Health and Safety Policy — Gardener Mill Hill

Gardener Mill Hill is committed to maintaining a safe working environment for employees, clients and the public. This Health and Safety policy sets out the standards and procedures adopted by our Mill Hill gardening service and affiliated garden care teams. Safety is integral to all operations, from routine maintenance to landscaping projects, and applies to every person on site.

Our policy statement reflects the company’s duty to reduce risks and promote a safe culture. Management, supervisors and the gardener in Mill Hill share responsibility for implementing controls, ensuring suitable training and providing appropriate protective equipment. We emphasise communication, competence and continual improvement to keep garden projects running safely and efficiently.

The scope covers routine lawn care, hedge trimming, planting, tree work where competent personnel are assigned, and maintenance of hard landscaping. Risk assessments are conducted before new tasks, and safe systems of work are issued for higher-risk activities. Contractors and subcontractors engaged by the gardening company Mill Hill are required to meet these standards and demonstrate relevant qualifications.

Controls, PPE and Safe Systems

Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, eye protection, high-visibility clothing and safety footwear must be used where hazards are present. Machinery guards, secure tool storage and noise controls are mandatory on sites where powered equipment is used. Employees must report damaged PPE immediately and must not operate equipment until safe to do so.

Plant, machinery and handheld tools are to be inspected before use and maintained to manufacturer standards. The Mill Hill gardener teams follow clear lock-out procedures, appropriate fuel handling controls and battery charging safety. Chemicals, including pesticides and fertilisers, are stored securely, labelled and applied only by trained personnel following COSHH-like principles and manufacturer guidance.

Emergency procedures are established for accidents, fire and other incidents. First aid provisions are available on site or within short travel time; nominated first-aiders are identified and their details are kept on the company rota. All incidents, near misses and hazards are reported promptly so corrective actions can be taken and lessons learned.

Training and competence form the backbone of safe gardening operations. Induction training covers company rules, safe working practices and hazard recognition for new staff. Ongoing training includes machinery operation, tree work awareness, pesticide handling and manual handling techniques. Records of training and qualifications are kept centrally to confirm that each gardener Mill Hill worker is competent for assigned tasks.

Monitoring and inspection schedules are in place to ensure compliance. Supervisors conduct regular site checks and toolbox talks to reinforce safe behaviours. Maintenance logs, equipment service records and risk assessment files are retained as part of our quality and safety management system to support continuous improvement and regulatory awareness.

• Reporting: All accidents and hazardous occurrences must be reported immediately.
• Review: Risk assessments and procedures will be reviewed after any incident or annually.
• Records: Training and inspection records are maintained and available for review.

Environmental and Site Considerations

The gardening company recognises its environmental responsibilities. Waste plant material, chemical containers and green waste are handled and disposed of in accordance with environmental best practice. Where possible, we promote sustainable approaches such as composting, pollinator-friendly planting and minimising fuel use through route planning and efficient scheduling.

Implementation of this policy rests with senior management and site supervisors who allocate resources and ensure compliance across all Mill Hill gardening service operations. Employees are expected to cooperate, raise concerns and participate in safety initiatives. Bringing safety to work means following procedures, using provided PPE and reporting hazards without delay.

This Health and Safety policy will be reviewed at regular intervals and following any significant change to operations, equipment, or after incidents. The goal of Gardener Mill Hill and its garden care teams is to deliver quality landscaping and maintenance while protecting health, preventing injury and reducing risk to people and the environment through clear leadership, training and consistent practice.