Secret Garden Health and Safety Policy

Health and Safety Policy

Secret Garden - Page Hall Medical Centre

1. Statement of Intent

The Secret Garden aims to provide a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all participants, visitors, and volunteers. We are committed to ensuring the health, safety, and wellbeing of everyone involved in gardening activities, while promoting positive experiences of nature, healthy lifestyles, and environmental care.

2. Responsibilities

● Garden Coordinator/Session Leader

○ Oversees monthly sessions and ensures safe practice.

○ Provides an induction on tool use and health and safety to new volunteers.

○ Reports hazards, incidents, or injuries to the GP practice contact. Completes incident form.

● Volunteers and Participants

○ Follow safety instructions and group guidelines.

○ Use tools responsibly and return them after use.

○ Wear gloves where appropriate and suitable clothing/footwear.

○ Report accidents, hazards, or damaged tools.

3. Safe Gardening Practices

● Clothing & PPE: Gardening gloves provided; sturdy shoes recommended.

● Tool Use: Only the following tools will be used during supervised sessions:

○ Spade

○ Trowel

○ Secateurs

Volunteers will be shown how to use each safely. Children may only use hand tools under adult supervision.

● Hygiene: Hands should be washed after gardening, especially before eating or drinking.

● Lifting: Avoid heavy lifting where possible; bend knees, not back, and ask for help if needed.

● Chemicals: No chemical pesticides, herbicides, or fertilisers will be used without group agreement.

4. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)

● We welcome people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.

● Adjustments will be made where possible to allow equal participation.

● All participants must treat one another with respect, ensuring the garden is a safe and inclusive space.

5. First Aid and Emergencies

● A basic first aid kit is available in the garden store and further kit within the medical centre including defibrillator.

● In case of a serious incident, call 999 and inform Page Hall Medical Centre staff.

● All incidents or near-misses must be recorded and reported to the coordinator.

6. Review

This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if activities, risks, or circumstances change.

10/9/26