Health and Safety Policy — Lawn Mowing Tufnell Park

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitment of Lawn Mowing Tufnell Park and associated garden services to provide a safe working environment for staff, contractors, clients and members of the public. The policy applies to all grass cutting, garden maintenance and associated landscaping activities carried out by the team and our partners. It is intended to be a practical document that supports safe delivery of lawn mowing services, routine garden care and one-off maintenance tasks across our service area.

Scope and Responsibilities

The policy covers responsibilities at every level of the organisation. Management will ensure resources are available for safety training, equipment maintenance and safe systems of work. Supervisors and team leaders will implement risk controls and monitor compliance. All operatives, including self-employed contractors engaged for grass cutting in Tufnell Park and surrounding neighbourhoods, must follow safe working practices. Clients and property owners are asked to assist by disclosing hazards, securing pets and identifying underground services before work begins.

A risk-based approach underpins our activities. Prior to work starting each job receives a brief risk assessment that identifies specific hazards related to machinery, slopes, access, pedestrians and wildlife. The assessment guides safe methods for mowing, strimming, edgings and waste handling. Where work is more complex — for example large slopes, confined spaces or areas with heavy public footfall — a written safe system of work will be prepared and authorised by a competent person.

Safe Systems of Work and Equipment

All plant and tools are maintained according to manufacturer guidance with documented maintenance checks. Operatives must complete daily pre-use checks and report defects immediately. Only approved machinery and personal protective equipment (PPE) are to be used for grass cutting in Tufnell Park and nearby zones. Use of powered equipment is controlled to minimise risk: blades and guards are kept in good condition, and stop controls are checked before use.

Training ensures that every operative understands machine operation, manual handling techniques and traffic/ pedestrian management. Training includes induction, on-the-job supervision and periodic refreshers. Specific instruction is provided on: noise and vibration reduction, fuel storage and safe refuelling, and managing small fuel spills. First aid provision is identified for each job and crews are familiar with emergency assembly points and reporting procedures.

To reduce risks to the public and operatives we implement site controls such as signage, cordons, and temporary access restrictions where appropriate. Where work takes place adjacent to public pathways or roads we adopt measures to protect pedestrians and cyclists. The company maintains an incident reporting system so that near-misses and accidents are recorded, investigated and used to prevent future occurrences.

Personal Protective Equipment and Environmental Controls

Appropriate PPE is mandatory: hi-vis clothing, safety boots, eye and hearing protection, gloves and leg protection when using strimmers. PPE is provided, maintained and replaced as required. Environmental considerations are integrated into safe working, with attention to preventing pollution from fuel, oil and grass clippings. Waste management procedures ensure clippings, cuttings and any contaminated materials are collected and disposed of responsibly.

Contractors and subcontractors engaged for garden maintenance must comply with equivalent standards. Before subcontracting, the company verifies competence, insurance and safety records. Work is monitored and reviewed regularly. Where herbicides or fertilisers are used as part of lawn care or turf maintenance those substances are handled only by trained operatives with approved products, clear labelling and secure storage away from public reach.

The policy promotes continuous improvement through regular inspection, auditing and feedback from operatives. Routine toolbox talks, site-specific briefings and health surveillance where relevant support a safety culture. Key practical controls are listed below for clarity:

• Pre-start checks for machinery and PPE
• Site-specific risk assessments before work begins
• Traffic and pedestrian management on busy sites
• Emergency procedures and first aid provision
• Documented maintenance and defect reporting

Management will review this policy periodically and after any significant incident, change in legislation or company operations. Reviews ensure that our lawn maintenance and gardening services remain effective and that improvements are implemented. Every employee and contractor is expected to contribute to a safe workplace by following procedures, reporting hazards and taking reasonable care of their own and others' safety. This policy is supported by operational procedures and training records which together help deliver a consistent, professional approach to Tufnell Park lawn care and neighbouring area garden services.