Health and Safety Policy for Garden Maintenance Millbank

Purpose: This policy sets out the approach to health, safety and welfare for the team providing garden maintenance Millbank services. It applies to all staff, contractors and visitors involved in grounds care, soft landscaping and general garden upkeep. The aim is to prevent accidents, reduce risks and promote a safe working culture while delivering professional garden and grounds maintenance across the service area.

Scope and commitment

The organisation recognises its duty to manage health and safety proactively. Garden services in Millbank and surrounding areas will be delivered in a way that minimises harm to people, property and the environment. Managers are committed to providing resources, training and supervision so that duties are discharged effectively and safely.

Roles and responsibilities: Every team member must work safely and follow instructions. Managers will assess risks, maintain equipment and ensure competency for tasks such as tree pruning, hedge cutting, lawn care and pesticide application. Employees must report hazards, near-misses and incidents promptly and cooperate with monitoring and review activities.

Risk assessment and safe systems of work

The business will carry out and document risk assessments for routine and non-routine operations. Risk control measures will include task-specific methods, hierarchy of controls, and clear safe systems of work for potentially hazardous activities. For example, when working at height for pruning or installing structures, teams will use appropriate access equipment and follow work-at-height procedures.

Hazard identification covers mechanical equipment, powered tools, chemical handling, manual handling, biological hazards (e.g., soil-borne organisms, allergies) and environmental conditions such as extreme heat, cold or wet weather. Controls will be proportionate and practical to the gardening trade while maintaining safety standards for Millbank garden maintenance and related grounds work.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) and tools: Suitable PPE will be provided and worn as required — gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, high-visibility clothing and safety footwear. Tools and machinery will be inspected and maintained; defective equipment will be removed from service. Employees must use guards, follow operating instructions and never improvise unsafe practices.

Training and competence: The company will ensure induction training, task-specific instruction and refresher sessions are provided. Training covers safe equipment use, emergency procedures, COSHH awareness for handling approved chemicals, and first aid. Supervisors will verify competence before assigning lone work or complex tasks. Millbank garden maintenance teams will be encouraged to develop skills while understanding safety obligations.

Communication and reporting: Clear channels exist for reporting hazards, incidents and required improvements. An incident-reporting process ensures that events are investigated, corrective actions are recorded and lessons are shared. Regular safety briefings and toolbox talks will be held to reinforce good practice and to update staff on any changes to procedures or equipment.

Key preventive measures:

• Carry out documented risk assessments before new or high-risk tasks.
• Maintain and record equipment checks and servicing schedules.
• Provide and enforce the use of appropriate PPE and safety equipment.
• Ensure safe storage, labelling and use of chemicals in accordance with supplier instructions.
• Implement manual handling controls, team lifts and mechanical aids where possible.

Emergency preparedness and first aid: The company will maintain first aid provisions, communicate emergency arrangements and ensure staff know how to summon assistance. In the event of an incident, first aiders will respond, and managers will secure the scene and follow investigation protocols. Emergency arrangements include vehicle incident procedures, allergic reaction response and rapid escalation for major injuries.

Monitoring, review and continual improvement: Health and safety performance will be reviewed regularly through audits, inspections and incident analysis. Targets and actions will be set to improve results. This policy will be reviewed annually or after significant change to operations, equipment or personnel to ensure it remains effective for garden maintenance services across the Millbank service area.

Policy enforcement: Compliance with this policy is mandatory. Non-compliance will be addressed through supervision, retraining or disciplinary procedures where necessary. Everyone involved in garden and grounds maintenance has a role to play in keeping work environments safe, protecting colleagues and the public, and preserving the reputation of the service.