Health and Safety Policy for Lawn Mowing Canary Wharf Services
Purpose: This health and safety policy sets out the principles and practical measures applied by Lawn Mowing Canary Wharf and affiliated gardening teams to protect employees, clients and the public while delivering lawn mowing in Canary Wharf and nearby service areas. The policy covers site assessments, safe operation of powered equipment, personal protective equipment and the responsibilities of supervisors and operatives. It is designed to be clear, pragmatic and enforceable so that every grass cutting and garden maintenance task is completed with safety as the first priority.
Scope: This policy applies to all staff, contractors and temporary workers engaged in grass cutting Canary Wharf projects and associated grounds maintenance activities. It includes routine lawn care, seasonal turf management, edge trimming, debris removal and any ancillary tasks required to complete a contract. The approach emphasises risk reduction, safe systems of work, and consistent standards across the service area without over-detailing jurisdictional legal lists.
Responsibilities: Managers and supervisors must ensure that safe working procedures are in place, that assessments are current and that operatives receive induction and ongoing training. Operatives are required to follow instructions, report hazards and use specified PPE. Canary Wharf lawn mowing teams shall not carry out work if they believe conditions are unsafe. Strong leadership and visible compliance are essential to maintaining safe working environments for both staff and the public.
Risk Assessment, Training and Protective Measures
Risk assessment: Before any job, a documented risk assessment shall be completed to identify hazards such as slopes, underground services, pedestrians, traffic and weather impacts. Control measures will be proportionate and documented, including establishing exclusion zones, cordoning off working areas and planning the safe movement of equipment. The objective is to eliminate or reduce risk to an acceptable level for every lawn care Canary Wharf assignment.
Training and competence: All operatives must receive training in the safe use of mowers, strimmers and associated tools, and in manual handling, hazardous substance awareness and basic first aid. Training records will be maintained and refreshed periodically. Where specialist equipment is used, only authorised and competent staff will operate it. Supervisors will carry out regular competency checks and toolbox talks to reinforce safety briefings.
Personal protective equipment (PPE): The company will provide PPE appropriate to the task including hearing protection, safety boots, eye protection, gloves and hi‑vis garments. PPE must be worn as specified and maintained in good condition. A clear policy on when PPE is mandatory will be made available to staff and enforced on site to reduce noise, debris and mechanical injury risks.
Equipment, Public Safety and Environmental Considerations
Equipment maintenance: Regular pre-start checks and routine servicing of mowers, ride-on units and hand tools are mandatory. Faulty equipment must be taken out of service and reported. Safe fuel handling, battery charging protocols and secure storage of blades and parts will be maintained to prevent accidental contact, fires or spillages during grass cutting in Canary Wharf operations.
Public protection and traffic management: Where work is near footpaths, plazas or access routes, teams will implement pedestrian management, signage and barriers to safeguard passers-by. Work will be scheduled to minimise disruption at peak times and to reduce the potential for interactions between pedestrians and machinery. Where vehicular access is required, clear vehicle exclusion zones and banksman procedures will be used to ensure safe movements.
Incident reporting and emergency response: All incidents, near misses and unsafe conditions must be reported immediately through the company reporting system. First aid provisions will be available on site and operatives trained to respond. Emergencies will be escalated to appropriate services where required. A calm, prompt response and timely investigation help prevent recurrence and improve future safety practices.
Monitoring and review: The policy will be reviewed at least annually and after any significant incident, change in equipment or process, or when new hazards are identified. Performance will be measured through site inspections, audit checks, incident trend analysis and feedback from operatives. Continuous improvement is expected so that the Lawn Mowing Canary Wharf service maintains the highest practical safety standards.
Environmental controls: Waste grass, clippings and chemical usage will be managed responsibly. The company promotes low-impact practices where feasible, such as mulching and correct fuel handling to prevent pollution. Careful planning reduces risk to local plantings and wildlife while maintaining professional lawn maintenance standards across the service area.
Commitment: Management and staff are committed to a positive safety culture. This policy is supported by written procedures, training, equipment maintenance schedules and active supervision. Everyone engaged in lawn maintenance and garden services for Canary Wharf locations is expected to follow the policy and contribute to a safe working environment.