Health and Safety Policy for Lawn Mowing Feltham and Surrounding Garden Services

Purpose: This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitments and arrangements for safe delivery of lawn mowing Feltham and related garden maintenance services. It applies to all staff, subcontractors and operatives involved in turf care, edging, hedge trimming and other groundskeeping activities in the service area. The policy aims to reduce risk, prevent injury and ensure work is carried out to a consistent, professional standard.

Scope: The policy covers routine mowing, grass collection, site preparation, machinery operation and hand tools. It includes provisions for risk assessment, equipment maintenance, personal protective equipment (PPE), training and emergency arrangements. All personnel must follow this document and any site-specific safety briefings prior to commencing work.

Key responsibilities: Management must ensure adequate resources and oversight; supervisors shall ensure safe systems of work; operatives must follow instructions and report hazards. This policy requires everyone to cooperate in creating a safe working environment and to take reasonable care for their own health and that of others.

Risk assessments will be carried out for each type of operation and for individual sites where hazards differ. Assessments will identify foreseeable risks such as manual handling, moving machinery, sloping ground, overhead obstructions and public access. Control measures will be implemented and recorded, updated when conditions change and communicated to all affected staff.

Training: All team members engaged in Feltham lawn mowing and garden care must receive induction training, competency checks and refresher instruction relevant to their role. Training includes safe use of ride-on and pedestrian mowers, strimmers, chainsaws where applicable, fuel handling and basic first aid. Supervisors will monitor performance and provide on-the-job coaching.

Supervision: Supervision levels are risk-based. New or inexperienced operatives must work under close supervision until deemed competent. Supervisors will carry out periodic toolbox talks, site inspections and record any corrective actions. All incidents, near misses and unsafe conditions must be reported immediately for investigation and learning.

Equipment must be suitable for the task, correctly guarded and well maintained. A preventative maintenance schedule will be kept for mowers, trimmers, blowers and trailers, and checks will be made before each use. Faulty equipment will be removed from service until repaired. Electrical appliances and battery charging units will be inspected to prevent shocks and fire hazards.

PPE requirements: Operatives are required to wear appropriate PPE including protective footwear, hi-vis clothing, ear protection, eye protection and gloves where necessary. Additional PPE, such as chainsaw chaps, will be mandated for specialist tasks. PPE must be maintained, stored correctly and replaced when worn or damaged.

Fuel and hazardous substances will be stored and handled in line with good practice to prevent spills, fire and environmental harm. Safe refuelling procedures, bunded storage and spill kits are mandatory on larger jobs. Waste grass, cuttings and oils will be disposed of responsibly to minimise environmental impact.

Site management and public safety are priorities for any garden mowing Feltham operation. Work areas shall be cordoned where necessary, signs displayed and access routes controlled to protect members of the public and pets. Consideration will be given to pedestrian routes, vehicular access and weather conditions which may affect stability and visibility.

Contractors and subcontracting: Any third parties engaged to assist will be selected on the basis of proven competence and compliance with this policy. Contracts must require adherence to agreed safety standards, and proof of relevant insurances and qualifications must be held on file.

Incident response and first aid: The company will maintain an appropriate number of trained first aiders and first aid kits on site. Emergency procedures are in place for injuries, fire and environmental incidents. All incidents will be recorded, investigated and actioned to prevent recurrence. Lessons learned will feed back into training and operational procedures.

Monitoring, review and continuous improvement: This policy will be reviewed regularly, at least annually, and after any significant incident or change in operations. Management will conduct audits, inspections and performance reviews to ensure compliance. Corrective actions will be tracked and closed out promptly.

Communication: Health and safety information will be provided to staff, subcontractors and stakeholders through briefings, notices and documented procedures. Employees are encouraged to raise concerns and propose improvements; a proactive safety culture supports better outcomes for everyone involved in lawn and garden services.

Commitment: The organisation is committed to protecting the health and safety of its workforce, clients and the public while delivering high-quality lawncare in Feltham and surrounding areas. By following this policy and associated procedures, we aim to minimise risks, comply with best practice and maintain an efficient, safe service.