Knowing the health and safety legislation behind the machinary you use within your gardening and horticultural setting is an important indication of your competence. Here is a video presentation introducing how health and safety applies generally to gardening and horticulture:
If you are doing an NPTC license you will need to know about how health and Safety Legislation applies directly to the use of the machine. The video presentation below shows how common garden machinary like a lawn mower, hedge trimmer, strimmer/brush cutter or leaf blower has 3 peices legislation that specifically relates to their safe and competent use:
Please see below a link to a document containing the risk assessments for gardening equipment. It is important that you read the relevent risk assessments for the machinary courses you are attending before the course begins:
Please read the general site and activity risk assement below before attending the short course:
| Roots to Fruit Midlands Ltd. Allotment Risk Assessment |
| Hazard/Harm | Existing Control Measures | |
| 1 | Don’t Get Run OverTraffic ImpactSerious injury | 10 MPH speed limit is in place on the nursery, please take care when wondering around the nursery and watch out for traffic. |
| 2 | Take Care of Your BackHeavy lifting. Machinery and equipment. compost bags, large pots, garden waste Muscular injury back injuries from lifting heavy or awkward loads,.long term back injuries from repeated strain on back, other injuries from dropping loads e.g. on feet | Please be careful when lifting heavy items, bent at the knees and keep your back straight and hold the load close to your body. Ask for help if the load is too heavy. Use a trolley or wheel barrow when necessary |
| 3 | Don’t Fall OverSlips and tripsTwisted ankle/ cuts and abrasionsWet conditions/Slips and trips from surface debris | Please take care when walking around the nursery and allotments some of the surfaces are uneven and when the weather is wet or during cold weather you will need to take extra care by watching where you walk, not rushing and planning routes carefully. |
| 4 | Scratches and allergic reactions to plants | Wear gloves keeping covered up. |
| 5 | Watch Your feetDropping heavy items on feet | Careful how you carry things we strongly advise you wear sensible safety boots when working. |
| 6 | Careful When Using ToolsInjury through hitting body parts with a hammer/ mallet./mattock/pick/bar | Take care when using tools, try not to let yourself be distracted, we strongly advise you wear sensible safety boots when working. Wear gloves. |
| 7 | Cuts and AbrasionsAccidents from pruning and sawing/grafting | Wearing gloves safe use induction Take care when using tools, try not to let yourself be distracted. Keep body parts away from the blade |
| 8 | Poked and scratched in the eyes by branches and brambles | Wearing gloves and warning others in the area, be careful and choose safe routes use eye protection if in a bad area |
| 9 | Careful When Using ToolsTools and equipment e.g. forks, spades, shears, broken pots, other sharp toolsRisks – puncture or entrapment injuries from contact with equipment | Keep equipment maintained in good condition and fit for purpose e.g. handles are secureSuitable ergonomic features e.g. non slip handlesSuitable storage e.g. protection on blades so can be handledWear personal protective equipment.Don’t leave tools lying around for yourself and others to trip over. |
| 10 | Weather e.g. hot weather, heavy rain, cold weather | Be aware of risks e.g. sunburn, cold/hot weatherPersonal protective equipment e.g. waterproofs, Wellingtons, sun cream and correct clothing. |
| Roots to Fruit midlands Ltd Health and Safety Policy Statement This is the Health & Safety Policy Statement of: Roots to Fruit Midlands Limited General Statement: We recognise and accept our responsibility to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of all our staff, contractors, visitors and those members of the public who may be affected by our activities.It is our aim to promote, set and maintain the highest standards for health, safety and welfare matters. This will be achieved by: providing adequate control of health and safety risks arising from the activities we undertake. Consulting with staff and contractors on matters affecting health and safety. Providing and maintaining safe premises, machinery and equipment. Ensuring safe handling and use of substances. Providing information, instruction and supervision for staff and workplace students. Ensuring all staff are competent to do their tasks. Preventing accidents and cases of work-related ill health. Maintaining safe and healthy working conditions. Reviewing and revising this Policy as necessary at regular intervals. We will endeavour to eliminate any hazards which may result in personal injury, work related illness, fire, property damage or harm to the environment. |