Health & Safety Policy for Gardener Chessington
This Health and Safety policy sets out the commitments and working practices of Gardener Chessington and associated gardening services in Chessington. It reflects our responsibility to protect the safety of staff, clients and the public while delivering professional garden maintenance, landscaping and groundskeeping. The policy applies to all employees, contractors and sub-contractors working for the Chessington gardening company and to any project sites we attend.
Our Safety Commitment
We are committed to providing a safe working environment and to reducing risk through planning, training and the correct use of equipment. Our approach ensures the gardener in Chessington and wider team follow documented procedures for safe task execution. The policy is reviewed regularly and updated to reflect best practice and emerging hazards in gardening operations.Responsibilities and Leadership
All staff are required to understand and follow this policy. Senior management will:- Ensure risk assessments are completed for all significant tasks;
- Provide suitable training and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE);
- Monitor compliance across gardening services in Chessington and other service areas.
Supervisors and team leaders must implement controls identified in risk assessments and promote a safety-first culture on each site. Every employee is expected to report hazards, near misses and incidents without delay so corrective action can be taken.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We carry out documented risk assessments for routine activities including mower operation, chainsaw work, hedge cutting, pesticide application and manual handling. Risk controls are proportionate and practical: mechanical guards, exclusion zones, lock-out procedures, signage and safe lifting techniques are examples. These measures are central to how our Chessington gardener teams operate day-to-day.Training, Competence and Supervision
Training is delivered to all operatives on induction and refreshed periodically. Training covers equipment operation, emergency procedures, chemical handling, and working at height. Competence checklists are used to verify that staff are able to carry out assigned gardening tasks safely. Continuing professional development is encouraged and recorded for each team member.Specific qualifications and certifications are required for certain activities. For example, pesticide application, tree work and use of power saws follow industry standards; licences or certificates are maintained where relevant. Supervision levels are adjusted according to task complexity and the experience of operatives.
Equipment, Plant and PPE
All machinery and hand tools are inspected and maintained to the manufacturer’s standards. Faulty equipment is removed from service until repaired. The gardening company Chessington provides appropriate PPE, which may include protective eyewear, ear protection, gloves, safety boots and hi-vis clothing. Use of PPE is mandatory where risk assessments indicate it is necessary.Safe Use of Chemicals
We manage pesticides and herbicides carefully with COSHH-style assessments to control exposure and environmental impact. Only approved products are used and they are stored securely. Staff are trained in dilution, application, spill response and correct disposal. Environmental protection around watercourses and wildlife considerations are integrated into every chemical use plan.Waste management and recycling are integral to our operations. Green waste, contaminated materials and hazardous packaging are disposed of in accordance with best practice to reduce environmental harm. The garden maintenance Chessington teams follow segregation, secure containment and authorised carrier procedures for controlled wastes.
Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
We maintain clear procedures for reporting incidents, near misses and first-aid events. Emergencies such as severe injuries, structural collapse or chemical spills trigger predefined responses including site isolation, first aid and escalation to emergency services. All incidents are investigated to identify root causes and to implement measures preventing recurrence.Our policy promotes continual improvement through regular audits, toolbox talks and review meetings. Performance indicators such as incident rates, training completion and equipment checks are tracked and acted upon. A culture of openness and shared responsibility ensures every team member contributes to safer working practices.
Legal compliance is maintained without overemphasis on local statutory detail; we adhere to applicable health and safety obligations and align with accepted industry standards for garden services. This policy complements site-specific risk assessments and client requirements while prioritising safety above all operational goals.
