Health and Safety Policy for Lawn Mowing Leyton
Purpose and scope
This health and safety policy sets out the commitment of our garden care team to maintain safe working conditions for anyone affected by our lawn mowing and garden maintenance activities. It applies to all lawn mowing services in Leyton, routine garden mowing, turf edging, hedge trimming and associated groundskeeping operations carried out by our operatives. The policy aims to protect staff, clients, contractors and the public by defining responsibilities, safe systems of work and precautions for everyday tasks.
Policy statement
We will carry out all aspects of Leyton lawn care with a priority on safety and professionalism. Our objectives are to ensure that risks are assessed and controlled, equipment is maintained, staff are trained and incidents are reported and investigated. We will continually review procedures to improve safety performance and ensure compliance with relevant standards for mowing, fertilising, waste handling and use of powered garden equipment.Responsibilities
Management has overall responsibility for implementing this policy and must ensure that managers and supervisors provide clear instructions, adequate training and the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) for all operatives. Operatives are required to follow instructions, use PPE properly and report hazards or defects immediately. Contractors and sub-contractors engaged for mowing services must demonstrate that their working practices meet our safety standards before being permitted to work on site.Risk assessment and planning: Before work begins, a documented risk assessment must be completed for every job. The assessment will consider ground conditions, presence of children, pets, slopes, hidden debris, underground services, nearby footpaths and traffic. Control measures will be applied to reduce risks to an acceptable level and may include exclusion zones, signage, additional staffing or suspension of work in adverse weather.
Training and competence: All staff will receive induction training and job-specific instruction in the safe operation of mowers, strimmers, blowers and other tools. Training records will be maintained and refresher training scheduled. Staff must be competent in manual handling, safe fuel handling and first aid basics relevant to outdoor work. Supervisors will assess competence and provide mentoring on garden mowing Leyton best practices.
Equipment, maintenance and PPE
Lawn care equipment must be appropriate for the task, regularly inspected and maintained. Pre-start checks are mandatory for all powered equipment. Faulty machinery must be taken out of service and reported. A maintenance log will be kept for each major item of plant. Only authorised personnel may make repairs or adjustments.PPE and clothing: Operatives shall wear suitable footwear, eye protection, hearing protection where applicable, gloves and high-visibility clothing. Additional PPE such as cut-resistant trousers or face shields will be provided for higher risk activities. PPE requirements will be recorded on job risk assessments and monitored by supervisors.
Traffic and pedestrian safety: When working near public footpaths, driveways or roads our teams will set up clear exclusion zones and warning signs. If necessary, a banksman or traffic control measures will be used. Equipment will not be operated in a way that endangers passersby, and grass clippings or debris will be cleared promptly to avoid slip hazards.
Chemical and waste handling
The safe use of chemicals for weed control or turf treatment will follow product instructions and safety data guidelines. Only trained staff will handle and apply chemicals. All containers and unused product will be transported and stored responsibly. Waste grass cuttings, green waste and packaging will be disposed of or composted in accordance with environmental best practice and local waste management arrangements.Emergency procedures: First aid kits will be available at every job and at team depots. Staff must know the location of kit contents and emergency contact protocols. In the event of a serious incident, work will stop, first aid administered, and emergency services contacted if required. All incidents and near-misses will be recorded and investigated to prevent recurrence.
Monitoring, review and continual improvement: Safety performance will be monitored through site inspections, audits and review of incident reports. Policies will be reviewed at regular intervals and updated in response to changes in equipment, legislation or operational practice. We encourage staff to suggest improvements and to take part in periodic toolbox talks focused on mowing safety and site-specific hazards.
Safe working practices
Practical safe working arrangements include clearing the work area of stones and debris before mowing, avoiding steep slopes where possible, using blades and guards correctly, and ensuring fuel is handled in well-ventilated areas with spill kits available. When crossing hard surfaces, blades should be raised to prevent throwing objects. Communication between team members must be maintained at all times during operations.Personal responsibility and wellbeing: Staff should not undertake tasks for which they feel unwell or unfit. Heat stress, cold exposure and manual handling risks must be managed through scheduling, breaks, hydration and use of appropriate lifting techniques. Mental health awareness and a supportive environment are considered part of our safety culture.
