Social Gardening

'Social Gardening' is so called because it is something you do together with your members. It is also light gardening; you are not expected to provide support with complex tasks or use power tools, but to be an extra pair of hands with simple gardening maintenance.

This section has guidance for how to safely and effectively support members with social gardening.

What does Social Gardening include?

Weeding
Sweeping
Raking
Digging up plants and shrubs

Pruning
Trimming
Lopping

Planting
Mulching
Plant selection
Watering
Digging garden beds

Lifting
Carrying
Collecting equipment

Picking up items from Bunnings

Safety Policies

You should not be working out of doors when it is over 35 degrees.
You should not be working in gardens with large trees on days where the wind is over 35km/h.
You should not use power tools (including mowing and whipper snippering) or clean gutters. If this is significantly needed, chat to HQ.

Safety Practices

You should not apply first aid without first aid training. In the event of a serious injury to a member or yourself, you should always call 000 and follow their instructions.

Refer to 'Common Hazards' for a reminder about Lively's protocol if there is an emergency.

Follow Lively's dress code. The following should be worn at all times when working in the garden:

- boots or solid shoes with good grip
- a hat
- gardening gloves (supplied by Lively)
- eye protection (supplied by Lively)
- long sleeved-top with a collar
- long pants

Sun Protection

Wear sunglasses, especially on days with a higher UV index.
Wear a broad-brimmed hat to fully protect you from the sun.
Wear minimum SPF30+ sunscreen and reapply regularly (as outlined on the packaging).
Carry a full drink bottle and refill regularly.
Avoid working in the sun for extended periods.

Slips, Trips and Falls

Helpers should not be more than 1m off the ground on a ladder.
Helpers should only use ladders that have been assessed as safe. That is:
- - Ladder is stable when on flat ground
  - Ladder locks when opened as an A frame
  - Ladder rungs are all secure, stable and rust-free
Always place ladders on a firm, flat area.
Always maintain 3 points of contact on the ladder.
Avoid leaving tools on the ground; clean them up wherever possible or place them on raised surfaces.

Cuts & Lacerations

You should not use power tools. You can use appropriately maintained hand saws to cut branches with a diameter the size of your wrist or less.
If anyone is using power tools or other sharp tools in your vicinity, ensure you are wearing a high-vis vest (supplied by Lively).
If you have a dirty wound which you can’t fully clean, or suspect you have been cut by rusty material and you are uncertain if your tetanus booster is current (less than 5 years), contact your GP to get it looked at as soon as possible (ideally within 48 hours).

Bites & Stings

If a snake is spotted in the garden, Helpers should immediately leave the garden and reschedule the appointment for another day.
If the snake has a nest and is not leaving, the member should arrange for its removal before work continues in their garden.
Carry antihistamines and your epipen if you are at risk of an anaphylactic reaction.
In the event of a snake bite, follow the emergency protocol and call 000 immediately.

Dust & Fumes

You should not be participating in any demolition work or breaking up solid materials that generate dust, fumes or smoke.

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