Health & Safety Policy — Lawn Mowing Cranford
Lawn Mowing Cranford is committed to maintaining a safe working environment for employees, clients and the public while providing professional garden and lawn care services. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and practical measures adopted by the company to manage risks associated with lawn cutting, edging, hedge trimming and related grounds maintenance. The policy applies to all operatives, subcontractors and temporary staff engaged in lawn mowing in Cranford and adjacent service areas. It is designed to be clear, proportionate and actionable.
Our approach balances operational efficiency with clear risk control: identifying hazards, assessing risks, implementing controls and monitoring their effectiveness. The policy emphasises that health and safety is a shared responsibility. Supervisors are expected to ensure compliance with safe working procedures; employees are expected to follow instructions and report hazards; and managers will provide resources for training, equipment and regular review. The aim is to prevent injury, reduce environmental impact and maintain high standards of workmanship across all Cranford lawn mowing contracts.
Key objectives include eliminating or controlling hazards, promoting safe systems of work for groundskeeping, and ensuring that all team members understand their roles. This policy covers routine operations such as ride-on and pedestrian mower use, strimming, manual handling, transport of waste and chemical application when authorised. It also covers site-specific conditions and seasonal variations that can affect risk profiles, such as wet surfaces, slopes and hidden obstacles in turf areas. Risk assessments will be documented and proportionate to the scale of the job.
Scope, Responsibilities and Risk Management
Management will ensure that suitable and sufficient risk assessments are carried out before any job commences. These assessments will consider machinery hazards, noise and vibration, manual handling, public interaction, traffic management on site, and the use of powered tools. Control measures include equipment guards, two-handed controls, isolation procedures for maintenance, and clear exclusion zones during operations. All staff must complete site-specific briefings and read the risk assessment applicable to each work package.
Training is central to our safety culture. Operatives receive induction training, machine-specific competency checks and refresher sessions as required. Training records are maintained and reviewed during supervision. Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hearing protection, eye protection, gloves, chainsaw trousers where relevant, high-visibility clothing and sturdy boots are provided and must be worn where assessments prescribe. Employees have the right to refuse unsafe work and are encouraged to report near misses.
Safe systems of work are documented and should be used every day. This includes pre-start equipment checks, clear communication protocols, hand signals for teams, exclusion of bystanders and secure storage of fuels and chemicals. The company maintains a maintenance regime for all mowers, trimmers and ancillary equipment to reduce mechanical failure and ensure functional safety. A summary of standard control measures is provided below:
- Pre-start machine inspections and logbook entries
- Defined exclusion zones and signage during operations
- Use of guards and certified safety equipment
- Regular maintenance and competent servicing
- Documented training and competence checks
Accident Reporting, Emergency Response and Review
Accidents and incidents must be reported promptly and recorded. The reporting system supports investigation, corrective action and learning. In the event of injury, first aid will be administered by trained staff and, where necessary, emergency services engaged. Vehicles and access arrangements are planned to allow clear arrival for emergency responders. The company retains records to facilitate internal review and to ensure that lessons are embedded into everyday practice for future Cranford lawn care work.
Environmental considerations are integrated into safety practice. Fuel handling, waste grass clippings, and any authorised use of plant protection products are managed to minimise spill and contamination risks. Operatives are trained in spill response, proper disposal and in minimising harm to customers' gardens and local ecosystems. Wherever possible, quieter and lower emission equipment is used to reduce disturbance and exposure to harmful emissions.
Monitoring and continual improvement are maintained through routine supervision, periodic audits and feedback from staff. This policy is reviewed at regular intervals and updated in response to changing legislation, technology, incident trends, or business practice. Senior management will ensure sufficient resources are available to implement this Health & Safety Policy effectively. By following these principles, our teams deliver high-quality lawn maintenance services with a consistent focus on reducing risk, protecting health and ensuring safety for everyone involved in or affected by our work.
