Health and Safety Policy — Gardeners Fitzrovia

The safety of our clients, team and the public is central to the operations of Gardeners Fitzrovia. This health and safety policy sets out the responsibilities, processes and standards we apply across our gardening and landscaping services in the Fitzrovia area and surrounding service locations. Our objective is to protect everyone we work with and to maintain safe, compliant, efficient garden maintenance and landscape project delivery. We set clear expectations that safety is integrated into planning, execution and review of every gardening task.

Responsibilities and management commitment

Our management team ensures that Fitzrovia gardeners and operatives receive clear instructions, supervision and suitable resources. Line managers are responsible for implementing risk assessments, training schedules and ensuring that all members of the gardening team in Fitzrovia adhere to agreed safe systems of work. Staff are required to report hazards promptly and to cooperate in corrective actions. We emphasise that safety is a shared responsibility: the company establishes controls and every employee must contribute to a safe working environment.

We maintain documented procedures for induction, competency checks and ongoing training. These cover safe equipment operation, pesticide and fertiliser handling, correct use of power tools and ladders, and safe manual handling techniques. All operatives are assessed prior to working unsupervised and receive refresher training at regular intervals to maintain high standards across our Fitzrovia garden services, seasonal maintenance and special projects.

Risk assessment, control measures and safe systems

Risk assessments are carried out for every assignment, large or small. Assessments identify hazards such as underground services, uneven terrain, falling branches, chemical exposure and traffic when working near roads. Controls include exclusion zones, warning signage, appropriate PPE, tool guarding and supervision. Our standard operating procedures are applied to pruning, hedge cutting, tree works, turfing, planting and grounds maintenance tasks.

We keep an accurate inventory of all equipment and schedule maintenance to prevent mechanical failures. Electrical tools are PAT tested and fuel-powered machinery is checked pre-use. Where required, a permit-to-work approach is used for higher risk tasks or for works in confined spaces. Strong emphasis is placed on safe manual handling: team lifts, mechanical aids and adjustable equipment are preferred to reduce strain and musculoskeletal injuries.

Working safely around chemicals is essential for any gardening company. We apply COSHH-aligned controls, correct storage, clear labelling and the use of appropriate PPE. Only trained operatives handle herbicides, insecticides or concentrated fertilisers and they follow manufacturer instructions, application records and environmental precautions to protect people, pets and pollinators.

Public safety and site control are core parts of our policy. We plan arrivals, access routes and storage to minimise disruption to the public and to clients. Where work interfaces with public spaces, we install barriers, cones and signage, and position staff to guide pedestrians. Vehicle movements are managed by banksmen, speed limits are enforced within site areas and materials are stacked safely to avoid trip and collapse hazards, with a view to preventing incidents before they can occur.

Incident reporting and emergency procedures are clearly defined and communicated. All accidents and near misses are recorded, investigated and used to improve controls. First aid provisions are maintained on site and operatives receive training in basic first aid. Emergency actions include secure isolation of hazards, safe evacuation where necessary and liaison with emergency services. Lessons learned are shared to prevent recurrence.

The company operates a monitoring and audit programme to sustain compliance. Routine site inspections, toolbox talks and annual safety audits assess adherence to standards and identify improvements. Performance indicators are monitored to ensure continued improvement. Staff competence, tool condition and adherence to safe systems are all part of scheduled checks that support the day-to-day safety culture within our Fitzrovia gardening company.

Contractor and subcontractor management is rigorous: external teams working on our sites must meet our safety standards, provide evidence of competence and carry appropriate insurances. Pre-start meetings set out job-specific controls and supervisors confirm ongoing compliance. Collaboration with clients and other trades ensures that safety measures are coordinated effectively and responsibilities are clearly allocated.

Health and wellbeing is promoted through hydration guidance, heat and cold stress precautions, appropriate rest breaks and access to welfare facilities. We encourage reporting of health concerns and provide support for occupational health referrals when needed. Mental health awareness and fatigue management form part of training to support a resilient, alert and responsible workforce across garden maintenance and landscape projects.

Policy review and continuous improvement: this health and safety policy will be reviewed at least annually and updated as legislation, industry practice or operational needs change. Management commits to providing the necessary resources to maintain an effective safety management system. The goal for Gardeners Fitzrovia and our Fitzrovia garden services is zero harm, achieved through diligence, effective training and a culture where safety is integral to every task.