Health and Safety Policy for Get ? Gardener and Related Services

Purpose: This Health and Safety policy describes the commitments and practical measures adopted by Get ? Gardener, Get? Gardener and related gardening services to protect staff, contractors, clients and the community. The policy establishes a framework for identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing controls so that garden maintenance, landscaping and outdoor works are carried out safely and responsibly.

Scope: The policy applies across all service delivery activities including routine lawn care, planting, pruning, hedge cutting, tree work, use of powered equipment, transport of materials and site setup. It covers permanent employees, temporary workers, sub-contractors and anyone working on behalf of Get a Gardener or Get Gardener service teams. It does not attempt to replace any specific manufacturer instructions or professional specialist advice where those are required for unique circumstances.

Responsibilities: Management will provide leadership, resources and training to maintain safe working systems. Supervisors and team leaders have duties to ensure safe methods are followed, to monitor compliance and to intervene when unsafe acts or conditions are observed. Every operative, whether part of Get ? Gardener teams or associated contractors, has a personal responsibility to act safely, use provided controls and report hazards, incidents or near misses without delay.

Risk Assessment and Control Measures

Routine risk assessments will be done before work starts and when conditions change. Controls follow a hierarchy: eliminate hazards where possible, substitute safer methods, use engineering and administrative measures and provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). The approach ensures that Get ? Gardener tasks are planned to reduce exposure to risks such as manual handling, cuts and crush injuries, slips and trips, noise, vibration and airborne hazards like dust and pollen.

Training and Competence: Staff and contractors undertaking specialist tasks (e.g., chainsaw operation, pesticide application, arboriculture at height) receive task-specific training and demonstrate competence before unsupervised work. Regular refresher sessions, toolbox talks and induction for new team members are part of the development process. Emphasis is placed on clear communication, practical demonstration and on-the-job mentoring to maintain a high level of skill across Get? Gardener operations.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Equipment Safety: Appropriate PPE—gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, high-visibility clothing, cut-resistant garments and safety footwear—will be provided and worn where required. Powered tools and machinery are inspected before use, maintained to manufacturer standards and only operated by trained personnel. Any damaged equipment is taken out of service and reported immediately to supervisors.

Safe Work Practices and Specific Risks

Manual handling risks are minimised through mechanical aids, team lifts and correct lifting techniques. Working at height is managed by using suitable access equipment, fall prevention systems and exclusion zones. When working near utilities or in confined spaces, site-specific checks and controls are implemented. Chemical and fuel handling follows product instructions and safe storage practices to protect operators and the environment.

Operational Standards: To ensure consistency, Get ? Gardener service standards include pre-start checks, clear site housekeeping, safe storage of materials and segregation of public access during higher-risk activities. Vehicles and trailers are loaded and secured correctly; drivers are trained in safe loading practices and route planning to minimise risk to others on the road and at sites.

Incident Reporting, First Aid and Emergency Response: All incidents, near misses and property damage are reported and investigated to identify root causes and prevent recurrence. Adequate first aid provisions are available on site and employees know emergency procedures including how to summon external emergency services when necessary. Reviews of incidents result in practical changes to procedures, additional training or equipment upgrades for Get Gardener teams.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement: Performance is monitored through regular site inspections, audits and review of incident records. Learnings are shared with staff and contractors and policies are updated as needed to reflect new technologies, equipment or work methods. Get ? Gardener commits to continuous improvement in health and safety performance, fostering an open culture where safety concerns are listened to and addressed promptly.

Key commitments include:

• Maintain a safe working environment for everyone involved in Get a Gardener activities.
• Provide information, instruction and training to achieve competence in safe work.
• Consult with staff and contractors about health and safety matters and encourage reporting of hazards.
• Investigate incidents and implement corrective actions to prevent repetition.

Adoption of this policy ensures that Get ? Gardener and associated brands operate with safety and professionalism at the centre of day-to-day decisions. Managers, supervisors and workers share responsibility to keep standards high and to deliver services that are not only effective but also safe for people and property. The policy is a living document and will be reviewed periodically to remain relevant to operational needs and emerging best practice.