Health and Safety Policy for Commercial Driveway Restoration

This policy sets out the health and safety commitments and procedures for companies undertaking commercial driveway restoration, commercial paving restoration, and driveway rehabilitation projects for business premises and multi-occupancy sites. The purpose is to protect workers, clients, site visitors and the public by managing risks associated with vehicle access works, surface treatments, heavy equipment and landscaping interfaces.

This policy applies to all operations carried out by the gardening company and its contractors when performing commercial driveway refurbishment, resurfacing, sealing and associated landscaping tasks. It outlines responsibilities, hazard control measures, safe systems of work and monitoring arrangements. The approach is preventative, based on risk assessment, engagement and continuous improvement.

Managers, supervisors and operatives must understand their roles. Management shall ensure adequate resources, training and supervision are provided. Employees and operatives are required to follow safe systems, report hazards and participate in toolbox talks. Contractors must demonstrate competency and comply with this policy when working under contract.

Risk Assessment and Planning

Before starting any commercial driveway restoration project, a documented risk assessment will be completed and reviewed onsite. Assessments cover site-specific hazards such as traffic movement, excavation, uneven surfaces, dust, manual handling, noise, use of hot or chemical materials, and interactions with planting or irrigation systems. Controls are implemented to eliminate or reduce risks to an acceptable level.

Key planning steps include site surveys, utility checks, method statements, and access arrangements. For driveway rehabilitation involving heavy plant, an exclusion zone is set up and communicated clearly. Where works adjoin landscaped areas, protective measures preserve existing plants and root systems while preventing trip hazards from displaced materials.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe equipment use are mandatory. Standard PPE includes high-visibility clothing, safety boots, gloves, eye protection and hearing protection as required. Training covers machine operation, safe manual handling, chemical handling where sealants are used, and correct use of cutting tools. Regular inspections ensure tools and plant are maintained.

Site Controls and Traffic Management

Set-up and segregation are essential for safe commercial driveway restoration. A clear site perimeter, pedestrian walkways, temporary fencing and signage reduce the risk of unauthorized access. Traffic management plans control deliveries, site traffic and parking to protect workers and road users. When public access cannot be fully restricted, additional marshals and barriers are used to maintain safety.

Safe systems of work for surfacing and paving include controlled material handling routes, dust suppression for grinding or milling, and secure storage of fuels and flammable substances. Waste cuttings, packaging and contaminated materials are handled promptly to prevent slips and environmental impact. All staff must follow the laid down segregation and disposal procedures.

Emergency preparedness includes first aid provision, fire-fighting equipment, and clear communications. Emergency exits and assembly points are defined during site set-up. Incident reporting procedures ensure that accidents, near misses and property damage are recorded, investigated and used to prevent recurrence.

Contractor selection emphasises competence, insurance and references to similar commercial paving restoration works. Supervision ensures that subcontractors adopt safe methods consistent with this policy. Training records, certifications and equipment maintenance logs are retained to demonstrate compliance and to support continual improvement activities.

The environmental controls for driveway refurbishment include measures to prevent pollution of drains, containment of spills, and careful selection of materials to minimise harmful runoff. When working near planted areas or drainage features, runoff controls and sediment traps reduce impact on soil and vegetation. Recycled or low-emission materials are preferred where appropriate to support sustainable site practice.

Monitoring and review are integral. Routine site inspections, weekly safety briefings and periodic audits check adherence to safe work methods, PPE use and housekeeping standards. Performance indicators, such as incident frequency, near miss reports and audit findings, inform corrective actions and training priorities to maintain a strong safety culture.

Waste management and material handling procedures ensure that removed surfacing, bituminous materials and surplus aggregates are segregated, stored safely and disposed of in compliance with environmental best practice. Spill kits and absorbents are available at all sites where fuels, oils or chemical sealers are in use. Containment and prompt cleanup reduce hazards to personnel and the environment.

Communication is a core principle: pre-start briefings, clear signage, defined lines of responsibility and accessible safety information help everyone understand their role. Toolbox talks cover job-specific risks such as excavation edge protection, compaction, saw cutting and adhesive use. All employees are encouraged to raise safety concerns without reprisal.

This policy is reviewed regularly and updated following legislative changes, incident investigations or when improvements are identified. The organisation is committed to achieving high standards of safety in all commercial driveway restoration and driveway repair activities, integrating good horticultural practice with construction safety to protect people, property and the environment.