Health & Safety Policy for Lawn Mowing Coney Hall

Policy statement: We commit to providing a safe working environment for all staff, contractors and members of the public affected by our lawn mowing Coney Hall and associated garden maintenance services. This policy outlines responsibilities, safe systems of work and the measures we use to reduce harm during lawn care operations across our service area. The aim is to prevent injury, protect property and maintain high standards of garden safety while delivering professional turf maintenance.

Scope and responsibilities

This policy covers all activities related to lawn mowing in Coney Hall, including edging, strimming, hedge trimming and use of powered equipment. Managers are responsible for implementing safe working procedures; supervisors must ensure teams receive instruction and equipment checks; operatives must follow safe systems, report hazards and wear required PPE. Everyone on site has a duty to take reasonable care for their own safety and that of others.

Risk assessment and planning: before starting any job we carry out a documented risk assessment identifying hazards such as uneven ground, hidden obstacles, slopes, public access and traffic. The assessment sets out control measures, safe access routes and exclusion zones. A simple permit-to-work or job brief is used for complex tasks and where third-party contractors or members of the public might be exposed to risk.

Training, competence and supervision

All staff engaged in lawn maintenance Coney Hall operations receive induction training that covers equipment use, emergency procedures and how to complete risk assessments. Ongoing training includes refresher sessions, on-the-job coaching and verification of competence for ride-on mowers, flail mowers, and power tools. Supervisors provide regular site checks and feedback to maintain safe standards.

Personal protective equipment and tools: operatives must wear appropriate PPE — ear protection, eye protection, gloves, high-visibility clothing and sturdy footwear. Equipment is selected for the task and inspected daily. Machines are maintained to manufacturer standards with safety guards in place. Any defect discovered in equipment is taken out of service until repaired and logged in the maintenance record.

Safe operating procedures include:

• Checking the area for debris before mowing;
• Using collect or mulch modes appropriately;
• Stopping blades when crossing surfaces or encountering pedestrians;
• Never refuelling hot engines and storing fuel safely.

Public safety and traffic management: where works are near footpaths, roads or play areas we use cones, barriers and signage to segregate work zones. Teams plan routes to minimise interaction with the public and apply traffic management measures when accessing sites from the carriageway. Temporary closures or diversions are used when necessary to secure a work area.

Environmental protection and hazardous substances

Fuels, lubricants and any chemicals used for garden care are stored in secure, ventilated containers and handled by trained staff. Spill kits and containment measures are available on-site. Waste grass, clippings and small amounts of contaminants are disposed of in accordance with environmental best practice to prevent pollution of drains or watercourses.

Incident reporting, first aid and emergency response: all incidents, near-misses and hazards are reported promptly using our internal reporting system. First aid kits are carried on-site and personnel trained in first aid are allocated to teams. In the event of a serious injury or emergency, supervisors follow the emergency plan which includes securing the site, contacting emergency services and preserving evidence for investigation.

Monitoring, review and continuous improvement: we carry out routine audits, toolbox talks and management reviews to monitor compliance with this policy. Trends from incident reports inform changes to procedures and training. The policy is reviewed at least annually or after a significant event to ensure it remains effective for lawn maintenance Coney Hall services.

Key commitments:

• Maintain safe systems of work for all garden mowing and turf care activities;
• Provide appropriate training and supervision for staff;
• Inspect and maintain equipment to safe standards;
• Protect the public and the environment while delivering lawn care services.

All staff are required to read, understand and adhere to this Health and Safety policy for Coney Hall lawn contractors. By following the procedures and using the appropriate protective measures, we minimise risk and ensure that our lawn care and gardening services are delivered safely and professionally across the service area.