Health and Safety Policy for Landscaping Services
Commitment: Our landscaping services provider is committed to protecting the health, safety and welfare of all staff, contractors and the public while delivering high quality garden maintenance and grounds care. This policy applies to all aspects of landscape maintenance, garden services, soft landscaping and hardscape installation. It sets out the principles and procedures that support a positive safety culture across our gardening company and landscaping contractor activities.
Scope and objectives: The aim is to prevent work-related injury and ill health, minimise hazards associated with outdoor work, and ensure legal and good-practice standards are maintained. This policy covers risk assessment, safe systems of work, personal protective equipment, equipment management, environmental controls and incident reporting for all garden and grounds maintenance tasks.
Roles and Responsibilities
Management recognises its responsibility to provide a safe workplace and must ensure adequate resources for safety training, supervision and equipment. Site supervisors and team leaders are responsible for implementing the policy on site, ensuring compliance with operational procedures, and supervising landscaping crews. Each operative is expected to work safely, use equipment correctly and report hazards or near misses so that continuous improvement can be achieved.
Employee duty: All staff undertaking landscaping or grounds maintenance work must follow safe work instructions, attend required training, wear appropriate PPE and cooperate with risk assessments. Induction training and periodic refreshers are mandatory for new and existing team members.
Competence and training: Training covers safe use of mowers, strimmers, chainsaws, hedge trimmers, lifting techniques and handling hazardous substances used in garden maintenance. Toolbox talks and on-site briefings reinforce safe systems of work, and records of competence are maintained by the company.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
All landscaping projects and routine garden services require a documented risk assessment prior to work starting. Risk controls are identified and implemented, and method statements are prepared for high-risk tasks. Controls include exclusion zones, traffic management when working near roads, and segregation of public access from active work areas.
Equipment and maintenance: Plant and tools used in landscaping services must be maintained to a safe standard. Regular inspections, pre-start checks and maintenance schedules reduce the risk of mechanical failure. Electrical equipment is PAT-tested where applicable, and fuel-powered machinery is stored and refuelled safely.
Hazard controls include:
- Use of appropriate PPE such as gloves, boots, eye and ear protection
- Clear signage and barriers where work affects public spaces
- Safe manual handling techniques and mechanical aids for lifting
Specific Operational Hazards
Working at height for tree works or elevated planting must follow recognised safe practices including use of harnesses, ladders assessed for purpose and specialist access equipment where required. Chainsaw operations and arboriculture tasks require certified operators and appropriate supervision to reduce risks to workers and the public.
Chemical and biological risks: The handling, storage and application of plant protection products and fuels must follow manufacturer guidance. Control measures for hazardous substances used in groundskeeping include use of approved PPE, secure storage and spill control procedures. Awareness of plant allergies, stings and invasive species is part of routine site briefings.
Noise, vibration and environmental controls: Exposure to excessive noise or vibration from equipment is minimised through maintenance, rota planning and PPE. Waste management, responsible disposal of green waste and spill prevention are embedded in operations to protect the environment and public amenity.
Incident Management and Emergency Preparedness
All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported and investigated promptly. First aid arrangements and emergency response plans are in place for each site, with clear procedures for medical emergencies, fire, or hazardous material incidents. Lessons learned are used to update risk assessments and safe systems of work.
Monitoring and review: Regular audits, site inspections and performance reviews monitor compliance with the health and safety policy. Non-conformances lead to corrective actions, and trends are analysed to inform training and resource allocation. The policy is subject to periodic review to reflect changes in legislation, technology and operational practice.
Contractor and client coordination: When working alongside clients or third-party contractors, the landscaping company ensures agreed safety arrangements are understood and respected. Communications, permits where necessary and documented handovers support a coordinated approach to site safety for all garden services, soft landscaping and hard landscaping activities.
Continuous Improvement and Culture
We promote a proactive safety culture that values reporting, learning and open communication. Supervisors lead by example, and every operative is empowered to stop unsafe work. Regular reviews of policy effectiveness ensure the company remains a responsible supplier of landscape maintenance and gardening services.
Policy endorsement: Senior management endorses this policy and expects all staff to engage with its principles. Documented responsibilities, training records and inspection outcomes are retained to demonstrate active management of health and safety across our landscaping and garden service operations.
Conclusion: By applying these principles, our landscaping company aims to deliver high-quality garden services and grounds maintenance while protecting people and the environment. This policy represents a commitment to safe working, continual improvement and compliance with recognised health and safety practices across all landscaping activities.
