Mowing Sucks Health and Safety Policy

This health and safety policy outlines the commitments and practical measures that Mowing Sucks and its workers adopt to reduce risk during grass cutting, edging and landscape maintenance. The goal of this policy is to protect staff, contractors, customers and bystanders through consistent application of safe working practices, clear responsibilities, and active risk control. Whether referring to mowing sucks crews, the MOWING SUCKS operation or the broader mowing services team, the emphasis remains on prevention, competence and ongoing improvement.

Our approach is pragmatic: identify hazards, assess the level of risk, implement practical controls and monitor outcomes. This document applies to all activities performed by those operating under the Mowing Sucks banner, including hand-held tools, walk-behind mowers, ride-on equipment, brush-cutters and associated trailers. It covers routine maintenance, site set-up, fuel handling, debris disposal and emergency response.

Personnel responsibilities are clearly defined. Managers ensure resources, training and equipment are available; supervisors conduct site inductions and oversee safe systems of work; operators comply with instructions, wear required protective equipment and report defects or incidents. Everyone is required to act in a manner that protects themselves and others. The phrase MowingSucks safety is shorthand for the culture we expect — one where stopping work is encouraged when risks are unclear.

Risk assessment is done before each job. This includes checking site access, ground conditions, proximity to pedestrians, slopes, overhead wires and the presence of pets or children. Control measures follow the hierarchy of hazard management: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls and personal protective equipment (PPE). The list below summarises typical controls:

• Site segregation: cordon off work areas and use signs where appropriate.
• Equipment guards: ensure blades, shields and safety interlocks are functional.
• Tool selection: choose machinery appropriate to the task and terrain.
• PPE: eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, sturdy footwear and hi-vis clothing.
• Safe refuelling: carry out away from ignition sources with engines stopped.

Training and competence are essential. All operators receive practical instruction on machine controls, safe starting and stopping procedures, reversing and transport, and what to do in the event of a blade jam or mechanical failure. Refresher training is scheduled periodically and whenever new equipment or techniques are introduced. Supervisors must confirm worker competence before assigning solo duties.

Machine maintenance is a core control measure. Routine pre-start checks, scheduled servicing and immediate removal of faulty equipment from service reduce the likelihood of mechanical failure. Maintenance records are kept to support safe operation, and only trained personnel conduct repairs. When changing blades or attachments, workers use lock-off procedures to prevent accidental start-up.

Working near people or property requires additional precautions. Operators must maintain safe cutting distances, use appropriate discharge patterns or collection devices to control debris, and avoid directing jets of material toward passersby or windows. When working on slopes, the team follows specific guidance to prevent rollovers and loss of control. Where necessary, jobs are completed with a second person acting as a lookout to control access to the work area.

Emergency procedures are established and practiced. First aid kits are available on site and personnel with current first aid training are assigned to each shift. In the event of a serious incident, work is stopped, the immediate area secured, and emergency services contacted in accordance with the site's emergency plan. Minor injuries and near misses are reported and investigated so that learning can be incorporated into future risk assessments.

Reporting and continuous improvement form the backbone of the policy. Staff are encouraged to report hazards, incidents and improvement ideas without fear of blame. Records of incidents and corrective actions support trend analysis and help prioritise preventative activities. Regular safety meetings and toolbox talks reinforce expectations and share lessons learned across the team.

Environmental considerations are integrated into the way we operate. Fuel spills are avoided through careful handling, vegetation cuttings are managed to minimise landfill waste where possible, and noise and dust controls are considered when planning tasks. These measures reflect a commitment to responsible operations while delivering mowing and landscape services.

Key procedures and controls

Essential procedures include pre-start checks, exclusion zones, safe manual handling techniques, correct use of guards and PPE, secure transport of equipment, and step-by-step shutdown routines. Supervisors must ensure safe start-up and isolation procedures are followed for every piece of equipment before maintenance or inspection begins.

Communication and review

Clear communication channels are maintained so that staff can raise concerns and receive timely responses. The health and safety policy is reviewed at planned intervals and after any significant event or change to operations. Reviews focus on the effectiveness of controls, training currency and whether resources are adequate to maintain safe operations.

Accountability for safety performance is shared. Everyone from senior leaders to new operators has a role in preventing injuries and protecting property. The phrase Mowing Sucks safety represents a collective commitment to practical, sensible precautions: observe, assess, control and improve.

In summary, this health and safety policy promotes a consistent and practical approach to risk management across all mowing and grounds maintenance work. By combining clear roles, competent people, maintained equipment and active reporting, the organisation ensures safer outcomes for staff and the public while delivering reliable mowing services.