Health and Safety Policy for Garden Maintenance Barbican

Purpose and commitment: This Health and Safety policy sets out the framework that governs safe working for our garden maintenance Barbican operations and related landscaping activities in the service area. The policy applies to all staff, contractors and visitors, and is designed to ensure that all garden and grounds maintenance work is carried out with the highest regard for safety, environmental protection and public welfare. Our objective is to prevent incidents, reduce occupational risk and maintain a safe working environment while delivering high-quality Barbican garden maintenance services.

Scope and application

The policy covers routine lawn care, hedge and shrub pruning, tree maintenance (where permitted), planting, weed control, hard landscaping tasks, seasonal clearance and site preparation. It applies across our operational region and to any temporary works associated with the provision of gardening services in Barbican and neighbouring zones. Where specialist or elevated work is required, additional written procedures and risk assessments will be produced.

Responsibilities and roles

The following responsibilities are assigned to ensure consistent adherence to safe work practices:

• Management — to set policy, allocate resources and ensure that risk assessments, systems of work and training are in place;
• Supervisors — to ensure daily briefs, site-specific safety checks and effective communication of hazards;
• Operatives — to follow safe systems of work, use PPE properly and report hazards and near-misses promptly.

All personnel must understand their duties and participate in safety reviews and toolbox talks. Contractors are required to demonstrate competence and compliance before starting any job.

Risk assessment and safe systems of work

Risk assessments will be conducted for every site and task and will be proportionate to the activity. Assessments will identify hazards such as slips, trips and falls, manual handling, contact with moving machinery, exposure to pesticides, working at height and traffic risks where works are near roads or public pathways. The assessments inform method statements and Safe Systems of Work (SSOW) that are available on-site and digitally.

Personal protective equipment and training

All operatives will be supplied with appropriate PPE including gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, hi-vis clothing and footwear. Where chainsaws, shredders or heavy machinery are used, specialized PPE such as cut-resistant trousers and helmets with face protection will be mandatory. Training covers equipment operation, manual handling, COSHH awareness for chemicals used in gardening operations, and emergency response procedures.

Competency checks and periodic refresher courses will be scheduled to maintain high standards. Records of training, licenses and competency assessments are retained centrally to support safe deployment of staff and the prevention of avoidable harm.

Machinery, tools and hazardous substances

Plant and equipment will be inspected and maintained according to manufacturer guidelines. Pre-start checks are required before using mowers, ride-on machinery, saws and shredders. Tools must be stored securely when not in use to prevent public access and reduce trip hazards. Only approved herbicides and pesticides will be used, handled in accordance with product instructions, and stored in labeled, locked containers. Where possible, non-chemical alternatives are promoted to minimize environmental impact.

• Daily equipment checks and defect reporting;
• Secure storage and transport procedures;
• Safe disposal of green waste and chemical containers.

Working near the public and traffic management

When operations occur close to pedestrian routes or roadways, a control plan will be implemented that includes signage, barriers, traffic cones and temporary diversions if necessary. Staff will be briefed on maintaining a clear pedestrian route and on communicating with the public in a courteous manner to reduce risk of accidental contact with machinery or tools.

Emergency procedures, incident reporting and first aid

Emergency arrangements include clear instructions for dealing with injuries, chemical exposures and environmental incidents. First aid kits and trained first-aiders will be available on larger sites; minor sites will have access to first aid supplies and rapid communication channels to summon assistance. All incidents, near-misses and hazardous observations must be reported using the company incident reporting process so lessons can be identified and shared.

Investigation of incidents aims to establish root causes, and corrective actions are tracked until complete. Records are retained to build management information that supports continuous improvement and legal compliance with general safety obligations.

Monitoring, review and continuous improvement: This policy will be reviewed periodically and after significant changes, incidents or regulatory updates. Formal audits and spot checks are used to verify compliance. Staff are encouraged to suggest improvements and raise concerns without fear of reprisal. The goal is a proactive safety culture in every gardening job, with regular communication and measurable safety outcomes.