Health and Safety Policy for Commercial Driveway Maintenance

This Health and Safety policy sets out the approach our gardening company takes to safe and responsible commercial driveway maintenance. It applies to all site operations related to commercial driveway care, including cleaning, surfacing, edging, vegetation control and routine upkeep. The purpose is to protect staff, contractors, clients and the public by providing clear duties, risk controls and monitoring measures. We commit to maintaining a safe working environment and continuous improvement in safety performance.

The policy covers a range of commercial driveway services: from preventive driveway maintenance for commercial properties to remedial repairs and seasonal vegetation management. It recognises the specific hazards posed by vehicle movement, powered equipment, chemical treatments and working near pedestrians. Our goal is to reduce incidents through planning, training and the consistent application of safe working methods.

Scope and responsibilities

All employees and subcontractors engaged in driveway maintenance operations must follow this policy. Managers are responsible for risk assessments, resource allocation and ensuring that team members have appropriate instruction and supervision. Operatives must use approved personal protective equipment (PPE) and report hazards, near misses and incidents promptly. Clients and site managers will be consulted about traffic management and public access during works. Regular audits will confirm that standards for driveway upkeep and commercial surface maintenance are met.

Our approach to risk assessment for commercial driveway work is systematic. Before any job we conduct a documented inspection of the site to identify traffic flows, surface condition, drainage, trip hazards and the presence of pedestrians or vulnerable users. We record control measures and ensure that plant and machinery are suitable and tested. The assessment guides method statements and permits where required, and is updated when conditions change during the project.

Safe systems and controls

Controls for driveway maintenance include designated work zones, physical barriers, signage and trained banksmen for vehicle movements. Powered equipment such as sweepers, pressure washers, and asphalt cutters are inspected daily, with guards and safety features in place. Chemicals used for weed or stain treatment are stored securely and handled according to manufacturer instructions; Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are available on site. Emergency shut-off and spill kits are kept accessible at all times.

Key control actions include: a) scheduling high-risk tasks outside peak pedestrian and vehicle periods; b) providing high-visibility clothing, safety footwear and hearing protection as needed; c) applying ground protection to prevent slips when working with water or sealants. These measures reduce risk for both our teams and clients' customers using the commercial driveway.

Training and competence are central to our driveway maintenance safety culture. Operatives receive induction training, specific equipment operation instruction and periodic refresher courses. Supervisors are trained in hazard recognition and incident response. Competency records are maintained and checked before permit-to-work tasks commence so that all workers conducting commercial driveway services are assessed as competent to perform the work safely.

We maintain safe plant and vehicle procedures: routine servicing, documented inspections and exclusion zones during work. For tasks such as resurfacing or heavy repairs, traffic management plans are prepared in consultation with the client and implemented by trained staff. Lockout procedures and clear communication channels are used when multiple trades operate on site to prevent accidental startup of equipment that could endanger people.

Waste handling and environmental controls are integrated into the safety policy. Waste materials and contaminated runoff are contained and removed in accordance with best practice to prevent pollution of drains. When applying surface treatments or herbicides during commercial driveway maintenance, we minimise product use, employ targeted application techniques and ensure operator protection. Records of materials used and disposal methods are kept to demonstrate environmental compliance.

Emergency preparedness and incident management make up a final essential component. All sites have a nominated first aider and a communication plan for summoning assistance. Procedures cover minor injuries, chemical exposure, fires and vehicle collisions. Incidents are investigated, recorded and used to adjust risk assessments and training to prevent recurrence. This cyclical review supports continual improvement in both safety and operational quality.

Monitoring and review are carried out through routine site inspections, toolbox talks and scheduled audits. Performance indicators include near-miss reports, training uptake, equipment inspection compliance and corrective actions closed within set timescales. Strong management oversight ensures that commercial driveway upkeep standards are sustained across our service area.

To summarise, this health and safety policy for commercial driveway maintenance emphasises planning, competence, safe equipment, traffic control and environmental stewardship. By keeping these principles central to our commercial driveway services and maintenance operations, we protect people, property and the environment while delivering consistent, high-quality results.