Health and Safety Policy — Lawn Mowing Highbury

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the safety commitments and operational standards for Lawn Mowing Highbury and its teams providing Highbury lawn mowing and related garden maintenance. The purpose of this policy is to protect staff, contractors, clients, members of the public and the environment by establishing clear responsibilities, safe working practices and an ongoing programme of monitoring and review. The policy applies across our service area and to all grass cutting, edging, strimming, hedge trimming and associated tasks carried out by our employees and authorised subcontractors.

Scope and objectives: we will take proactive steps to identify hazards, assess risks and implement controls that reduce the likelihood of incidents. We adopt a precautionary approach to all operations, ensuring equipment is suitable, maintained and used only by competent personnel. This document describes the operational expectations for staff involved in lawn care in Highbury, including site preparation, machinery operation, manual handling, and environmental safeguards.

Roles and responsibilities: overall accountability for health and safety rests with senior management who will ensure resources are available to meet obligations. Supervisors have day-to-day responsibility for ensuring team members follow safe systems of work, while every employee has a duty to take reasonable care for their own safety and that of others. Employees must report hazards, near misses and incidents promptly so corrective action can be taken.

Risk assessment, planning and permit to work

Before any job begins a documented risk assessment will be completed that considers site-specific hazards including slopes, underground services, proximity to roads, public access, protected wildlife and weather conditions. Control measures will be implemented according to the assessment and recorded. Work that involves complex risks will require a written safe system of work and, where appropriate, a permit to work issued by a supervisor.

Equipment, maintenance and personal protective equipment (PPE): all powered equipment used for lawn mowing services in Highbury will be selected for suitability and maintained to the manufacturer’s standards. A scheduled maintenance log will be kept for mowers, trimmers, blowers and chainsaws where used. Staff must wear appropriate PPE for each task, including but not limited to: safety boots, eye protection, hearing protection and high-visibility clothing. Where chemicals or fuels are used, suitable gloves and splash protection will be provided.

Safe operation: operators will follow manufacturer instructions and company procedures. No person will operate machinery without training and demonstrated competence. Machinery guards and safety devices must never be removed or overridden. Tools will be transported and stored safely to prevent accidental activation and environmental contamination of soil and watercourses.

Training, supervision and competence: a documented training programme ensures all staff have the necessary knowledge and practical skills for their roles. Training covers machine operation, hazard recognition, manual handling, lone working, traffic management and emergency response. Supervisors will monitor performance and provide refresher training. New employees will work under supervision until assessed as competent.

Environmental protection and wildlife: our approach to lawn care in the service area recognises environmental responsibilities. Waste grass and arisings will be managed to avoid blocking drains or harming habitats. Chemicals, including herbicides and pesticides, will be stored, mixed and applied only by trained personnel and in accordance with product instructions. Work practices will aim to protect nesting birds and other protected species; if protected wildlife is encountered, work will stop and appropriate advice sought.

On-site controls and public safety: when working in proximity to pedestrians, roads or public spaces we will implement measures to protect passersby. These controls include cordoning work areas, using signage, and deploying barriers or banksmen where necessary. Traffic management plans will be used for operations that affect vehicle movement. Employees must maintain good housekeeping to prevent slip, trip and fall hazards.

Incident reporting and emergency response: any accident, injury, near miss or property damage must be reported immediately and recorded in the incident log. Incidents will be investigated to identify root causes and preventive actions. The company maintains first aid arrangements and contacts emergency services when required. Regular drills and communication of emergency procedures ensure staff readiness.

Monitoring, review and continuous improvement

We will audit compliance with this policy through routine site inspections, vehicle and equipment checks, and internal reviews. Findings will be used to improve procedures, update risk assessments and refresh training. Management will review this policy at least annually or following any significant incident, change in operations or change in legislation. The organisation is committed to a culture of safety where continuous improvement is driven by transparent reporting and employee engagement.

Commitment: Lawn Mowing Highbury is committed to maintaining high standards of health and safety for everyone affected by our work. By combining clear responsibilities, robust planning, adequate training and responsive review, we aim to deliver safe, efficient and environmentally responsible lawn care and grass cutting services across our area of operation.