Health & Safety Policy for Gardeners Alperton

Gardeners Alperton commits to maintaining a safe working environment for employees, clients and the public across our gardening service area. This policy sets out the principles that guide our horticultural operations, risk management and operational procedures. It applies to all staff, contractors and visitors engaged in landscaping, routine garden maintenance and specialist grounds care provided by the Alperton gardening team. Our objective is to prevent injury and ill health while delivering high-quality garden services.

All personnel are responsible for health and safety and must follow this policy. The management team will ensure resources, supervision and training are provided so that every gardener, operative and trainee understands their duties. Supervisors will carry out regular briefings and site checks, while individuals are expected to report hazards promptly. We promote a culture where safety observations and near-miss reports are welcomed and acted upon to reduce future risk.

Hazard identification and risk assessment are central to the way our gardening company in Alperton operates. Before starting work on any site, an assessment is carried out that considers terrain, access, public interaction and the specific tasks to be performed. Assessments identify mechanical, biological and chemical hazards and are recorded alongside control measures. These records are kept as part of our compliance documentation for sites throughout the service area and are reviewed when tasks, equipment or environmental conditions change.

Training, Competence and Supervision

We provide targeted training for all roles: machinery operation, safe pesticide handling, manual handling techniques and working at height for pruning tasks. Competence is verified by on-the-job observation and documented assessments. Apprentices and new team members work under direct supervision until they meet our competency standards. The Alperton gardeners training schedule is updated annually, and records are maintained to ensure continuous professional development.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) and plant safety are non-negotiable items for every operative. Staff are issued with appropriate PPE including gloves, eye protection, hearing protection and footwear. Safety checks for mowers, chainsaws and other power tools are performed before use, with clear stop-and-tag procedures for defective equipment. Vehicles and trailers are loaded and secured to prevent shifting during transit across the service area; tools are stored safely to avoid public hazard.

Chemicals, Waste and Environmental Control

Gardeners Alperton uses approved products in accordance with manufacturer instructions. A clear policy governs the storage, labeling and application of fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides to protect workers, clients and local habitats. We adhere to sustainable waste practices: composting green waste where possible and disposing of non-compostable materials responsibly. Key controls include:

• Correct storage: secure, ventilated and labeled containers away from public access;
• Safe application: using minimal effective quantities and avoiding drift onto neighboring properties;
• Waste segregation: separating hazardous residues for authorised disposal.

Emergency procedures are established and practised. First aid kits are maintained in vehicles and on sites, and designated first-aiders are identified for each team. If an incident occurs, the priority is immediate medical care and securing the area to prevent further harm. All accidents, incidents and near misses are logged and investigated to identify root causes and prevent recurrence. The reporting process is simple and accessible so that every operative, whether an Alperton gardener or contract worker, can comply without delay.

Monitoring, audits and continual improvement form the backbone of our safety management approach. Regular internal audits and periodic third-party inspections evaluate compliance with this policy and with industry best practice. Findings generate action plans with clear responsibilities and completion dates. We measure performance using a combination of leading and lagging indicators, such as training completion rates, equipment inspection records and incident frequency, and use that data to drive improvements.

Accountability for health and safety rests with management while being supported by every employee. This policy will be reviewed at least annually and updated when operational changes occur or when legislation and standards evolve. By embedding safety into daily routines — from the smallest maintenance visit to complex landscape projects — our aim is to protect people, preserve the environment and provide reliable gardening services across the wider Alperton service area. The approach described here reflects our commitment to safe, sustainable gardening and to the well-being of everyone who works with or benefits from our services.