Gardener Temple Health & Safety Policy

Gardener Temple is committed to providing a safe work environment for all employees, contractors and visitors involved in our gardening services and landscape maintenance operations. This Health and Safety Policy outlines the principles we follow across our service area to minimise risks associated with garden care, shrub pruning, tree work, lawn maintenance, pest control and other horticultural activities. The policy applies to all staff performing gardener services, seasonal teams and third-party operatives engaged by the company.

Our objectives are to prevent accidents, reduce occupational ill-health and ensure compliance with good practice for groundskeeping. Safety is integral to our gardening business model: we design tasks to be safe by default, provide appropriate supervision, and ensure safe systems of work are in place for each contract. The policy emphasises regular risk assessments, safe equipment use, and documented control measures for common landscaping hazards.

All employees must follow operational procedures that cover manual handling, the use of power tools and machinery, safe pesticide and fertiliser handling, and working near roads or public spaces. We maintain an incident reporting process so that near misses and accidents are recorded, investigated and used to drive continuous improvement. Prevention and preparedness are core commitments, supported by training and provision of personal protective equipment.

Line managers are responsible for implementing this health and safety policy within the teams assigned to their projects, ensuring site-specific assessments are completed and that operatives are competent for their tasks. Employees must take reasonable care for their own safety and that of others, follow instructions, attend training and report hazards. Strong supervision is required where trainees or subcontractors are on site, and contractors must confirm they meet our standards before work begins.

We prioritise training and ongoing competence checks for all staff involved in gardening work. Training includes safe use of chainsaws, brushcutters, mowers, hedge trimmers and other power equipment, plus safe ladder and elevated work practices. The company operates a documented induction process and refresher courses and keeps records of qualification and competency. Contractors must submit risk assessments and method statements for specialist activities.

Control measures are established following risk assessments and include documented safe systems of work, clear signage, and restrictions on lone working for certain high-risk tasks. Where necessary, permits-to-work are used for tasks such as chemical application or confined space entry (e.g., deep pits or service chambers in garden renovations).

Equipment safety is enforced through pre-use checks, scheduled maintenance and prompt removal of faulty items from service. Our fleet and tools are managed to industry standards, with secure storage and regular condition checks. Personal protective equipment such as gloves, eye protection, hearing protection and high-visibility clothing are provided where required and must be worn.

Vehicle and site access procedures are in place to protect operatives and the public when gardening teams work near driveways, roads or pedestrian routes. Traffic management, banksman support and clear exclusion zones reduce the risk of vehicle-related incidents. For work in communal or sensitive areas, advance notices and signage are used to keep the public informed and safe.

The company maintains guidance for safe use, storage and disposal of chemicals used in garden maintenance. Only approved products are used, in line with manufacturers' instructions, and staff receive training on safe handling, spill response and environmental protection. Waste management procedures ensure cuttings, removed material and chemical containers are disposed of responsibly.

Emergency preparedness includes clear reporting lines, accessible first aid kits, and trained first aiders assigned to teams. In the event of a serious incident, managers will ensure that emergency services are contacted and an internal investigation identifies root causes and actions to prevent recurrence. Regular audits and inspections are carried out to verify adherence to this policy.

To reinforce safe working, Gardener Temple maintains a set of practical control measures that form the backbone of on-site practice, such as:

• Pre-task risk assessment and toolbox talks for all new jobs
• Mandatory PPE tailored to each operation
• Lockout/tagout for equipment maintenance and fuel handling procedures
• Supervised use of ladders and elevated platforms
• Clear communication protocols for teams working in public spaces

Management reviews this policy periodically and updates it after significant incidents, changes in work scope, or when new best practice emerges. We actively encourage staff to suggest improvements and to raise concerns without fear of reprisal. The company publishes health and safety expectations to all staff and integrates safe working into performance and procurement decisions, ensuring our gardening services continue to be delivered responsibly and safely across our service area.

While this document is not a substitute for professional legal advice, it represents Gardener Temple's commitment to maintain robust health and safety standards for gardening operations, landscape maintenance and associated services. Responsibility, training and vigilance remain the pillars of our approach and we expect every team member to uphold them.