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Landscape Gardening Risk Assessment — Generated Instantly for £29
Describe the job — garden design, groundworks, tree work, machinery used. We generate a fully written, UK-compliant landscape gardening risk assessment covering manual handling, machinery, excavation, COSHH and all relevant regulations in minutes.
Used by self-employed gardeners, landscape contractors and grounds maintenance teams across the UK
🌳 Excavating, using power tools or working near boundaries? Mention it — we'll include underground services checks, vibration limits, noise management and neighbour protection measures required under UK health and safety law.
Legal requirements for landscape gardening
Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, Regulation 3 requires every employer and self-employed person to conduct a suitable and sufficient risk assessment of work activities. For landscape gardeners, this means identifying and controlling risks from manual handling, machinery operation, excavation, exposure to harmful substances, working at height and environmental hazards.
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 apply directly to landscape gardening work, where workers routinely lift heavy paving slabs, bags of soil, fence posts and equipment. Regulation 4 requires employers to avoid hazardous manual handling where reasonably practicable, and where it cannot be avoided, to assess the risk and reduce it to the lowest level reasonably practicable.
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) cover exposure to pesticides, weed killers, cement, diesel and fertilisers. Regulation 6 requires a COSHH risk assessment for any substance that could cause harm, detailing exposure controls, PPE requirements and safe storage. Landscape gardeners must also comply with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) when operating chainsaws, hedge trimmers, strimmers, mowers and excavation plant.
If you're working on a construction site as a landscape contractor, the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM) apply. You must provide site-specific risk assessments and method statements to the principal contractor before work begins. Even on domestic projects, a written risk assessment demonstrates duty of care and professional competence to clients and insurers.
The HSE records around 2,500 non-fatal injuries in agriculture, forestry and landscaping each year, with manual handling, slips and trips, and machinery incidents being the most common. A documented risk assessment is not just a legal requirement — it is the foundation of safe working practice and incident prevention.
How it works
1. Describe the job
Tell us about the landscaping project — garden design, paving, turfing, fencing, tree work, groundworks. Include the equipment you'll use (mini digger, stump grinder, chainsaw, power tools), materials (cement, chemicals, timber), site type (domestic, commercial, public) and any specific hazards like confined access, working near water or excavation depth.
2. Let the app take the strain
Anyrisks produces a fully written, UK-compliant landscape gardening risk assessment referencing the Manual Handling Regulations, PUWER, COSHH and all relevant legislation. Every control measure is specific to your job description — not generic tick-box content.
3. Instant download and use
Download as PDF and editable Word document. Hand it to your client, include it in your contractor RAMS pack, or file it for compliance and insurance purposes. £29, no subscription, money-back guarantee within 24 hours if you're not satisfied.
What it covers
Every landscape gardening risk assessment is written in full — covering all site hazards, machinery, materials and environmental risks relevant to your project.
Manual handling of paving slabs, timber, soil and equipment
Excavation and groundworks — underground services detection
Working near utilities (gas, electric, water, telecoms)
Machinery operation — mini diggers, stump grinders, compactors
Chainsaws, hedge trimmers, strimmers and power tools (PUWER)
COSHH — pesticides, weed killers, cement, fertilisers, diesel
Working at height — ladder use, hedge cutting, tree work
Noise and vibration exposure from machinery and power tools
Slips, trips and falls on uneven ground and wet surfaces
Vehicle movements and site access — deliveries and plant transport
Lone working on domestic and remote sites
Weather exposure — heat stress, cold, rain, UV protection
Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 compliance
COSHH Regulations 2002 and safe chemical storage
Works for
From domestic garden makeovers to commercial grounds maintenance, Anyrisks covers every type of landscape gardening and groundworks project.
What customers say
"I do a lot of commercial grounds maintenance contracts and they all want RAMS now. Anyrisks covered everything — machinery, COSHH, manual handling, lone working. Took me 90 seconds and it's accepted every time."
Tom R.
Self-employed landscape gardener, Surrey
"We were doing a full garden redesign with excavation for a new patio and the client asked for a risk assessment. Anyrisks covered underground services, mini digger operation and manual handling — exactly what we needed and ready in minutes."
Lisa M.
Landscape design contractor, West Yorkshire
"We maintain school playing fields and corporate grounds. Every site wants proof we've assessed the risks before we start. Anyrisks made it simple — it references the right regulations and the format is exactly what facility managers expect."
David K.
Grounds maintenance manager, Berkshire
Anyrisks vs DIY templates
| Anyrisks | DIY / Templates | |
|---|---|---|
| Written in full — not a blank form | ✓ | ✗ |
| Manual Handling Regulations 1992 referenced | ✓ | ✗ |
| COSHH and PUWER compliance included | ✓ | ✗ |
| Covers excavation and underground services | ✓ | ✗ |
| Machinery-specific controls (diggers, chainsaws) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Suitable for domestic and commercial projects | ✓ | ✗ |
| Ready in under 2 minutes | ✓ | ✗ |
| Instant PDF and Word download | ✓ | Sometimes |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a landscape gardening risk assessment for domestic work?
Yes — if you employ anyone (even one person), the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require a written risk assessment. Self-employed sole traders working entirely alone are not legally required to write one down, but having a documented assessment demonstrates professional competence to clients and can protect you in the event of an incident. Most domestic clients and principal contractors now expect to see written risk assessments.
Does it cover plant and machinery like mini diggers and stump grinders?
Yes — describe the equipment you're using (mini excavator, stump grinder, chainsaws, hedge trimmers) and the assessment will include machinery-specific controls, training requirements, operator protection and ground stability considerations.
What about working near utilities and drains?
Mention that you'll be excavating or digging and the assessment will include requirements to check for underground services, use CAT and Genny detection equipment, and comply with safe digging practices to prevent strikes on gas, electric and water mains.
Is it suitable for commercial groundworks and landscaping?
Yes — whether you're working on a domestic garden, commercial grounds maintenance, public park landscaping or construction site groundworks, describe the site type and scope and the assessment will be tailored accordingly with appropriate controls for traffic management, public access and contractor coordination.
Does it include manual handling and COSHH?
Yes — landscape gardening involves heavy manual handling (lifting paving slabs, moving soil, carrying timber) and exposure to hazardous substances (cement, fertilisers, weed killers, diesel). The assessment covers safe lifting techniques, mechanical aids and COSHH requirements including PPE and storage.
Can I use this for greenkeeping and grounds maintenance contracts?
Yes — if you maintain sports grounds, golf courses, school fields or commercial premises, describe the ongoing maintenance activities (mowing, hedge cutting, tree work, drainage) and the assessment will cover routine and seasonal risks including lone working and weather exposure.
How long does it take to generate?
Under 2 minutes. Describe the landscaping project or maintenance contract, list the equipment and materials, and Anyrisks produces a complete, regulation-referenced landscape gardening risk assessment instantly.
Does it comply with CDM Regulations if I'm working on a construction site?
Yes — if you're a landscape contractor working as part of a construction project, mention that you're operating under CDM 2015 and the assessment will reference contractor coordination, site inductions, and principal contractor requirements. The assessment is suitable for inclusion in your site-specific RAMS pack.
Also see: The ultimate guide to risk assessment · Do I need a risk assessment? · Risk assessment legal requirements · Risk assessment generator