Health and Safety Policy — Lawn Mowing Lambeth

Introduction: This Health and Safety policy sets out the commitment of Lawn Mowing Lambeth and associated garden maintenance teams to provide safe, lawful and competent lawn care and gardening services across our service area. The policy applies to every operative, contractor and visitor involved in lawn maintenance, garden mowing Lambeth contracts and related outdoor work. It is designed to reduce risk, prevent injury and ensure that operations are carried out in a responsible manner.

Scope and responsibilities

All staff are required to follow this policy when performing tasks such as ride-on mower use, strimming, hedge cutting, green waste handling and general turf care. The company management will ensure that risk assessments, safety procedures and suitable equipment are provided. Each operative must report hazards immediately and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including high-visibility clothing, gloves, eye and ear protection where required.

Risk assessment and control measures

Routine risk assessments are carried out before every job to identify hazards such as slopes, hidden debris, public access, traffic and utility lines. Control measures include machine safety checks, ground condition inspection and the implementation of safe exclusion zones. All operatives will follow the hierarchy of controls — eliminate, substitute, isolate, reduce and use PPE — to manage risks for both staff and the public.

Equipment and maintenance: All lawn care machinery, from petrol mowers to battery trimmers and blowers, is maintained to manufacturer standards. Regular servicing records are kept and documented, and any defects are removed from service immediately. Only trained and competent staff are permitted to operate powered equipment. Operators receive training on safe starting, operation, refuelling protocols and transportation of machines between sites.

Training and competence: We provide ongoing training for new recruits and refresher courses for experienced operatives, covering manual handling, chemical safety for weed and pest control where applicable, first aid and emergency procedures. Training records are maintained and competence is assessed periodically to ensure all operatives remain capable of delivering safe garden services and Lambeth lawn mowing operations.

Public safety and site management: When working in public spaces or residential gardens, team members will set up clear signage and barriers as needed, maintain pedestrian access where possible and coordinate with clients to minimise risk. Where parking or road-side work is necessary, traffic management measures will be used to protect both workers and the public. Children and animals are a priority consideration when carrying out any mowing or garden maintenance.

Chemicals and environmental protection: Where herbicides or plant treatments are necessary, only approved products will be used and applied by trained personnel in accordance with manufacturer guidance. We minimise chemical use and employ non-chemical alternatives where feasible to protect local biodiversity and soil health. Waste green material is handled using best practice to reduce fly-tipping and pollution risks.

Accident reporting and first aid: A clear accident reporting procedure is in place. First aid kits are available on every vehicle and at designated sites, and trained first aiders are on call for each shift. All incidents, no matter how minor, are recorded, investigated and used to inform changes in safe working practices to prevent recurrence.

Emergency procedures: In the event of a serious incident, operatives will prioritise life-saving measures and contact emergency services. Site managers will preserve the scene for investigation and take immediate steps to secure the area and protect the public. Any significant safety failure will trigger a management review and corrective actions. Business continuity plans ensure that essential lawn maintenance and garden care services can continue or be safely suspended during adverse weather or other disruptions.