Health and Safety Policy for Lawn Mowing Islington
This Health and Safety policy sets out the commitment of Lawn Mowing Islington and associated garden mowing services to protect the health, safety and welfare of employees, contractors and members of the public while work is carried out. The aim is to provide a clear framework for safe operating practices, hazard control and continuous improvement. This policy applies to all lawn care activities, including lawn maintenance, grass cutting, edging and basic garden upkeep undertaken by the company.
Our objective is to ensure that risks are identified, assessed and controlled so that every task is planned and executed with safety as the primary consideration. Managers and supervisors will lead by example, ensuring that risk assessments are current, that safe systems of work are documented, and that staff are competent and briefed on specific site conditions prior to commencing work.
Risk assessment is a continuous process. Each job will have a site-specific assessment recorded and reviewed regularly. The assessment will consider environmental factors, ground conditions, access and egress, proximity to traffic, overhead hazards and the presence of utilities. Where hazards are identified the company uses a hierarchy of control: avoid, substitute, engineer, administrate and use personal protective equipment (PPE) as the last resort. All staff are required to follow control measures identified in these assessments.
Responsibilities and Competence
Every employee has a personal responsibility to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring work is supervised, that training is provided and that staff have access to the correct equipment. The company will ensure that all operatives have relevant qualifications or training in safe use of machinery and that refresher training is scheduled.
Key responsibilities include:
- Management – ensure policy implementation, resource allocation and monitoring;
- Supervisors – carry out job briefings, monitor compliance and update risk assessments;
- Operatives – follow safe systems, wear appropriate PPE and report defects or incidents immediately.
Training covers safe handling of petrol- and battery-powered mowers, trimmers, blowers and other hand tools. Training also includes manual handling, working near roads, and safe use of chemical products. The policy emphasises that training is competency-based: staff must demonstrate safe working practices before being assigned unsupervised tasks.
Equipment, Maintenance and PPE
Equipment is maintained to a high standard. All machinery will be inspected before use and subject to routine maintenance schedules. Faulty equipment will be taken out of service immediately and tagged as unfit. Fuel safety measures will be in place for refuelling and storage. Where appropriate, battery-powered equipment will be used to reduce noise and emissions.
Personal protective equipment is provided and its use is mandatory where risk assessments indicate. Typical PPE includes protective boots, eye protection, ear defenders, gloves and hi-vis clothing. The policy requires correct selection, fit and maintenance of PPE, and employees are responsible for reporting lost or damaged items.
The company operates safe systems for manual handling and posture to reduce musculoskeletal injuries. Tools and equipment are selected to minimise repetitive strain and ergonomic risk. When lifting or moving materials, operatives will use mechanical aids where available and follow established lifting techniques.
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) principles are applied to any chemicals used for weed control or plant treatments. Material safety data information is kept accessible and operatives are trained in safe mixing, application and disposal of products. Spillage plans and emergency procedures are in place to limit environmental impact and ensure worker safety.
Emergency preparedness includes first aid provision, communication protocols and procedures for incidents such as injury, fire, spillage or encountering buried services. The company maintains suitable first aid kits and ensures nominated first aiders are available. Emergency response steps are communicated during the job briefing and during induction for new staff.
Incident reporting and investigation are integral to improving our safe working practices. All incidents and near-misses must be reported promptly. Investigations will identify root causes and lead to action plans that prevent recurrence. Records of incidents, training and maintenance are kept to demonstrate compliance and to inform ongoing risk management.
Monitoring and Review: The policy will be reviewed at regular intervals and whenever significant changes occur to operations, equipment or personnel. Routine site inspections, toolbox talks and feedback from staff form part of the monitoring cycle. Performance indicators such as incident rates, training completion and equipment servicing records are reviewed by management.
Continuous improvement is a core principle: recommendations from reviews, audits and staff suggestions are acted upon to refine safe working methods. The company fosters a positive safety culture where everyone is empowered to raise concerns and contribute to safer working environments.
By following this policy, Lawn Mowing Islington and its teams ensure that lawn and garden maintenance services are delivered safely and professionally, protecting employees, clients and the public while maintaining high standards of workmanship. This document represents the company's commitment to health and safety and will be made available to all employees and relevant parties.
