Health & Safety Policy for Lawn Mowing Westminster

Purpose: This document sets out the health and safety policy for Lawn Mowing Westminster and associated garden teams operating across our service area. It explains how we identify and control risks while delivering lawn care in Westminster and nearby neighbourhoods. The policy is designed to protect employees, contractors, customers and the public, and to promote safe, consistent practice for all types of grass cutting, garden lawn maintenance and associated landscaping tasks.

Scope: The policy covers routine mowing, edging, strimming, hedge trimming, operating powered equipment and basic landscaping tasks. It applies to all staff, subcontractors and visitors engaged in Westminster lawn mowing services, whether work occurs on private properties or communal grounds. Management will provide the resources necessary to apply this policy and ensure it is understood and followed by everyone involved.

Risk assessment and control: We conduct documented risk assessments for each site and task prior to starting work. Hazards frequently encountered include moving machinery, manual handling, noise, flying debris, slips, trips, falls and site traffic. Control measures include site-specific safe systems of work, exclusion zones, signage, equipment guarding, and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment. Staff must follow assessment outcomes, safe work procedures and any site restrictions.

Equipment and maintenance: All mowers, trimmers and power tools used for Westminster grass cutting and related tasks shall be maintained in a safe condition, serviced to manufacturer schedules and subject to pre-start checks. Fuel and batteries must be stored and handled safely. Only authorised, trained personnel shall carry out maintenance. Faulty equipment is to be taken out of service immediately and reported through the maintenance system.

Personal protective equipment (PPE): We require appropriate PPE for every task. Typical PPE includes protective footwear, high-visibility clothing, eye and ear protection, gloves and leg guards where relevant. For certain chemicals or fuels, suitable additional protection is mandated. PPE must be fitted correctly and maintained. Training on correct use and care of PPE forms part of induction and refresher programmes for all staff delivering lawn services in Westminster.

Safe working procedures: Our teams operate under clearly defined procedures for mowing, edging, hedge cutting, working near slopes and water features, and for working adjacent to roads and pedestrian routes. Where traffic management is necessary, measures are put in place to protect workers and members of the public. Manual handling risks are minimised by using mechanical aids and team lifts where practicable.

Training and competence: All operatives must hold the necessary training and demonstrate competence for the equipment and tasks they perform. This includes induction, on-the-job coaching and refresher training. We emphasise safe technique for mowing and strimming, awareness of site-specific hazards and appropriate response to changing conditions. Contractors and temporary workers are vetted and required to meet our standards before being deployed.

Incident management and first aid: Employees must report accidents, injuries and near misses immediately. Incidents are recorded, investigated and corrective actions implemented to prevent recurrence. First aid provisions are maintained on sites and teams are aware of local arrangements for medical assistance. Emergency plans address severe incidents, fire, fuel spillage and environmental contamination.

Environmental and public protection: Our procedures reduce environmental impact and protect the public. Measures include safe fuel handling, appropriate disposal of grass cuttings and arisings, preventing pollution of watercourses and limiting noise and dust. When operating in public areas we ensure clear signing, cordons and, where required, temporary pedestrian diversions to maintain public safety during garden lawn maintenance and Westminster lawn mowing operations.

Responsibilities: The following responsibilities are required to make this policy effective:

• Management – provide leadership, resources, training, and ensure documented risk assessments, inspection regimes and purchase of safe equipment.
• Supervisors – enforce procedures, carry out site checks, maintain records and supervise contractors.
• Employees and Operators – follow instructions, use PPE, report defects and incidents, and participate in training.
• Contractors – comply with this policy and demonstrate equivalent safety standards before work commences.

Inspections and reviews: We carry out routine inspections of equipment, vehicles and site practices. Audits and management reviews assess compliance and identify opportunities for continuous improvement. Performance indicators include incident rates, completion of training, and findings from site inspections. Remedial actions are tracked and verified.

Policy review and continuous improvement: This policy is reviewed at regular intervals and updated to reflect changes in practice, equipment and feedback from monitoring activities. All staff involved in lawn services, whether described as lawn care in Westminster, garden maintenance Westminster, or grass cutting teams, are encouraged to contribute suggestions for safer ways of working. Our commitment is to maintain a safe working environment, reduce harm and deliver high-quality, safe lawn mowing services across the service area.