Health and Safety Policy — Gardeners Norbiton

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitment of Gardeners Norbiton and associated teams to maintain a safe working environment for staff, clients and the public. Our aim is to ensure that all gardening activities, from routine maintenance to landscape projects, are carried out with safety and environmental responsibility at the forefront. The policy applies to all employees, contractors and visitors engaged by or representing the Norbiton gardening service.

All personnel engaged by our Norbiton gardeners are expected to understand and follow this policy. Responsibilities are allocated clearly: management will provide resources and leadership; supervisors will conduct risk assessments and ensure compliance; and every operative has a duty to work safely and report hazards promptly. Training and supervision form the backbone of safe practice, and regular reviews will ensure standards remain high.

Risk assessment is a continuous process in our gardeners in Norbiton operations. Before any job begins we identify hazards, evaluate risks and implement controls. Key areas include:

• Use and maintenance of power tools and hand tools
• Safe use, storage and application of approved garden chemicals
• Manual handling and repetitive tasks that risk musculoskeletal injury

Controls are documented and communicated to the team to reduce the likelihood of incidents.

Equipment used by Norbiton garden services is subject to scheduled inspections, maintenance and safe storage. Machines such as mowers, chainsaws and hedge trimmers are inspected before use, and defects are reported immediately. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided and must be worn where risks dictate: eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, hi-vis garments and appropriate footwear are standard.

Chemical safety is managed through clear procedures: only authorized and labelled products are used, Safety Data Sheets are accessible to staff and approved application methods are followed. Spill kits and first-aid supplies are kept on-site where relevant. Employees handling chemicals receive training in safe mixing, application and disposal, with emphasis on protecting soil, watercourses and wildlife.

Manual handling and ergonomics are addressed through training and mechanical aids where practicable. Our Norbiton gardening team promotes safe lifting techniques, task rotation to avoid repetitive strain and the use of trolleys or powered equipment to minimise risk. Where higher risk tasks exist, work is planned to use two-person lifts or mechanical assistance.

Emergency preparedness is essential. First aid arrangements are in place, with trained first aiders and accessible kits. All employees are instructed on emergency contacts and the procedure for reporting incidents or near misses. Fire safety and evacuation procedures are defined for site-specific conditions, and staff are briefed before work starts in unfamiliar locations.

Our approach to public safety recognises that many tasks occur in shared spaces. When working near footpaths, driveways or public access areas, Norbiton gardeners will use signage, barriers and safe working methods to protect passers-by. Vehicles are parked and manoeuvred to minimise obstruction; tools and debris are contained to prevent trip hazards; and noisy operations are scheduled considerately.

Waste management and environmental protection are integral to our policy. Green waste is segregated and disposed of responsibly, hazardous waste is handled under legal and best-practice guidance, and measures are taken to prevent contamination of drains and waterways. We seek to reduce chemical use where possible and promote sustainable planting and maintenance methods.

Contractors and subcontractors must meet the same safety standards as our employees. Prior to engagement they are assessed for competence and compliance. Regular supervision, audits and site inspections ensure ongoing adherence to policy. Non-compliance is managed through corrective action and, where necessary, termination of the working arrangement.

Monitoring and continuous improvement are essential components of this policy. We maintain records of training, risk assessments, incidents and audits. These records inform periodic policy reviews and training updates. Staff are encouraged to suggest improvements and report near misses without fear of reprisal, fostering a culture of openness and learning within the Norbiton gardening service.

Policy review: This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed at regular intervals and whenever there are significant changes to operations, equipment or legislation. The review process ensures that our gardeners in Norbiton remain current with best practices and technological developments. All staff will be informed of any updates to procedures or responsibilities as a result of reviews.

Compliance with this policy is mandatory. Failure to follow safety procedures may result in disciplinary action. The organisation will support employees in meeting these standards through training, supervision and clear communication of expectations. Together, management and staff will work to maintain a safe, efficient and environmentally responsible gardening service across our operational area.

The policy balances practical on-the-ground measures with a commitment to broader health, safety and environmental stewardship from the Norbiton gardening company. It is designed to be robust yet adaptable, providing clear direction while allowing teams to respond to unique site conditions safely.

This document summarises our approach and responsibilities. It should be read in conjunction with site-specific risk assessments, safe systems of work and training records retained by Gardeners Norbiton.