Health & Safety Policy for Hedge Trimming Hainault

Hedge Trimming Hainault is committed to maintaining safe working environments for staff, clients and the public. This policy sets out our approach to managing safety during all hedge cutting, hedge maintenance and garden pruning activities carried out across our service area. The purpose is to reduce risk, prevent injury and protect property while delivering professional hedge services in Hainault and nearby communities.

All personnel engaged in hedge cutting Hainault operations must follow established safe systems of work. Managers and supervisors will ensure that every job is planned and that workers are competent, briefed and equipped for the task. Training, supervision and equipment maintenance are central to our approach so that both routine and complex hedge care tasks are carried out without harm.

Risk assessment is mandatory before any work begins. A documented site check identifies hazards such as unstable boundaries, buried services, wildlife, pedestrian or vehicle routes and access constraints. The assessment determines control measures including cordons, signage, traffic management and safe working distances. We emphasise a consistent process for identifying and mitigating foreseeable risks in each hedge trimming job.

Responsibilities and Workforce Competence

Supervisors are responsible for ensuring staff follow this health and safety policy. All operatives must be trained in safe use of hand tools, powered hedge trimmers, chainsaws where appropriate, ladders and mechanical access equipment. Employees must be able to demonstrate practical competence and an understanding of emergency procedures before undertaking unsupervised work.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided according to task requirements. Required items typically include high-visibility clothing, eye protection, hearing protection, cut-resistant gloves and trousers, and suitable footwear. The company enforces correct PPE use and maintains equipment in good condition. Maintenance of tools and PPE is performed in line with manufacturer guidance and company schedules.

We maintain clear communication channels on each site. Operatives use radios, visual signals or agreed hand signs when working near the public or vehicles. Teams must report hazards immediately and stop work if safety cannot be assured. Regular toolbox talks, pre-start briefings and recorded inductions are part of our culture to keep awareness high.

Safe Work Practices and Machinery

Machinery and power tools are used only by trained staff and inspected before each use. Fuel handling, safe starting procedures and secure storage are standard. Ladders and mobile elevating work platforms are checked and used according to safe operating limits. We ensure safe distances from overhead wires and adopt non-conductive equipment where needed.

When working near boundaries, public footpaths or private property, extra precautions protect passersby and property. Exclusion zones are erected where necessary, and we use spotters when trimming near traffic or pedestrians. Waste management includes secure collection of clippings to prevent slip hazards and prompt removal from public areas.

Our documented procedures include emergency response plans for incidents such as serious injury, fire or hazardous material discovery. All employees know how to summon help, administer first aid and preserve the scene for investigation. First aid kits and fire extinguishers are available in vans and at fixed depots.

Incident recording and continuous improvement form a key part of our safety system. Near-miss reports and accident records are reviewed to identify trends, implement corrective actions and update training. This ensures that hedge maintenance Hainault activities evolve with lessons learned and technological advances.

Environmental considerations are integrated into safe work planning. We seek to protect nesting birds, preserve biodiversity and avoid unnecessary disturbance. Timing of hedge cutting is scheduled to balance safety and ecological sensitivities, and waste is handled responsibly to reduce impact on local green spaces.

Key aspects of our policy are summarised below for quick reference:

• Risk assessment before all operations
• Competent, trained staff for hedge cutting and maintenance
• PPE and tool maintenance
• Clear communication and site controls
• Incident reporting and continuous improvement

The company expects every worker to contribute actively to a safety culture and to follow documented procedures. Failure to comply with safety requirements may result in restricted duties or removal from site duties until retrained.

Monitoring and Review Safety performance is monitored through routine site inspections, audits and performance reviews. Management will review this policy periodically and after any significant incident, ensuring that practices remain effective and reflect current working conditions. Our goal is to maintain a high standard of safety for hedge services in Hainault while delivering quality landscaping and hedge care work.

By prioritising safe working methods, clear responsibilities and continuous learning, we aim to protect people and property while providing reliable hedge trimming and maintenance. Staff are encouraged to suggest improvements and to report hazards without delay.

Applicability: This policy applies to all employees, contractors and temporary workers involved in hedge cutting, garden pruning and associated tasks within our service area. It complements other organisational policies on environment and quality to deliver professional, safe and responsible hedge services.