Health and Safety Policy — Gardening Eltham
Purpose: This Health and Safety policy sets out the commitments and practical steps taken by Gardening Eltham and associated teams to manage risk, protect workers, clients and the public, and deliver safe gardening services across our service area. The policy emphasises proactive risk control, documented procedures and sensible precautions for all garden maintenance and landscape operations. It applies to routine garden maintenance, landscape construction, and one-off gardening tasks while recognising the diverse environments in which Eltham gardeners operate.
Scope and application: The policy covers all employees, contractors and seasonal staff engaged in Eltham gardening, garden care in nearby neighbourhoods, and any work performed on client premises. It addresses on-site behaviour, equipment use, manual handling, hazardous substances, working at height and vehicle safety when traveling between jobs. Everyone involved in garden services must understand their responsibilities and follow this policy to maintain a safe working environment.
Responsibilities and roles: Management is accountable for implementing this health and safety framework, ensuring that Eltham gardening teams are trained, resourced and supervised. Supervisors and lead gardeners must conduct pre-task briefings and ensure risk assessments are completed. All staff and contractors share the duty to work safely, report hazards and follow safe systems of work. Key elements include:
- Preparing and recording site-specific risk assessments before work begins
- Using appropriate PPE and safe equipment
- Reporting incidents, near misses and unsafe conditions promptly
Policy details and safe working practices
Training and competence: We require all staff delivering garden maintenance Eltham services to receive induction training covering hazard recognition, safe use of tools and machinery, manual handling techniques and emergency response. Regular refresher sessions and toolbox talks will be scheduled, with competence checks for specialist tasks such as chainsaw operation or chemical application. New starters work under supervision until assessed as competent.
Personal protective equipment and equipment safety: Appropriate PPE must be worn for each task — gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, hi-vis clothing and safety boots as required. All machinery used in garden services in Eltham is maintained to manufacturer standards; daily pre-start checks are mandatory. Damaged tools are removed from service until repaired. Fuel and batteries are stored and transported securely to reduce fire and spill risks.
Hazardous substances and environmental care: Where herbicides, pesticides or fertilizers are used, only approved products are applied by trained staff in accordance with product labels and current guidance. The policy promotes minimal use of chemicals, consideration of non-chemical alternatives and careful planning to avoid contamination of watercourses. Waste green material, containers and hazardous residues are segregated and disposed of responsibly to protect the environment.
Incident management and continuous improvement
Incident reporting and first aid: All incidents, injuries and near misses are recorded and investigated to identify root causes and prevent recurrence. First aid arrangements are in place for site teams, with trained first aiders assigned and first aid kits maintained. For serious incidents, emergency services are called immediately and internal reporting procedures followed.
Inspections, audits and contractor coordination: Routine site inspections and scheduled audits ensure compliance with this policy. Where subcontractors or external contractors are engaged for landscaping or specialist works, they must demonstrate equivalent health and safety standards and coordination arrangements. Client access, boundaries and site-specific hazards are briefed before work begins to reduce risk to the public and the workforce.
Monitoring, record keeping and review: Records of risk assessments, training, equipment maintenance and incident logs are maintained to support ongoing performance monitoring. The health and safety policy is reviewed at least annually or after significant incidents or changes in operation. Continuous improvement is sought through staff feedback, audit findings and industry best practices to ensure that gardening services in Eltham remain safe and effective.
Commitment: Management and staff make a shared commitment to uphold these standards. By embedding clear procedures, competent supervision and a culture of safety, our gardening teams will deliver quality landscape and garden care while minimising harm. This policy underpins our approach to safe, reliable and environmentally responsible garden services across the Eltham service area and neighbouring communities.
Review schedule: This document is subject to regular review. Amendments will reflect changes in legislation, equipment or operational practice and will be communicated to all staff. Adherence to these principles helps protect people, property and the environment while supporting professional garden care.
Summary of key controls: Risk assessment, training, PPE, equipment maintenance, controlled chemical use, incident reporting and regular review form the core controls for safe gardening operations. Adherence to these measures ensures that gardeners, clients and the public benefit from a high standard of health and safety across every job.