Hedge Trimming Eltham - Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy describes the standards, procedures and responsibilities for safe hedge trimming and general vegetation management across our gardening service area, with a focus on Hedge Trimming Eltham and related hedge care operations. It sets out how we identify risks, control hazards and maintain safe working practices for staff, contractors and the public.

Our objective is to deliver consistent, professional hedge trimming in Eltham while preventing injury, property damage and environmental harm. The policy applies to all on-site activities including mechanical cutting, manual pruning, waste handling and access works on private and communal greenspaces.

All personnel must be familiar with this policy and the accompanying procedures before starting work. Key principles include risk assessment before each task, appropriate supervision, ongoing training and the requirement to stop work if a situation becomes unsafe.

Responsibilities and Accountability

The company management holds ultimate responsibility for health and safety implementation. Site supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day-to-day enforcement. Every operative has a duty to work safely and report hazards promptly.

Specific duties include:

• Carrying out pre-task risk assessments and method statements;
• Using and maintaining personal protective equipment (PPE);
• Ensuring equipment is safe, well-serviced and fit for hedge maintenance operations;
• Reporting incidents, near misses and unsafe conditions immediately.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Before work begins, operatives will complete a documented risk assessment considering site access, underground services, overhead cables, pedestrian routes and traffic. Wherever possible we will segregate the work area to protect the public and create a safe zone for operators.

Safe systems of work include the use of spotters, exclusion barriers, visible signage and clear vehicle/machine positioning. Mechanical hedge cutters, trimmers and chainsaws are to be used only by trained, authorised personnel.

Working at height is controlled through appropriate equipment selection (mobile towers, ladders only when appropriate), fall prevention measures and regular inspection of climbing aids.

Personal Protective Equipment and Training

All staff engaged in Eltham hedge trimming services must wear suitable PPE: chainsaw trousers where relevant, cut-resistant gloves, eye protection, hearing protection and high-visibility clothing. Footwear must be sturdy with toe protection.

Training is provided for all operatives in safe machine operation, manual handling, first aid basics and environmental awareness. Refresher sessions occur regularly and after any procedural change or incident.

New starters undergo induction covering company policy, emergency procedures and competency checks for specific tools and machinery.

Equipment Maintenance and Inspection

All cutting equipment, vehicles and power tools will be inspected daily using checklists and maintained per manufacturers' guidance. Faulty tools are removed from service until repaired or replaced. Battery-operated tools must be charged and stored safely.

Fuel handling and refuelling are conducted in designated areas with spill kits available. Fire extinguishers and clear escape routes are maintained at storage and refuelling points.

Lubricants, fuels and chemicals are stored in labelled containers with COSHH information accessible to staff.

Environmental and Public Protection

Our teams adopt methods that minimise noise, dust and debris. Waste is segregated and removed or recycled responsibly. Where work affects public spaces, we ensure adequate barriers, pedestrian diversions and communication to reduce disturbance.

Special care is taken near wildlife habitats and protected planting. Any discovery of protected species or unexpected ecological features results in work suspension and further guidance from a supervisor.

We avoid unnecessary use of herbicides and ensure all landscaping chemicals used are applied only by authorised staff following label instructions and safety data sheets.

Emergency Procedures, First Aid and Reporting

First aid kits are carried on vehicles and at larger sites. Trained first aiders are assigned to teams. In the event of a serious incident, emergency services are contacted without delay and management is notified to initiate incident investigation procedures.

All accidents and near misses are recorded and reviewed. Lessons learned will inform updates to risk assessments, training and equipment standards to prevent recurrence.

Periodic audits, toolbox talks and safety meetings support continuous improvement. This policy is reviewed annually or after significant changes to operations, equipment or legislation to ensure ongoing relevance and effectiveness.

Implementation: This policy is mandatory. Supervisors will ensure compliance and make safety improvements part of performance reviews. Hedge trimming in Eltham and surrounding service areas will be planned and executed in line with these standards to protect people, property and the environment.

By adopting clear responsibilities, robust controls and proactive training, our gardening teams commit to safe, professional and sustainable hedge care. Employees, contractors and visitors are expected to cooperate fully with these arrangements.

Signed on behalf of management - Date of publication and next review will be recorded in internal company records and circulated to staff.