Health & Safety Policy for Gardeners Docklands

Gardeners Docklands and affiliated teams that deliver gardening services in Docklands are committed to providing a safe working environment for staff, contractors and clients. This policy sets out our approach to hazard reduction, safe work practices, and continuous improvement in health and safety across all our garden maintenance Docklands operations. It applies to routine gardening, pruning, planting, mulching, turf care and seasonal landscape work carried out by Docklands gardeners and subcontractors.

Scope and Objectives

Our objectives are to minimise risk, prevent injury and protect property and the environment while delivering high-quality horticultural services. We will achieve this by implementing systematic risk assessments, maintaining equipment, enforcing the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and ensuring staff competency through relevant training. The aim is to foster a workplace culture where safety is integral to every task.

Key Responsibilities

The following responsibilities ensure accountability at all levels:

• Management – provide resources, ensure policy implementation and review effectiveness.
• Supervisors – conduct site-specific risk checks, supervise safe practices and arrange training.
• Employees and Contractors – follow safe systems of work, wear PPE, report hazards and cooperate in safety initiatives.

All Docklands gardeners are expected to acknowledge this policy and act in ways that protect themselves, colleagues and the public.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Regular, documented risk assessments will be carried out for each gardening task and site. Assessments consider manual handling, use of hand and power tools, working at height (for tree work or tall hedging), exposure to chemicals and interaction with the public. Control measures will be selected using the hierarchy of controls: eliminate, substitute, isolate, engineer, administrative controls and PPE.

Training and Competency

We provide role-appropriate training to ensure competence in plant, equipment and products used by the team. Training includes safe operation of mowers, chainsaws, brushcutters, and the correct application, storage and disposal of horticultural chemicals. Refresher training is scheduled to maintain standards and adapt to new techniques or equipment.

Safe equipment use and maintenance are critical. All tools are inspected before use and maintained according to manufacturer recommendations. Defective equipment is removed from service and reported. Fuel, lubricants and battery charging are managed to minimise fire and spill risks. For mechanical and electrical equipment, lock-out/tag-out and isolation procedures are followed where needed.

Personal Protective Equipment and Clothing

Appropriate PPE is provided and required for tasks where risks remain after other controls. This may include gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, high-visibility clothing, chainsaw-resistant trousers, steel-toe footwear and respiratory protection when handling dusty materials or applying certain treatments. PPE selection is based on risk assessment and reviewed regularly.

Chemical Safety and Waste Management

Use of fertilizers, herbicides and other garden chemicals is controlled. We adopt safe handling procedures: correct dilution, secure storage in labelled containers, use of spill kits, and appropriate disposal of surplus products and packaging. Where possible we prefer non-chemical alternatives and low-toxicity products. All staff are trained on pesticide labels and safety data sheets; records of chemical use are kept as part of good operational practice.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All incidents, near misses and unsafe conditions must be reported promptly. We maintain clear emergency procedures for first aid, fire, spill response and severe weather events. First aid kits and trained first aiders are designated on each site. Incidents are investigated to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

The policy is monitored through toolbox talks, site inspections and health and safety audits. Performance indicators such as incident frequency, completion of training, and equipment inspection compliance inform management review. We commit to regular review of this policy and its implementation to reflect changing work practices, new hazards, and improvements in industry standards.

Engagement and Wellbeing

We encourage open communication about safety and occupational health. Staff wellbeing is supported through reasonable work schedules, ergonomic considerations when lifting and repetitive tasks, and access to information on hydration and heat safety during warm weather. Mental health awareness is part of our broader wellbeing approach.

Conclusion
This health and safety policy is a core management document for Gardeners Docklands. All employees, contractors and stakeholders engaged in garden maintenance Docklands activities are required to comply with the standards it sets. The commitment to safety is ongoing, practical and central to delivering excellent gardening and landscaping services across the area we serve.