Health & Safety Policy — Lawn Mowing New Cross Services

This Health and Safety policy sets out the core principles, responsibilities and working practices for our lawn mowing New Cross operations. It is designed to protect staff, clients, visitors and the public when delivering garden maintenance including grass cutting, verge trimming and post-service tidy-up. The document emphasises risk awareness, safe equipment use and ongoing training to ensure a consistent standard of safe working across our service area.

Our commitment to safety is a cornerstone of every job. All operatives receive induction training, regular refresher sessions and task-specific briefings before starting work on any site. Supervisors carry out pre-task risk assessments and enforce safe systems of work to reduce hazards associated with residential lawn mowing and commercial grass care. We actively promote reporting of near misses and encourage a positive safety culture where staff feel empowered to stop work if they believe it to be unsafe.

Scope and applicability

This policy applies to all activities related to grass cutting, turf maintenance and associated garden services provided by our team. It covers use of powered mowers, strimmers, hedge trimmers, blowers, manual tools and transport to and from sites. The policy is applicable to temporary work sites, customer properties and public spaces where our crews operate, with adaptations made for site-specific conditions and client requests.

Roles, responsibilities and competency

Management is responsible for establishing and reviewing health and safety arrangements, allocating resources and ensuring that staff obtain necessary qualifications. Operatives are responsible for following instructions, using personal protective equipment and maintaining tools in safe working order. Team leaders must ensure that all crew members are competent for their assigned tasks and that records of training, equipment checks and incident logs are kept up to date.

Before work begins, crews conduct a site-specific inspection to identify hazards such as uneven ground, hidden debris, overhead cables or the presence of vulnerable people and animals. Where necessary, work patterns are adapted—this may include cordoning off areas, scheduling quieter times for work, or using lower-noise equipment. Maintaining clear communication between crew members reduces the risk of accidental contact with machinery during cutting operations.

Equipment and maintenance

• All powered equipment is subject to regular maintenance and safety checks to ensure guards, blades and controls function correctly.
• Fuel and battery handling follow strict storage and refuelling protocols to prevent spills, fire risks and pollution.
• Operators complete pre-use checklists and log defects; faulty machinery is removed from service until repaired.

Our approach to grass cutting New Cross includes clear procedures for working near roads, footpaths and public access points. Crews use high-visibility clothing, signage and, where required, temporary barriers to protect passersby. When operating adjacent to traffic, staff follow safe positioning and use spotters or banksmen to manage vehicle movements. The safety of pedestrians and neighbours is a primary consideration when planning and executing work.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) All team members are provided with appropriate PPE, which may include safety boots, eye and ear protection, gloves and protective trousers. Use of PPE is mandatory for all cutting and trimming tasks. Clothing is regularly inspected and replaced to ensure it provides agreed levels of protection, and staff are trained in correct fitting and care of equipment to maintain effectiveness.

Emergency procedures and incident management In the event of an accident or medical emergency, crews are trained to follow emergency response protocols, which include first aid provision and rapid communication with emergency services when necessary. Incidents are recorded and investigated, with corrective actions implemented to prevent recurrence. Lessons learned feed back into training and risk assessments, strengthening our overall safety performance.

Environmental and public protection We take measures to minimise environmental impact during lawn care activities. Waste grass clippings are managed responsibly, and measures are taken to avoid soil contamination from fuels and lubricants. When working near ecological features such as ponds or hedgerows, crews implement controls to protect wildlife and preserve biodiversity while delivering high-quality garden maintenance.

Monitoring, auditing and continuous improvement Health and safety performance is monitored through regular site audits, toolbox talks and analysis of incident data. Management reviews policy effectiveness annually and updates procedures to reflect changes in equipment, legislation or best practice. Continuous improvement is supported by staff feedback, periodic competency reviews and investment in safer technology where it reduces hazards.

Commitment statement We aim to deliver dependable, safe and professional lawn care and mowing services across our service area. By maintaining stringent safety controls, investing in training and fostering a culture of shared responsibility, we work to ensure that every job is completed without harm to people or the environment. This policy will be communicated to all employees and is available to any authorised person requiring sight of our safety arrangements.