provided, reporting hazards and contributing to risk awareness. Contractors and temporary staff engaged to deliver Coney Hall garden maintenance must comply with this policy and demonstrate appropriate competence before they work on site.
Monitoring and review ensure the policy remains effective. We conduct routine site inspections, toolbox talks and performance reviews to check compliance with safety procedures. This policy is reviewed at regular intervals and updated when practices change or new risks are identified. By embedding simple, consistent safety steps into every task, Gardening Coney Hall aims to protect people and property while delivering high-quality, reliable gardening and landscape services within the local service area.
Key actions and commitments
- Assess — conduct and record risk assessments before every job.
- Prevent — apply controls to eliminate or reduce hazards.
- Train — maintain competence through induction and task-specific training.
- Maintain — ensure plant and PPE are serviced and fit for purpose.
- Report — investigate incidents and act on findings to prevent recurrence.
The policy is owned by senior management and communicated to all staff and relevant stakeholders. Gardening Coney Hall is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance so that every job is completed without harm and with respect for the environment and the communities we serve.