Health & Safety Policy — Lawn Mowing Finsbury Park

This policy sets out the approach of our gardening team to safe work practices for lawn maintenance and grass cutting across the service area. It applies to all employees, contractors and visitors engaged in lawn mowing in Finsbury Park and surrounding neighbourhoods. The purpose is to minimise risk, protect the public and preserve the environment while delivering high-quality lawn care and turf services. We commit to continuous improvement, regular training and transparent risk management aligned with industry best practice.

All operatives are expected to follow the policy and the procedures it contains. The policy covers machinery use, PPE (personal protective equipment), manual handling, hazardous substances, traffic management and public protection. Supervisors must ensure that every task is subject to a pre-start risk assessment and that control measures are recorded. This statement is supported by senior management and is reviewed annually or when operations change.

Scope and Responsibilities

Scope: This document covers routine grass cutting, edging, strimming, debris removal and equipment maintenance for lawn mowing services in Finsbury Park and nearby areas. Responsibilities: Management are responsible for policy implementation and resourcing; team leaders must ensure practical controls are in place; staff are required to use equipment safely and report hazards immediately.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Every mowing task is planned using a formal risk assessment process. Before work begins operatives must identify site-specific hazards such as slopes, buried services, traffic, pedestrians, pets and hidden obstacles. Controls include segregation of the work area, use of cones and signage, spotters where necessary and switching to hand tools in confined or sensitive areas. The aim is to reduce risk to a reasonably practicable level while delivering the required lawn maintenance.

Training and competence are central to our safety culture. Staff receive induction training, on-the-job mentoring and refresher sessions covering safe machine operation, battery and fuel handling, noise and vibration management, and first aid. Competence is verified before staff are permitted to operate powered mowers, trimmers or ride-on equipment. We also carry out toolbox talks to cover seasonal issues and changes in work patterns.

Personal protective equipment is mandatory where risks cannot be eliminated: ear protection, eye protection, gloves, high-visibility clothing and boots with ankle support. PPE is provided and maintained; staff must report damaged items. We also emphasise the importance of appropriate clothing for weather conditions and hydration during warmer months.

Machinery and equipment are inspected and serviced according to a planned maintenance schedule. Pre-start checks are required for all plant and hand tools and any defects are recorded and reported for repair. For powered equipment we enforce control measures such as blade guards, kill switches and correct battery charging procedures to prevent fire and electrical hazards. Safe storage of fuels and lubricants is enforced to reduce spill and contamination risks.

Emergency procedures include clear instructions for first aid, reporting incidents and dealing with major accidents. Employees are trained to summon assistance, provide initial care and preserve the scene. All incidents, near misses and property damage are recorded and investigated to identify root causes and prevent recurrence. A culture of open reporting is promoted so that improvements can be made promptly.

Environmental protection is integral to how we operate. Waste grass, clippings and green waste are dealt with responsibly and not disposed of inappropriately. Fuel and chemical handling follows manufacturers' guidance and safe disposal routes are used for any hazardous waste. Where possible we use low-emission, battery-powered equipment to reduce noise and atmospheric emissions during lawn maintenance and grass cutting around public spaces.

Contractors and sub-contractors engaged to support lawn mowing and grounds maintenance must adhere to this policy and demonstrate equivalent standards. Insurance, conformity with safety procedures and evidence of competence are prerequisites for appointment. Work by third parties is supervised as necessary to ensure safe integration with our teams and to protect the public and property.

Monitoring and continuous improvement: We undertake regular audits, site inspections and performance reviews to check compliance with the policy. Key performance indicators include incident rates, training completion, equipment repair records and audit findings. Findings are used to update procedures, refresh training and refine risk assessments so the service remains safe and effective.

Review: This health and safety policy is reviewed at least annually and whenever operational changes occur that could affect risk. Senior management approves revisions and communicates updates to all staff. By following this policy, our team will deliver responsible, professional and safe lawn maintenance and landscaping services, including lawn mowing Finsbury Park operations and related grounds care tasks.