Health & Safety Policy — Gardening West Ham

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the approach of Gardening West Ham and affiliated West Ham gardening teams to maintain safe working environments across all sites where we operate. The policy applies to routine maintenance, landscaping, planting, hedge and tree work, and seasonal projects delivered by our gardening services in West Ham and nearby neighbourhoods. It describes responsibilities, risk control measures and the commitment to continuous improvement by supervisors, operatives and subcontractors.

The policy takes a proportionate view to hazards commonly encountered by West Ham gardeners, including manual handling, use of powered equipment, pesticides and fuels, working near roads and public spaces, and working at height. Everyone engaged in delivering our services must understand that safety sits alongside quality and professionalism. Supervisors will ensure that risk assessments and safe systems of work are in place before work begins.

All personnel will be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), information and instruction. Training and supervision will be documented and updated regularly. We emphasise the safe use of machinery (mowers, strimmers, hedge-cutters) and tools, correct storage of chemicals, and safe fuel handling to prevent fire and contamination. The company operates a no-compromise rule on alcohol and substance misuse during working hours to protect colleagues and the public.

Risk assessment forms the foundation of our approach. Before starting any job our teams identify hazards, evaluate the level of risk and apply the hierarchy of controls to eliminate, substitute or reduce hazards. Control measures may include isolating the work area, implementing traffic management when working near roads, using mechanical aids to reduce manual handling and ensuring appropriate exclusion zones for public safety. These assessments cover both individual tasks and overall site conditions.

Our responsibilities are clear: management will ensure policies, resources and competence are available; supervisors will carry out and record site-specific checks; and all operatives must follow safe working procedures and report hazards or incidents promptly. Contractors and temporary staff are required to comply with the same standards and to demonstrate competence before being allowed to work unsupervised.

The policy emphasises practical controls and safe behaviours. Key measures include:

• Planned maintenance and pre-start checks for all equipment.
• Use of appropriate PPE such as gloves, eye protection, hearing protection and protective footwear.
• Safe handling and storage of fuels, oils and approved plant protection products.
• Clear exclusion zones and signage where work affects public access or pedestrian routes.
• Supervised working at height with suitable fall-prevention measures.

Emergency arrangements and first aid are integral. Every site must have a nominated first-aider or nearby access to trained personnel. Incidents, near misses and health concerns are to be reported immediately so appropriate action and investigation take place. We keep records of all incidents and use them to update risk assessments and training priorities, ensuring lessons are learned and improvements implemented.

Equipment maintenance and safe storage reduce risk and downtime. All powered tools are subject to routine inspection and portable appliance testing where appropriate. Fuel is stored securely in labelled containers, and spill kits are available for rapid response. Waste arisings are managed responsibly to minimise environmental impact and to reduce slip, trip and fire risks on site.

Monitoring and review underpin continual improvement. Regular audits, toolbox talks and performance reviews assess compliance, competency and the effectiveness of controls. We set measurable safety objectives and review these at management meetings. The policy is reviewed at planned intervals or following significant incidents, changes to work methods, or new legislation affecting gardening operations in and around West Ham.

Training, Competence and Communication

Training is tailored to roles and tasks, covering safe operation of machinery, manual handling techniques, chemical safety and traffic awareness where roads are affected. New starters receive induction training and are supervised until competent. Safety information is communicated through briefings, written procedures and on-site signage so that everyone understands expectations and controls.

Accountability and Culture

Management fosters an open safety culture in which all team members feel empowered to stop unsafe work and suggest improvements. We encourage reporting of hazards and near misses without blame. Performance indicators for safety are part of operational reviews and contract planning for all West Ham gardening services.

By implementing this policy Gardening West Ham aims to protect staff, clients, the public and the environment. It commits resources to safety, supports ongoing training and expects all personnel to prioritise safe work practices at every stage of a project. Regular review and engagement ensure the policy stays relevant to the work our teams carry out throughout the service area.