Health and Safety Policy 2026

1. Policy Statement

Leafy Couture is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, freelancers, contractors, customers, and visitors. We recognise our responsibility under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and related legislation to take all reasonably practicable steps to prevent injury, ill health, and accidents arising from our work activities.

Health and safety is a shared responsibility. Management will provide safe systems of work, information, training, and supervision, while employees and contractors are expected to take reasonable care of themselves and others who may be affected by their actions.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all activities carried out by Leafy Couture, including:

* Floristry work and flower preparation

* Use of tools, equipment, and machinery

* Workshop-based activities

* Deliveries, installations, and off-site event work

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Employer / Management Responsibilities

Leafy Couture will:

* Provide a safe place of work and safe working conditions

* Carry out and regularly review risk assessments

* Provide appropriate training and supervision

* Maintain equipment and tools in safe working order

* Provide suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) where required

* Ensure safe handling, storage, and disposal of materials and waste

* Investigate accidents, incidents, and near misses

3.2 Employee and Contractor Responsibilities

All employees and contractors must:

* Take reasonable care of their own health and safety

* Follow safe working practices and instructions

* Use equipment and PPE correctly

* Report hazards, defects, accidents, or near misses promptly

* Not misuse equipment or safety devices

4. Risk Assessment

Risk assessments will be conducted for all significant activities, including but not limited to:

* Use of sharp tools (knives, scissors, secateurs)

* Manual handling of flowers, buckets, displays, and deliveries

* Slips, trips, and falls (wet floors, trailing cables, packaging)

* Use of ladders or step stools for displays

* Exposure to chemicals (flower food, cleaning products)

* Vehicle use for deliveries

Control measures identified through risk assessments must be followed at all times.

5. Safe Working Practices

5.1 Tools and Equipment

* All tools must be kept clean and in good condition

* Sharp tools should be stored safely when not in use

* Damaged or faulty equipment must not be used and should be reported immediately

5.2 Manual Handling

* Avoid lifting heavy or awkward loads where possible

* Use correct lifting techniques

* Ask for assistance or use aids when required

5.3 Slips, Trips, and Falls

* Keep floors, walkways, and exits clear

* Clean up spills immediately

* Wear suitable footwear

5.4 Working at Height

* Only use appropriate ladders or step stools

* Ensure equipment is stable and used correctly

* Do not overreach

6. Hazardous Substances

* All chemicals will be stored and used in accordance with manufacturer instructions

* Safety Data Sheets will be available where required

* Appropriate PPE (such as gloves) will be provided when handling hazardous substances

7. Fire Safety

* Fire exits must be kept clear at all times

* Fire extinguishers will be maintained and accessible

* Employees must familiarise themselves with evacuation procedures

* Fire drills will be conducted where appropriate

8. First Aid and Accidents

* A first aid kit will be available at all work locations

* All accidents, injuries, and near misses must be reported and recorded

* Serious incidents will be reported in accordance with RIDDOR requirements where applicable

9. Training

Leafy Couture Florists will ensure that employees receive appropriate health and safety training, including:

* Induction training (for permanent employees not freelancers)

* Safe use of tools and equipment

* Manual handling

* Fire safety awareness

10. Review of Policy

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are significant changes to work activities, legislation, or following an incident.

Name: Sarah Richardson

Position: Owner - Leafy Couture and Leafy Couture Franchising Ltd

Date: 14/01/26