Health & Safety Policy — Lawn Mowing Penge

Policy statement: This document sets out the health and safety policy for Lawn Mowing Penge and associated gardening teams operating across the service area. Our aim is to deliver professional Penge lawn mowing and garden maintenance while protecting staff, clients, visitors and the public. We commit to safe working practices, hazard identification and continuous improvement in safety standards.

We recognise that safe delivery of lawn care in Penge depends on clear responsibilities, trained personnel and properly maintained equipment. All employees, sub-contractors and supervisors must follow the controls and procedures in this policy. Managers are responsible for ensuring that risk assessments are completed for each site and that safe systems of work are implemented and monitored.

Scope: This policy covers routine mowing services, edging, strimming, debris clearance, lawn treatments and work related to garden access. It applies to our mobile crews, site visits for mowing services Penge, and any ancillary tasks such as tool maintenance and waste handling. It excludes specialist landscaping or construction tasks that require separate assessment and permit controls.

Risk management and safe systems of work

Risk assessments will identify hazards associated with garden mowing Penge and will be documented before work starts. Typical hazards include moving machinery, powered blades, manual handling, slips/trips, projection of debris, fuel handling, and interaction with pedestrians or vehicles. Controls include engineering safeguards, administrative measures and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Key controls include:

• Pre-start checks on all machines — blades, guards, safety switches and fuel systems;
• Trained operators only to operate powered mowers and strimmers;
• Use of PPE — hearing protection, eye protection, gloves, hi-vis and appropriate footwear;
• Segregation of work areas from public access with cones or barriers where needed;
• Safe refuelling and storage of fuels in approved containers.

Work planning considers weather, ground conditions and any site-specific hazards such as steep slopes, exposed roots or fragile surfaces. When conditions exceed safe limits, tasks will be rescheduled or alternate damp methods adopted to reduce risk.

Responsibilities and training

All staff engaged in Penge grass cutting and associated tasks must receive induction and task-specific training. Records of training and competence will be maintained and refreshed periodically. Supervisors will ensure crew briefings cover identified risks and emergency arrangements before work starts.

Supervisor duties: ensure risk assessments are current, arrange PPE, check equipment maintenance logs, enforce safe operating procedures and stop work if unsafe conditions arise. Operators must report defects immediately and not use unsafe equipment. Team members are empowered to intervene where they or others are at risk.

Emergency procedures and first aid: A basic first aid kit will be carried on each job, and staff will know the location of nearest emergency services for the service area. Incidents, near misses and injuries must be reported and investigated to prevent recurrence. A clear system of escalation ensures rapid response to serious incidents.

Equipment management and maintenance: Regular servicing and pre-shift inspections are mandatory for all mowers, trimmers and power tools used by our teams. Maintenance schedules are logged and defects taken out of service until repaired. Battery-powered alternatives are promoted to reduce noise, vibration and emissions where appropriate for residential lawn maintenance Penge.

Manual handling & ergonomics: Crews are trained in safe lifting, pushing and handling techniques. Mechanical aids are provided for heavy items such as bags of compost or large equipment. Task rotation reduces repetitive strain and minimizes exposure to vibration.

Public interaction and site etiquette: When operating in residential or public spaces, crews will be courteous, minimise disruption and ensure debris is cleared. Warning signs and barriers will be used where necessary to prevent access to unsafe areas. Children and pets must be kept under control by property occupiers during active operations.

Contractors and subcontracted work: Any third-party contractors engaged for specialist tasks must demonstrate equivalent health and safety standards and provide evidence of competence. Subcontracted teams are required to follow the same site controls and cooperate fully with our supervisors.

Monitoring, audit and review: Safety performance is monitored through routine inspections, spot checks and review of incident records. This policy will be reviewed annually or following a significant incident, change in equipment or work practices to ensure it remains effective for mowing and garden services in the wider Penge area.

Conclusion: Our commitment to safety supports quality service delivery for all Penge lawn mowing clients. By following this policy, maintaining equipment, training staff and engaging with customers responsibly, we minimise harm and protect our teams and the communities we serve.