Health and Safety Policy for Hedge Trimming Wallington

This document sets out the Health and Safety Policy that governs hedge trimming and associated green maintenance activities provided by our gardening team operating in and around Wallington. It explains the responsibilities, safe systems of work, and control measures put in place to protect staff, visitors and property while delivering high-quality hedge trimming Wallington and general hedge care. The policy is intended to be accessible, practical and proportionate to the risks encountered during routine and specialist hedge maintenance tasks.

The policy applies to every person engaged in hedge maintenance, shrub pruning, site clearance and related groundskeeping tasks. It outlines duties for management and operatives, sets expectations for training and competence, and explains the processes used to assess risks before work begins. Our approach to hedge care in Wallington emphasises prevention, safe equipment use and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) selection for each job.

Risk assessment is the starting point for all activities. Before any job is carried out, a documented site risk assessment must identify hazards such as unstable ground, overhead services, wildlife, traffic or restricted access. The assessment determines required control measures, from traffic management for roadside hedges to working at height precautions for tall boundary screens. Staff must follow the risk assessment and report any changes that might introduce additional risk during the operation.

Responsibilities are clearly allocated: senior management is responsible for policy implementation, resource allocation and monitoring; supervisors ensure work is planned and operatives are briefed; operatives are required to follow safe systems of work and use equipment correctly. Everyone has a duty to stop work if they believe an activity is unsafe. This document supports a culture of shared responsibility for safety during hedge trimming in Wallington.

Training and competence are central to safe hedge trimming services. All operatives receive induction training, tool-specific instruction (for petrol hedge trimmers, shears, saws, pole pruners and powered cutters), and periodic refreshers. Training covers safe use of equipment, manual handling, working at height, environmental protection and emergency procedures. Records of competency and training are maintained to ensure that only competent personnel undertake higher-risk tasks.

Equipment and maintenance: all powered tools and plant used for hedge maintenance are subject to regular inspection and maintenance. A pre-start check is required before each shift: guard condition, blade sharpness, safety interlocks and fuel containment. Defective equipment must be taken out of service and reported. Batteries and fuel should be stored and transported following manufacturer recommendations and site rules.

Personal protective equipment is mandatory for hedge maintenance operations. Required PPE typically includes protective gloves, eye protection, hearing protection for noisy equipment, chainsaw protective trousers or leg guards where applicable, hi-visibility clothing for roadside works and appropriate footwear. Operatives must ensure PPE is worn, maintained and replaced when worn out.

Traffic and public safety: where hedge trimming affects pavements, roads or shared spaces, a traffic management plan will be implemented. This may include cones, signage, temporary barriers and a lookout person. Work alongside public footpaths requires careful positioning of work platforms and tool management to keep members of the public safe. A tidy site policy minimises trip hazards from cuttings, branches and equipment.

Environmental and wildlife considerations: hedge works must comply with wildlife protection principles and avoid disturbance during sensitive seasons. Where nesting birds or protected species are suspected, work will stop and appropriate advice sought. Waste management includes segregating green waste, recycling where possible and disposing of cuttings in accordance with local environmental guidelines.

Emergency procedures: clear instructions for first aid, emergency evacuation and incident reporting are provided to all staff. First aid kits are carried on-site and supervisors ensure access to emergency services if required. All incidents, near misses and injuries are recorded and investigated to reduce recurrence. Continuous improvement is achieved by reviewing incidents and updating safe systems of work.

Monitoring and review: the policy and its implementation are reviewed periodically and after significant incidents. Audits and spot checks verify compliance with control measures and identify training or resource gaps. Staff are encouraged to contribute to safety improvements and to report hazards without fear of reprisal. This ongoing review process keeps the hedge maintenance service aligned with evolving best practice.

Safe Work Practices and Checklist

• Plan the job: carry out a site-specific risk assessment and method statement.
• Inspect equipment: pre-use checks and documented maintenance.
• Use appropriate PPE: gloves, eye and ear protection, protective trousers and hi-vis where required.
• Manage traffic: apply temporary controls for roadside or high-footfall locations.
• Protect wildlife: avoid works during nesting season where possible and check for evidence of protected species.
• Clear and secure: remove cuttings promptly, secure debris and leave the site safe.

Policy Commitment

We are committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all staff and anyone affected by our activities. This policy forms part of our organisational procedures and is supported by training, supervision and a structured approach to risk management. It applies across our service area for hedge trimming and landscape maintenance, ensuring consistent safety standards and a professional approach to every job.

Implementation: the policy will be communicated to all employees and contractors. Supervisors will implement site-specific controls, and management will review resources to maintain safety standards. Everyone is expected to co-operate in maintaining a safe workplace and to help continuously improve how we manage risks associated with hedge trimming and shrub care.

Review Cycle: this policy is subject to periodic review to reflect changes in legislation, equipment or operational practice. Updates will be made as required to keep safety measures effective and proportionate.

Signed on behalf of the company: the management team endorses this policy and requires full compliance by all personnel engaged in hedge trimming services. By following the controls described here, we reduce risk and ensure a safe, professional service for clients and communities within the wider Wallington area.