Health and Safety Policy for Hedge Trimming Wood Green

Policy Statement

This Health and Safety policy sets out the commitments, procedures and responsibilities for safe hedge trimming and hedge maintenance in Wood Green and surrounding service areas. It applies to all employees, contractors and subcontractors engaged in hedge cutting, pruning and related garden clearance activities. The policy emphasises a prevention-first approach, requiring documented risk assessments, appropriate protective equipment and competent supervision before any work starts. The purpose is to protect staff, members of the public and property while delivering professional hedge services.

The scope of the policy covers routine hedge trimming, emergency cutting, access work from ladders and platforms, vegetation disposal and tool maintenance. This policy recognises that tasks vary by site and season, and therefore requires dynamic risk controls. All operatives must follow the safe system of work and report hazards promptly. The company will provide training, written procedures and equipment checks to ensure ongoing compliance and safety culture.

Responsibilities are allocated at all levels: management must ensure resources and oversight; supervisors must ensure job-specific briefings and monitoring; operatives must follow instructions, use PPE and report incidents. Workers have the duty to stop work if a condition is unsafe. A simple hierarchy of controls is adopted: eliminate hazards where possible, substitute risky methods, use engineering controls, implement administrative controls and finally provide personal protective equipment.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Before every job a documented risk assessment will be completed that considers site layout, pedestrian access, underground services, overhead wires and ecological sensitivities. Risk assessments will be proportionate and updated when conditions change. The safe system of work will specify exclusion zones, traffic management where relevant, and clear responsibilities. For complex sites, a method statement will be produced outlining sequence of operations, emergency arrangements and environmental protections.

Equipment and maintenance standards are key. All hedge trimmers, shears, chainsaws, pole pruners and powered tools will be maintained and inspected according to manufacturer guidance. Health surveillance and pre-shift checks ensure tools are safe to use. Operators must be trained and competent with specific equipment, and no untrained person will operate machinery. A toolbox talk will be held at the start of each shift to confirm procedures, PPE and communication arrangements.

Personal protective equipment includes, as a minimum: eye protection, cut-resistant gloves, hearing protection for noisy equipment, high-visibility clothing and suitable footwear. Where chainsaws or particularly hazardous tasks are involved, additional PPE such as chainsaw chaps and helmets with visors will be provided. PPE is the last line of defence and must be worn correctly; supervisors will enforce compliance.

Training and competence form a core element of the policy. Induction programmes, on-the-job training, and refresher sessions cover safe hedge cutting techniques, emergency response, manual handling and environmental care. Operators will be assessed for competence and records retained. The company will maintain a record of qualifications and in-house training for all staff involved in hedge cutting services.

Emergency procedures include clear reporting lines, basic first aid provision, and arrangements to call for medical assistance where required. Fire risks and lone working situations are assessed and controlled. Incidents and near misses are documented, investigated and lessons learned are shared with the team to prevent recurrence. Prompt reporting ensures corrective action is taken and statutory reporting obligations are met where applicable.

Environmental considerations are integral to safe operations. Where hedgerows provide habitat, trimming timing will consider nesting seasons and wildlife protections; waste management practices ensure arisings are handled responsibly. Fuel handling for powered tools will follow spill prevention and storage guidelines to minimise pollution risk. The company will seek to balance operational needs with ecological sensitivity.

Monitoring, review and continual improvement: The policy will be reviewed annually and after any significant incident, change in operations or legislation. Regular site inspections, audits and stakeholder feedback will be used to drive improvements. Performance metrics such as incident rates, training completion and equipment inspection records will be monitored to evaluate effectiveness.

Compliance with this Health and Safety policy is mandatory for all hedge trimming staff and contractors. Non-compliance may lead to disciplinary action. The company commits to providing sufficient resources to implement and maintain the policy, and to ensure safe, reliable hedge maintenance services across the service area.

Document control: This policy is a controlled document and will be made available to staff. Changes will be recorded, dated and communicated. All operatives are required to familiarise themselves with the policy and to raise concerns where improvements are needed. Together, these measures ensure safe delivery of hedge trimming and hedge care services while protecting people, property and the environment.