All activities carry an element of risk and allotment gardening is no exception. Keeping the site tidy and attractive and secure is one of the best ways of deterring anti-social activity, theft, vandalism and promoting a healthy and safe environment for all.

Whilst the most important and principal responsibility for health and safety on the allotments lies with each and every plot holder. we as an association, have a communal duty to ensure that common areas, such as the car park and access roads and paths are safe, which includes ensuring vehicles have adequate access at all times. The law requires that in all areas we exercise at least a ‘reasonable’ level of care regarding safety. Although unlikely, a claim could be made for negligence should an individual suffer an injury because we did not take reasonable precautions. It is not possible under English law to exclude liability, for example by the way of a notice. We are also obliged to comply with other laws , such as those regarding wildlife and environmental protection and the Rules issued by the land owner.

Our Health and Safety Guidelines, although summarised in this document, are implemented through Newsletters, E-mails, Notice Boards, our Website and any introductions to the site for new members by the Association Secretary or other Association Officer. In addition there will be regular Health and Safety inspections  throughout the year, and  risk and hazard assessments will be carried out by the Committee or designated persons and appropriate actions taken to both minimise hazards and risks and to update policy if required.

All members are responsible for their own safety and should adopt good working practice on site. Everyone needs to take health and safety seriously and make themselves aware of health and safety procedures and guidelines. 

All third party visitors to site are responsible for their own safety.

Where children visit site then the parent/guardian or carer is responsible for their safety. Children under 16 must not visit the site unless supervised. Any play equipment must remain on plots and only whilst the plot holders are on site. 

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Personal Safety

It is good practice to tell someone that you are visiting site, give them an idea of how long you will be and carry a mobile phone. Be aware of weather conditions that can affect walking surfaces such as hardcore, wet grass and uneven surfaces.

 

Use sunscreen to protect you from over exposure to the sun and consume plenty of fluids in hot weather.

 

The address and Post Code, in the event that emergency services are needed, is Cubbington Allotments, Coventry Road, Cubbington CV32 7UJ. https://w3w.co/lucky.indulgent.tiger

 

 

First Aid Kit

Plot holders are advised to keep a first aid kit in their tool store or shed. A small selection of plasters, antiseptic ointment, a pair of tweezers for removing thorns and splinters and a gauze or lint pad to use as a compress to stop bleeding if you are cut.

Please note we do not have a designated first aider.

 

In the event of an accident plot holders/visitors are requested to notify a member of the committee so the accident can be investigated and reported as needed.

 

Working at Height

No plot holder will be permitted to carry out any activity involving the use of ladders, unless they are compliant with ’Working at Heights' regulations.

 

Site Access and Safety.

Plot holders should ensure that the site gate is kept closed at all times.

A maximum speed limit of 5 mph must be observed at all times. 

All paths should be kept clear of obstacles and long growth and provide safe access to all users. It is recommended that paths should not be raised above the plots on either side by more than 75mm. Plot holders should ensure that their plot and associated accesses are free from hazards. Hazards may include sharp edges, exposed nails, improperly stored tools, exposed canes. Hazards can be hidden in undergrowth such as discarded tools, hoses or other material.

 

 

General

Do take care especially if you’re using any mechanical device, such as a strimmer, Tiller or cultivator. Please wear goggles and be careful of your surroundings as stones can easily fly up causing injury or damage. If using the communal strimmers stored in the sheds, please read and follow the instructions alongside the strimmer. Please sign the log sheet in the shed. 

 

Please ensure that any manure brought to site from an outside source is from animals that have not been fed on pasture that has been sprayed with herbicides.

 

Bonfires are only permitted in accordance with the laws and rules stipulated by Warwick council ( https://www.warwickdc.gov.uk/info/20505/air_pollution/602/smoke_and_smoke_control_areas ). They should not be allowed to cause danger or become a nuisance to other plotholders or neighbours and, under no circumstances, should they be left unattended. They should be put out before leaving at the end of the day. 

 

When using sprays or fertilisers a plot holder must take all reasonable care to ensure that adjoining hedges, trees and crops are not affected and must make good or replant as necessary should any damage occur. When using sprays or fertilisers, due care and regard must be taken for neighbouring plots and plotholders. 

 

Plotholders should only use those chemicals approved by DEFRA that comply with current regulations and that cause the least harm to members of the public and wildlife other than vermin or pests.

 

Plotholders must acquaint themselves with and adhere strictly to the guidelines regarding storage, usage and disposal of chemicals or hazardous materials such as glass, fertilisers and fuel. These must be securely stored in the proper containers, and well away from possible reach by children. No toxic or hazardous materials or contaminated waste should be stored or brought on to the site.

 

 

Plotholders are asked to report concerns about health and safety on their plot or site to the committee as soon as they become apparent.

 

Crime/Vandalism

Plotholders should report vandalism or other evidence of intruders to a member of the committee for reporting to the police. If you report a crime to the police, please obtain a crime number and inform the committee of the number.

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Most injuries are easily prevented. Good gardening is safe gardening and it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure we garden in a safe way.