Health & Safety Policy — Gardener Manor Park

This Health and Safety policy sets out the commitment of Gardener Manor Park and its associated garden maintenance teams to protect the well-being of employees, contractors, visitors and the public across our gardening company service area. The policy applies to all park gardens, communal borders, green corridors and related site activities carried out under the name of Gardener Manor Park and associated park grounds services. Our aim is to prevent injury and ill health by maintaining safe working systems and a culture of continuous improvement in safety performance.

Scope and Objectives

The scope covers routine groundskeeping, landscape maintenance, seasonal planting, tree and shrub work, pesticide application and waste handling. Objectives include: reducing accidents, managing risks proactively and ensuring that all staff in the garden maintenance service area are competent and informed. We will regularly assess hazards, implement control measures and ensure compliance with good practice appropriate to park gardening services and park operations.

Roles and Responsibilities

The following outlines key responsibilities across the gardening company and park teams:

• Management: Provide leadership, adequate resources, and a clear framework for safety management across Gardener Manor Park.
• Supervisors & Team Leaders: Ensure safe systems of work, supervise gardening crews, and confirm safe access and egress for maintenance tasks.
• Employees and Operatives: Follow safe working procedures, attend training, use issued PPE and report hazards or incidents promptly.
• Contractors: Coordinate with park staff, provide method statements, and comply with the park grounds safety arrangements.

All staff must demonstrate active participation in creating a safe environment for the gardening and groundskeeping teams and the communities they serve.

Risk Assessment and Control Measures

Risk assessments will be carried out for all tasks and reviewed whenever there is a change in equipment, personnel or site conditions. Control measures include: systematic task planning, the use of suitable personal protective equipment (PPE), traffic management for vehicle movements on park paths, containment and correct handling of hazardous substances used in horticulture, and clear exclusion zones around work areas. We will use a hierarchy of controls to eliminate hazards where possible, substitute with less hazardous methods, and apply engineering or administrative controls before relying solely on PPE.

Training, Competence and Communication

All staff engaged in garden maintenance service area work receive induction training and task-specific training. Supervisors will maintain records demonstrating competence for activities such as pesticide application, tree work, and mechanical equipment operation. Communication of safety information takes place via toolbox talks, site briefings and accessible written risk assessments. We encourage a 'stop and report' approach so that any worker can halt unsafe operations without detriment.

Equipment, Vehicles and Tool Safety

Tools, mowers, chainsaws, tractors and trailers shall be maintained to manufacturer standards and inspected before use. Lock-out procedures are in place for maintenance work, and fuel handling procedures are followed to prevent fire and spill incidents. Electrical equipment used outdoors will be inspected for weatherproofing and RCD protection. Operators will be trained and authorized for specific machinery, and safe routes for vehicle movements will be established to protect pedestrians within park grounds.

Public Safety and Site Management

The safety of park users is paramount. Work areas will be signed and cordoned where necessary with clear instructions to avoid danger zones. Planting and maintenance schedules will consider high-traffic times to reduce exposure of the public to hazards. Waste materials and green waste are stored and removed safely to prevent tripping or contamination. Events or unusual activities within the park receive bespoke risk assessments and site supervision to manage interactions between public use and maintenance works.

Contractors, Subcontractors and Suppliers

All third parties appointed to perform work in the park must provide evidence of their health and safety arrangements, including method statements and risk assessments relevant to their tasks. The park retains the right to refuse access to contractors who do not meet required safety standards. Coordination between contractor activities and the gardening company service area ensures that responsibilities are clear and that control measures are compatible across teams.

Emergency Procedures, Incident Reporting and Review

Emergency procedures are established for serious incidents, fire, medical emergencies and spillage. Staff will be trained in basic first aid and emergency communication protocols. All accidents, near-misses and dangerous occurrences are recorded, investigated and used to inform corrective actions to prevent recurrence. The policy and its implementation will be reviewed at least annually or following a significant incident, change in operations or after feedback from frontline teams.

Commitment: Gardener Manor Park and its garden maintenance teams are committed to continual improvement in health and safety performance. This policy will be communicated to all staff and relevant stakeholders, and will guide our efforts to deliver safe, sustainable park gardening services and groundskeeping across our service area.