Health & Safety Policy — Lawn Mowing Richmond

Purpose: This Health and Safety policy sets out the commitments and practical measures that govern safe working for our Lawn Mowing Richmond operations. It is written to protect staff, contractors, clients and the public while carrying out lawn and garden maintenance in Richmond and nearby service areas. The policy emphasises proactive risk control, clear responsibilities and continuous improvement so that every mowing service in Richmond is delivered with safety as the priority.

Scope: This policy applies to all employees, temporary staff and authorised contractors engaged in Richmond lawn mowing, garden maintenance and related tasks such as edging, strimming, hedge trimming and debris clearance. It covers work on private residential grounds, communal green spaces and small commercial landscapes where mowing services Richmond are provided. The approach is practical and adaptable to site-specific conditions while maintaining consistent safety standards.

Responsibilities and Leadership

The management team is responsible for ensuring that this policy is implemented and reviewed. Supervisors must ensure every operative receives adequate training, equipment and instruction prior to starting work. Individual staff are expected to work safely, follow instructions, report hazards and wear required PPE. Everyone has a role to play to keep mowing operations safe and incident-free.

Risk Assessment and Planning

Before any lawn care in Richmond is started, a site-specific risk assessment must be completed. Assessments identify hazards such as slopes, hidden obstacles, public access, pets and children, overhead cables and ground conditions. Controls are selected to reduce risk to as low as reasonably practicable. Planning includes allocating sufficient time, ensuring suitable access, and confirming that operatives are competent for the task.

Hazard control measures include:

• Pre-start checks of machinery and fuel systems
• Barrier and signage to warn members of the public
• PPE requirements such as hearing and eye protection
• Safe routes for moving plant to and from site

These controls form the core of safe mowing practices for any mowing services Richmond customers expect.

Training and competence: All operatives must be trained and assessed for the specific equipment they use. Training includes safe start-up and shut-down, cutting techniques, refuelling procedures, and emergency shutdown. Mentoring and refresher training is provided regularly to maintain skills and awareness.

Personal Protective Equipment and Clothing

Appropriate PPE for garden maintenance Richmond work includes safety footwear, long trousers, high-visibility clothing, gloves, eye protection and hearing protection. PPE must be maintained, stored clean and replaced when worn or damaged. Clothing should be snug-fitting to avoid entanglement with moving parts.

Equipment maintenance and inspection: All mowers, trimmers and associated machinery must be kept in safe working order. Maintenance schedules are documented and include blade sharpening, guard checks and fuel line integrity. Faulty equipment is removed from service until repaired. Safe handling procedures for batteries and petrol are enforced to reduce fire and contamination risks.

Emergency procedures and first aid: A clear emergency plan must be available for each site. This includes access to first aid kits, knowledge of emergency contact routes and arrangements for rapid medical assistance if needed. Incidents, near misses and first aid events are recorded and reviewed to prevent recurrence. Prompt reporting ensures lessons are learnt and the policy evolves.

Traffic management and public safety: Where work is near roads, footpaths or public areas, appropriate measures such as cones, signs and temporary barriers will be used. Operatives should position themselves to minimise exposure to traffic and pedestrian flows. For large equipment or verge work, a banksman or spotter should be used to coordinate movement and maintain public separation.

Manual handling and ergonomics: Manual tasks such as lifting bags of clippings or moving equipment are assessed to reduce strain. Use of mechanical aids, two-person lifts and correct lifting techniques are promoted. Rotating tasks reduces repetitive strain when a team performs prolonged pruning or edging.

Environmental considerations: Waste management, fuel containment and spill response form part of safe working. Grass clippings and green waste are disposed of in accordance with local environmental practice and kept away from drains. Fuels and chemicals are stored securely and bunded where required to prevent contamination.

Monitoring and review: Safety performance is monitored through inspections, audits and incident analysis. Regular reviews ensure the policy reflects operational changes, new equipment or updated best practice. Continuous improvement is a central principle: corrective actions are implemented promptly and communicated to all staff.

Contractor and subcontractor management: Third parties working on behalf of the company must demonstrate appropriate safety arrangements and insurance. Joint site inductions are conducted where necessary and contractors are required to follow site-specific rules aligned with this policy.

Commitment: By adhering to this Health and Safety policy, our team delivering Richmond lawn mowing and garden maintenance services commits to protecting people, property and the environment. Management will provide the resources required to implement the policy, and every operative will be empowered to stop work if they believe it is unsafe. Regular communication and training will sustain a positive safety culture across all mowing operations in Richmond and the surrounding service area.