Planting & Soft Works Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Soil biohazards — Wear gloves; cover cuts; wash hands before eating. Use tools where contamination is suspected and double-bag sharps or faeces per procedure. Provide clean water, soap and sanitiser. Exclude eating areas from soil contact; brief tetanus awareness.
• Manual handling of plants — Plan lifts and split loads; use team lifts, dollies or tree trolleys on firm routes. Keep loads close to the body, avoid twisting, and step down kerbs via ramps. Stage pits near drop points to reduce carries. Warm up before heavy tasks and rotate duties to limit fatigue.
• Working near water — Set planting lines back from edges; install temporary barriers or edge protection where feasible. Wear appropriate footwear and avoid over-reaching. Brief rescue plan, keep a throw line accessible, and work in pairs when adjacent to deeper or flowing water.
• Soil compaction from plant — Exclude tracked plant from prepared pits; lay boards to spread load on soft ground. Backfill in lifts and firm gently to eliminate voids without over-compacting. Rake level and remove spoil from paths immediately to prevent rutting and trips.
• Underground services — Obtain and review utility plans; scan with CAT/Genny and mark routes. Hand-dig trial holes to confirm depth/position. Set dig limits and no-mech zones near marks; use insulated tools as required. Stop on warning tape or anomalies and re-survey before work continues.