Health and Safety Policy — Hedge Trimming Bounds Green

This document sets out the core health and safety commitments for our hedge services in and around the Bounds Green service area. It applies to all staff, contractors and visitors involved in hedge maintenance, hedge cutting, and general garden works. The policy emphasises a practical, risk-based approach to delivering safe, high-quality hedge trimming Bounds Green operations while protecting the public, clients' property, and our team. It is written to be clear and actionable, supporting consistent decision-making on-site and ensuring compliance with general safety expectations.

All personnel must understand that safety is a shared responsibility. Supervisors will lead by example and ensure that safety plans are implemented on every job. Employees are expected to follow safe systems of work, use the correct equipment, and wear required personal protective equipment. Audits and toolbox talks are used to reinforce standards. This policy supports training development, hazard reporting, and effective communication to reduce incidents. Hedge trimming in Bounds Green should always proceed only after hazards have been identified and mitigated.

Scope, Risk Assessment and Controls

Before work begins a documented risk assessment must be completed for each site. Typical hazards include working at height, manual handling, noise, vibration, hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) risks, contact with overhead services, traffic, and falling branches. Controls include:

• Site-specific risk assessment carried out by competent staff prior to starting work;
• Use of appropriate PPE (helmets, eye protection, gloves, hearing protection, hi-vis);
• Isolation or marking of public access and traffic routes to protect pedestrians and vehicles;
• Tool and equipment checks before use and regular maintenance schedules.

These measures form the baseline for safe Bound Green hedge maintenance and hedge cutting tasks.

Selection and control of equipment are central to preventing harm. Only approved and well-maintained hedge trimmers, powered saws and ladders should be used. Battery and petrol tools must be inspected and stored safely; fuel must be transported in approved containers and refuelling must be done away from ignition sources. Where elevated access is required, risk-based choices between ladders, towers, or cherry-pickers must be made and documented. Safe use of machinery includes clear exclusion zones and competent operators who hold the necessary skills and licenses.

Safe Working Procedures and Environmental Considerations

Safe methods include planning the work sequence to avoid pedestrian routes at peak times, removing or securing loose debris, and ensuring branches are felled in a controlled direction. Special attention must be paid to wildlife and nesting seasons; when a potential nest is found, work should stop and a manager consulted. Waste management and recycling of green waste must follow environmental best practice. Chemical use (e.g. herbicides or preservatives) must be limited, risk-assessed and applied by trained personnel only.

Traffic and public safety measures are vital on roadside and communal estate jobs. Signage, cones, and banksman duties should be used where vehicles or machinery operate near the public. If work affects pedestrian routes, alternate safe routes must be provided. The team must be able to communicate effectively on-site through radios or clear visual signals; supervisors should confirm that all team members understand emergency arrangements and daily briefings are completed before work starts.

Training, competence and supervision underpin safe outcomes. All operatives must receive induction training, task-specific instruction and refresher courses proportional to their role. Competency checks, shadowing and supervised practice sessions are used for new joiners. Managers must keep records of training and qualifications. Recruitment focuses on safety-minded individuals, and ongoing development is supported to maintain standards in hedge trimming and wider Bounds Green hedging services.

Emergency procedures and incident reporting are mandatory. First aid provision must be available on-site and staff should know the location of first aid kits. All accidents, near misses and unsafe conditions must be reported immediately and investigated to prevent recurrence. Where emergency services are required, staff will assist and provide accurate site information. Post-incident reviews feed into updates to risk assessments and work procedures.

Monitoring and continuous improvement complete this policy. Regular site inspections, performance reviews and audits measure compliance with these safety standards. Feedback loops ensure lessons learned are incorporated into training and operational changes. This policy will be reviewed periodically and amended to reflect new hazards, changes in equipment, or updated industry practice. By maintaining focus on clear procedures, competent people and safe tools, our Bounds Green hedge maintenance activities will protect people and property while delivering excellent horticultural results.