Health and Safety Policy — Hedge Trimming Herne Hill

This policy sets out the commitment of Hedge Trimming Herne Hill and variations of our service such as hedge trimming in Herne Hill and Herne Hill hedge trimming to provide a safe working environment. It applies to all staff, contractors and sub-contractors working on garden and hedge maintenance projects across our service area. Our aim is to protect people, property and the environment by minimising risk through clear procedures, training and supervision. This document is intended to be practical and actionable rather than a legal summary.

We recognise that effective safety management is part of delivering quality hedge care across residential, communal and small commercial sites. The policy emphasises hazard identification, risk assessment and control measures specific to hedge maintenance, including working at height, use of powered cutting tools, manual handling and traffic management. The responsibilities below outline expectations for managers, operatives and visitors.

Responsibilities are assigned clearly: management must ensure that adequate resources, equipment and training are provided; supervisors must enforce procedures and carry out toolbox talks; operatives must follow safe systems of work and report hazards. Key operational controls include pre-start checks, exclusion zones for powered tools and clear communication when working adjacent to public paths or roads. The team uses documented risk assessments for each job.

Scope and objectives are to prevent injury and ill health during hedge maintenance activities. Our objectives include reducing incidents, maintaining compliance with recognised best practice and continually improving performance. We commit to regular reviews of our practices for hedge maintenance Herne Hill operations and to consult staff on safety matters. All personnel are expected to contribute to a safety-first culture by reporting near-misses and hazards.

Training, competence and supervision

We require that all staff engaged in hedge work are trained to an appropriate level for their tasks. Training covers safe operation of petrol and electric hedge trimmers, chainsaws where used, ladder safety, use of harness and fall protection, and manual handling techniques. Supervisors provide on-site induction and periodic competency checks. Competence is verified before unsupervised work is allowed.

We maintain records of training and refresh skills regularly. Personnel are instructed on safe working near live traffic, pedestrian routes and utilities. Managers are responsible for ensuring that organisers of large jobs have an adequate plan for site layout, traffic control and public protection. The policy supports a system of supervision that balances safe autonomy with clear oversight.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory and tailored to task risk. Required PPE typically includes eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, sturdy footwear and protective clothing such as cut-resistant garments when using powered cutting equipment. High-visibility clothing is used when working near roads. PPE is maintained, replaced as needed and its use enforced as a standard operating requirement.

Equipment and tool safety are critical: powered hedge trimmers, pole pruners and chainsaws must be fit for purpose, regularly inspected and serviced. Battery and petrol systems are handled according to manufacturer instructions. Tools are fitted with guards and safety devices, and defective equipment is immediately removed from service. Safe storage and secure transport of tools are also required to prevent theft, damage or injury.

Emergency procedures, first aid and incident reporting are set out so that every operative knows what to do if an accident occurs. First aid kits are carried on-site and personnel with first aid training are available on larger projects. All incidents, including near-misses, are reported, recorded and investigated to identify root causes and corrective actions. We maintain clear communication channels for emergencies and liaise with emergency services when necessary.

Environmental and public safety considerations

Our approach to hedge maintenance includes measures to protect wildlife, trees and local habitats. When carrying out hedge cutting and trimming we assess for nesting birds and comply with relevant guidance on seasonal restrictions. Waste management is planned so that cuttings are removed or mulched responsibly and public footways remain clear. We ensure public safety by setting up exclusion zones and signage where appropriate.

Risk assessment and method statements (RAMS) are prepared for tasks with significant hazards. These documents specify control measures, emergency arrangements and personnel responsibilities and are available to site teams. Hedge maintenance Herne Hill operations use standard templates adapted to each site to ensure consistency and completeness.

Monitoring, review and continual improvement underpin the policy. Management carries out regular audits, site inspections and reviews of performance indicators such as incident rates and training completion. We encourage an open culture where safety suggestions are rewarded and where policies are updated to reflect lessons learned, new equipment or changes to working practices. This policy will be reviewed at least annually and after any significant incident to ensure it remains effective.

Compliance and enforcement: failure to follow this policy may result in disciplinary action. Managers and supervisors are empowered to suspend unsafe work until adequate controls are in place. Everyone on site has authority to stop work if they consider an immediate danger to health or safety exists. We aim to exceed minimum standards and adopt best practice for hedge trimming and garden maintenance services across our working area.

The commitment to safety is shared by all levels of the organisation: from senior management to operatives maintaining hedges. By integrating clear procedures, training, effective equipment management and strong supervision, our service for Herne Hill hedge trimming seeks to deliver high-quality work without compromising the wellbeing of people or the environment.

Signed declarations and document control ensure that this health and safety policy remains authoritative and accessible to those who need it. Regular communication, training updates and practical oversight keep our teams safe while delivering reliable hedge care in the region.