Health & Safety Policy — Gardeners Heston

Gardeners Heston maintains a clear, accessible Health and Safety Policy that applies across our garden services in Heston and surrounding service areas. This policy sets out our commitment to protecting the wellbeing of staff, clients, visitors and the public while delivering high-quality horticultural and landscaping work. The document reflects industry best practice and the practical realities of working outdoors, with an emphasis on proactive risk control and continuous improvement.

We expect every member of the Heston gardeners team to take personal responsibility for safety, to follow safe systems of work and to report hazards or near misses immediately. Supervisors and managers will support this by conducting regular site checks, ensuring appropriate training and maintaining up-to-date equipment. Safety leadership is integral to our culture: we prioritise prevention, clear communication and visible standards on every job.

Policy scope and application: this Health and Safety Policy applies to all gardening and grounds maintenance activities carried out by Gardeners Heston, including pruning, turf work, planting, hedge cutting, tree maintenance, pesticide use and waste management. It applies to employees, contractors and any temporary workers engaged by the company during contracted work. The policy covers on-site work, travel between sites and depot activities.

Risk assessment and work planning are central to our approach. Before starting any task, team members will conduct a site-specific assessment, identifying hazards such as uneven ground, overhead services, traffic, manual handling risks and biological hazards (e.g. nettles, poisonous plants). Risk controls are recorded and implemented using a hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative measures and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Safe systems and training

All operatives receive tailored training relevant to their role. This includes induction training covering company procedures, use of machinery (mowers, chainsaws, strimmers), safe ladder and access work, and the correct use of PPE such as gloves, eye and ear protection, hi-vis and safety boots. We maintain training records and ensure regular refresher courses. Apprentices and new staff work under supervision until competency is demonstrated.

We maintain and inspect tools and machinery to the highest standards. A planned maintenance schedule ensures equipment is safe and fit for purpose; defective items are taken out of service until repaired. Fueling and storage of hazardous substances follow secure procedures and are accompanied by appropriate labeling and access controls. When pesticides or other chemicals are used, operatives follow agreed safe application methods and COSHH-like precautions, including documented risk assessments and safe disposal of residues.

Emergency preparedness and first aid are managed by designated first aiders on-site or within easy reach for all projects. Emergency procedures, including how to summon help and deal with significant incidents, are clearly communicated to staff before work begins. We maintain first aid kits in vehicles and at base, and record all incidents to support learning and improvement.

Roles, responsibilities and monitoring

Management is responsible for setting standards, allocating resources and ensuring that safety policies are implemented across the company. Site supervisors ensure day-to-day compliance and provide leadership in the field. Employees have a duty to follow directions, make safe choices and raise concerns. Contractors engaged by Gardeners Heston must meet our safety expectations and demonstrate competence.

Key elements of our Health and Safety policy include:

• Clear risk assessments for all routine and non-routine tasks.
• Regular training and competence checks for equipment and specialty tasks.
• Maintenance and inspection schedules for machines and PPE.
• Robust incident reporting and investigation procedures to prevent recurrence.
• Safe handling and storage of hazardous materials and green waste.

We also emphasise health as well as safety. Manual handling best practice, hydration and rest during hot weather, and awareness of seasonal risks (e.g. allergies or cold stress) form part of our welfare considerations. The company encourages open discussion about health concerns so that adjustments can be made to support individuals’ wellbeing while they remain productive and safe at work.

Contract and project planning incorporates safety reviews at tender and pre-start stages, ensuring that adequate time, equipment and qualified personnel are allocated to complete the job without compromising safe working. Continuous improvement is supported through regular audits, toolbox talks and feedback loops where lessons learned are incorporated into procedures.

Gardeners Heston is committed to reviewing this policy at regular intervals and after any significant incident or change in working practice. We will update procedures and training as required to reflect technological advances, evolving best practice and operational experience. By embedding safety into everything we do, our Heston gardening company aims to deliver excellent service while safeguarding people and the environment.

All staff are required to acknowledge that they have read and understood the Health and Safety Policy, and to participate in the processes that keep our teams safe. The policy is a living document and is supported by site-level risk assessments, method statements and safe work instructions. Together, through vigilance and professionalism, our gardening company Heston will maintain high safety standards for every project and client we serve.