Gardeners Stratford — Health and Safety Policy

Gardeners Stratford and affiliated Stratford gardening company personnel are committed to maintaining a safe working environment for employees, clients and the public. This policy outlines how our gardening services in Stratford and nearby areas manage health and safety risks while carrying out landscaping, maintenance and horticultural work. The purpose is to ensure that every operative and contractor understands their role in preventing harm, promoting safe working practices and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Our scope covers routine grounds maintenance, tree work, soft landscaping, seasonal planting and specialist Gardeners in Stratford activities delivered across residential and commercial sites. The policy applies to all staff, temporary workers and subcontractors engaged by the company. We emphasise that safety is integrally part of service delivery and we balance efficient gardening work with robust control measures to protect people, property and the environment.

Responsibilities: The management team is responsible for implementing and reviewing this policy, ensuring risk assessments are current and that safe systems of work are in place. Employees and operatives must follow instructions, use protective equipment and report hazards promptly. Key responsibilities include:

• Risk identification and recording of hazards on site;
• Safe operation of machinery and tools;
• Maintaining personal competence through training and supervision.

Risk Assessment and Safe Work Procedures

All projects begin with an assessment that identifies foreseeable hazards such as uneven terrain, buried services, overhead cables, moving vehicles and hazardous substances. Assessments are proportionate to the task and are documented. Control measures are implemented following the hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls and personal protective equipment. Where specialist tasks are required we deploy experienced operatives or approved subcontractors.

Training, Competence and Supervision

We ensure that staff are suitably trained, authorised and competent for the roles they undertake. Training covers safe use of powered equipment, manual handling, ladder and access work, and basic first aid. Regular toolbox talks and site briefings reinforce safe methods. Supervisors observe and coach to maintain standards and to ensure that Stratford gardeners deliver services without compromising safety.

PPE and equipment maintenance are critical. Operatives must wear appropriate items such as hi‑vis clothing, gloves, eye and hearing protection and safety boots. Machines and hand tools are inspected before use, maintained and serviced according to manufacturer guidance. Chemical use is minimised; where required, products are chosen for effectiveness and safety, stored securely and used following labelled instructions.

Emergency Preparedness and Incident Reporting — We maintain straightforward emergency procedures including first aid provision, steps to raise the alarm and routes for safe evacuation of site personnel and members of the public where necessary. Accidents, near‑misses and unsafe conditions are reported, recorded and investigated to prevent recurrence. This reporting culture supports learning and timely corrective action.

Client and site liaison is a core element of our approach. Before work begins we confirm site boundaries, access arrangements and any client-supplied information about hazards. When working on occupied properties or public spaces our teams use clear signage, safe exclusion zones and, where necessary, temporary barriers to protect passersby. Communication with clients and neighbours helps reduce risks associated with garden operations across the service area.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement — Health and safety performance is reviewed regularly through site checks, audits and annual policy reviews. We set measurable objectives, monitor progress and update practices in response to industry developments and operator feedback. Senior management provides visible leadership and resources to maintain safe systems of work. The policy is communicated to all staff and is available to relevant stakeholders on request.

Commitment: Gardeners Stratford, and the wider team of gardening professionals in Stratford, are committed to creating and sustaining a safe working environment. We will act to eliminate risks where practicable and apply sensible precautions where elimination is not possible. Everyone is expected to play their part in delivering safe, reliable and responsible gardening services.

Implementation of this policy is embedded into day‑to‑day operations and strategic planning. Staff are encouraged to contribute suggestions for safety improvements and to participate in training and review activities. We will keep records that demonstrate compliance and support continuous improvement in occupational safety across all of our gardening activities.

Signed on behalf of management, Gardeners Stratford — this policy will be kept under periodic review to ensure it remains effective, relevant and proportionate to the scale of operations across our service area.