Health & Safety Policy — Gardeners Covent Garden

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the approach and standards adopted by Gardeners Covent Garden and affiliated garden maintenance teams. The policy applies to all employees, contractors and anyone carrying out gardening and landscaping work on behalf of the company. Our objective is to protect the health, safety and welfare of staff and members of the public, to reduce workplace risks and to promote a culture of safe working across all green space and garden care activities in the service area.

The policy is grounded in a commitment to continual improvement. Managers and team leaders for Covent Garden gardeners are responsible for implementing risk controls, ensuring adequate training, and maintaining an environment where safety is everyone’s concern. Employees are required to follow safe working instructions, use appropriate protective equipment and report hazards promptly. Good communication and clear responsibilities form the backbone of our approach.

Our safety commitments include the provision of adequate resources to manage health and safety risks, the carrying out of routine risk assessments for garden maintenance in Covent Garden and related landscaping tasks, and the monitoring of safety performance. This policy is supported by detailed procedures covering equipment checks, chemical handling, manual handling, traffic management and emergency arrangements to reduce harm during routine and non-routine work.

Roles, Responsibilities and Competence

Senior management provide strategic oversight and ensure that gardeners in Covent Garden have the organisation and resources required to work safely. Supervisors are tasked with implementing safe systems of work and ensuring that staff competence is maintained through training and refresher sessions. Each operative must understand their role in preventing accidents and follow safe working practices at all times.

Training and competence development are central to our prevention strategy. New employees receive induction training covering hazards, control measures and reporting procedures. Ongoing training addresses equipment operation (e.g., power tools and ride-on mowers), safe use of pesticides where applicable, working at height, and first aid, ensuring teams remain confident and capable while delivering garden care Covent Garden services.

Risk assessments are completed before work begins and are reviewed if conditions change. For higher risk tasks a documented safe system of work is produced and signed off by the supervisor. Temporary works and unusual tasks require additional planning; where necessary, work is paused until competent guidance is in place. The approach is practical and proportionate to the scale of the operation.

Controls, Equipment and Personal Protection

PPE is provided where risk assessments identify a need: gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, hi-vis clothing and protective footwear are examples. Staff must use PPE correctly and report loss or damage. Equipment is selected, maintained and checked regularly to ensure safe operation. The company enforces a policy of pre-use checks and scheduled maintenance for all machines used by the Covent Garden landscaping teams.

Manual handling and ergonomics are addressed through training and task design to reduce strain and injury. Tasks are planned to minimise awkward lifting and repetitive movements. Where appropriate, mechanical aids, team lifts or adjusted work methods are used to keep manual handling within safe limits and to protect long-term musculoskeletal health.

Environmental controls and the safe use of substances are managed through COSHH-style assessments adapted for garden settings. Garden maintenance in Covent Garden may involve fertilizers, herbicides or fuels; these are stored securely, used only by trained staff and disposed of in line with best practice. The following controls are applied:

• Selection of least-harmful products where effective;
• Proper storage and secure containers;
• Clear labeling and access to safety data information;
• Use of extraction, dilution or PPE to manage exposure.

Working near public spaces requires particular attention. Traffic management, pedestrian segregation and clear signage are used where work is adjacent to highways and footpaths. Teams delivering garden services across the area operate with a visible, safety-first approach, reducing risk to members of the public and protecting operatives from incidental hazards associated with public interfaces.

Incident reporting and near-miss reporting are mandatory. All accidents, incidents and unsafe conditions are recorded and investigated to identify root causes and corrective actions. First aid arrangements are in place across sites and teams where practical; designated first aiders and accessible supplies are maintained according to the scale of activities.

Monitoring and review ensure this policy remains effective. Regular audits, toolbox talks and safety briefings are held to reinforce standards and capture learning. Performance indicators such as incident rates, training completion and audit actions are tracked, and senior management review the policy annually or following significant changes to operations. This statement is endorsed by management and applies to all employees, subcontractors and contractors engaged in garden care and gardening services in Covent Garden. By working together and following the procedures set out, we aim to deliver safe, responsible and professional landscaping services while protecting people and the environment.