Health and Safety Policy for Gardening Services Edmonton

This Health and Safety policy sets out the commitment of our gardening operation to protect workers, clients and the public while delivering Gardening Services Edmonton. We commit to preventing injury, ill health and environmental harm by applying recognised safe work practices across all garden maintenance, landscape care and yard work. Our approach is based on risk assessment, worker participation and continual improvement of safety systems.

Scope and application

This policy applies to all staff, contractors and visitors involved in our Edmonton gardening services, including seasonal gardeners, tree and hedge specialists, and crew engaged in turf, planting or pruning activities. It covers work performed on residential, commercial and municipal properties where our teams perform garden maintenance in Edmonton and surrounding service areas. The scope includes site assessment, traffic management, use of powered tools and chemical applications.

Everyone engaged in garden and landscape work has a role in safety. Senior management provides leadership and resources, supervisors ensure safe systems of work are followed, and each team member must take reasonable care for their own safety and that of others. Clear lines of responsibility and documented safe work procedures will be kept and communicated to all personnel.

Risk assessment and planning are fundamental. Before work begins the site will be surveyed to identify hazards such as underground services, overhead power lines, unstable surfaces, biological hazards, slippery areas and public access routes. Control measures are selected in order of preference: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Equipment and tool safety is mandatory. All powered tools and machinery are inspected before use and maintained according to manufacturer recommendations. Only trained, competent operators will use brush cutters, chainsaws, stump grinders and ride-on equipment. Lockout/tagout and safe refuelling procedures are used to prevent unplanned starts and fires. We employ regular maintenance schedules and record outcomes.

High-risk activities are identified and controlled through documented procedures and permits where necessary. This includes working at heights for tree pruning, excavation for planting, and confined spaces such as deep planting pits. We emphasise safe work method statements and pre-start briefings for tasks that expose workers to significant risk.

Hazard controls for our yard care and landscaping operations include a mix of engineering solutions and administrative measures. Typical controls are:

• Identification and marking of underground services prior to digging
• Use of barriers and signage to separate public access from work zones
• PPE provision such as eye protection, hearing protection, gloves and cut-resistant clothing
• Safe handling and storage of fuels, pesticides and fertilisers

Training and competency are essential. All team members receive induction training, on-the-job supervision and periodic refreshers covering manual tasks, tool operation, chemical safety, and emergency response. Records of training, licences and qualifications are maintained. We encourage reporting of near misses and ensure that corrective actions are tracked to closure.

Chemical and pesticide use is controlled by applying the principle of least harm: consider non-chemical alternatives first, use the lowest effective concentration, and follow label directions. Secure storage, proper transport and spill response kits are mandatory on vehicles and at base locations. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are accessible to workers and supervisors.

Emergency response and first aid

Emergencies are planned for and rehearsed; first aid kits are available on-site and key personnel maintain current first aid training. Incidents are reported immediately, investigated and documented so lessons learned inform changes to procedures. We maintain a clear approach to coordinating with emergency services when required.

Communication and consultation help embed safety throughout the business. Toolbox talks, hazard alerts and formal safety meetings are used to share information. Workers are encouraged to participate in risk reviews and to raise concerns without fear of reprisal. Our safety culture aims to make safe choices straightforward and rewarded.

Contractors and subcontractors engaged to supplement our gardening workforce are required to meet our safety expectations and provide evidence of competence and insurance. We assess subcontractors prior to engagement and monitor their performance during work. Insurance and appropriate immunisations are verified where tasks present biological or zoonotic risks in outdoor settings.

Continuous improvement is driven through regular inspections, audits and performance monitoring. Workplace incidents, audits and worker feedback are used to update procedures. Metrics such as incident frequency, near-miss reports and completion of corrective actions are reviewed by management to ensure the policy remains effective and aligned with best practice.

This health and safety policy will be reviewed at least annually or after any significant incident or change to operations. It is supported by operational procedures, training programs and documented safe systems of work that together ensure our gardening company provides safe, professional and reliable Edmonton horticultural and landscape services. By following this policy we protect our people, our clients and the environment.