Health and Safety Policy for Lawn Mowing Balham
This policy sets out the commitment of our lawn mowing Balham and Balham lawn care teams to maintain safe working practices across all grounds maintenance and grass cutting activities. It applies to every employee, contractor and visitor involved in lawn maintenance and garden services across our service area. The aim is to reduce risk, prevent injury and ensure that both staff and the public remain safe while work is carried out.
Risk management is central to our approach. We undertake systematic risk assessments before each job, identify hazards such as uneven terrain, hidden debris, slopes and traffic near roadside verges, and implement controls that are proportionate to the assessed risk. Our procedures prioritise prevention, use of protective equipment and safe systems of work to deliver reliable garden and grass cutting services.
Responsibilities and roles
Managers have a duty to ensure that adequate resources, training and equipment are available for safe delivery of Balham grass cutting services. Supervisors must confirm that team briefings are completed prior to starting work and that everyone understands the safe working method statements. Employees are expected to follow instructions, wear the correct PPE and report unsafe conditions at once. Everyone is responsible for safety.
Training, competence and supervision
All operatives receive tailored induction and ongoing training in the safe use of mowers, trimmers, blowers and other garden equipment. Training includes safe starting and stopping procedures, correct handling of petrol and battery powered tools, and awareness of manual handling risks. We maintain competence records and ensure new staff are supervised until deemed competent. Regular toolbox talks and refresher sessions keep safety knowledge current.
The selection, maintenance and inspection of equipment are critical. All machines used in our Balham lawn maintenance and turf care operations are subject to a documented inspection regime. Faulty equipment is removed from service and repaired by qualified technicians. Fuel and batteries are handled and stored to minimise spillage and fire risk. Guards and safety devices are never bypassed, and cutting blades are kept sharp to reduce vibration and excessive force.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided and must be worn as required. Typical PPE includes safety footwear, eye and ear protection, high-visibility clothing and gloves. For tasks with specific risks, additional protection such as knee pads, protective trousers or respiratory protection may be provided. We emphasise the correct use and upkeep of PPE to ensure effectiveness.
Working near the public or in communal spaces requires additional precautions. We use signage, barriers and, when necessary, cordons to separate work zones from passersby. Staff are briefed on maintaining polite but firm public interactions and managing bystanders during operations to prevent accidents. All vehicles and trailers are parked safely to avoid obstruction and create clear sightlines.
Manual handling and ergonomics receive focused attention. Lifting techniques, equipment for moving heavy objects and correct posture for repetitive tasks are included in training and daily practice. Mechanical aids are used where appropriate to reduce strain, and work rotations are scheduled to limit repetitive motion injuries. We actively promote reporting of any discomfort so early steps can be taken to prevent longer-term injury.
Chemical safety and environmental considerations are part of our health and safety management. When using herbicides, fertilisers or cleaning chemicals, we follow manufacturer guidance, store substances securely and maintain COSHH-style records to document hazards and control measures. Spill kits are carried on vehicles and staff are trained in containment procedures to protect people and local ecology.
Incident reporting and emergency procedures are clearly defined. All injuries, near misses and safety concerns must be reported promptly using our internal reporting process. First aid provisions are available on site and in vehicles, and designated first aiders are identified. In the event of a serious incident, emergency services are contacted and the scene secured; a formal investigation follows to prevent recurrence.
Monitoring, review and continuous improvement underpin our approach to health and safety for lawn care in Balham. We carry out periodic safety audits, review incident trends and consult with employees to identify improvements. Lessons learned from audits and incidents are incorporated into revised procedures and training, creating a cycle of continuous improvement that strengthens our service delivery.
We also expect subcontractors and partners engaged in grass cutting or garden maintenance to adhere to our standards. Contracts include safety expectations and performance is monitored to ensure compliance. Regular meetings and joint inspections support a consistent approach across all teams working in our service area.
By following this policy, our aim is to provide professional, reliable and safe Balham lawn mowing services that protect staff, clients and the public while delivering high quality grounds maintenance. This document is reviewed annually or sooner if operational changes, new equipment or incidents indicate the need for revision.
