Health and Safety Policy for Hedge Trimming Stoke Newington

Overview: This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitments and procedures of our gardening team for safe hedge trimming in Stoke Newington and surrounding service areas. The policy applies to all staff, contractors and visitors involved in hedge works, including routine hedge maintenance Stoke Newington, seasonal pruning and site clearance. Our objectives are to prevent injury, protect property and the environment, and ensure every job is planned and executed with safety as the primary consideration. This document supports continual improvement and risk-based decision making.

Scope and responsibilities: The policy covers site preparation, equipment selection, personal protective equipment (PPE), traffic management, and manual handling during any Stoke Newington hedge cutting operation. Managers are accountable for risk assessments and safe systems of work; operatives are responsible for following instructions, using PPE and reporting hazards. All staff will receive induction and ongoing training to maintain competence. We emphasise clear supervision and that no task is so urgent that safety can be compromised.

Risk assessment and control measures: Before any hedge cutting or repair work, a documented risk assessment will be completed to identify hazards such as falling branches, uneven ground, hidden services, overhead cables and public access. Control measures include exclusion zones, use of appropriate tools for the job, two-person operations for higher-risk tasks and daily equipment checks. The assessment will be reviewed for each site and updated where conditions change. Stoke Newington hedge trimming activities will adopt hierarchy of controls: eliminate, substitute, engineer, administrate, and PPE.

Safe Work Practices and Equipment

Equipment and maintenance: All powered and hand tools used for hedging, hedge cutting and pruning will be subject to pre-use inspection and regular maintenance by trained personnel. Records of servicing and safety checks will be maintained. Tools will be matched to the task: for dense hedges we will use professional hedge trimmers; for light shaping hand shears may be used. Operators must not use damaged equipment and will be instructed on safe starting, handling and storage procedures to prevent accidental activation or injuries.

Working methods and site management: Safe systems of work include establishing a secure working perimeter, using signage to alert the public, implementing traffic control where plant or vehicles operate, and ensuring clear escape routes. When working at height or on stepped ground, suitable access equipment and fall prevention methods will be used. Workers should avoid overreaching and maintain three points of contact when climbing. First aid provision and an emergency plan are required at every site.

Personal protective equipment: PPE is mandatory and includes gloves, eye protection, hearing protection for powered hedge trimmers, and high-visibility clothing where near roads. Footwear must be suitable for outdoor, uneven terrain. Staff will be regularly reminded about the correct use of PPE and supervisors will enforce compliance. Where weather increases risk (heavy rain, icy surfaces), work will be postponed or further controls applied.

Training, Environmental and Waste Considerations

Training and competence: All operatives engaged in hedge work will receive job-specific training covering tool use, safe cutting techniques, risk communication and emergency procedures. Training records will be kept, and periodic refresher sessions scheduled. Supervisors will assess competence on site and mentor new staff. Safety briefings are carried out at the start of each job.

Environmental protection: Waste material from hedge trimming will be managed responsibly to reduce impact on local habitats. Branches and cuttings will be removed or chipped according to client and site requirements, and green waste handled to avoid blocking footpaths or drains. Use of chemicals (e.g., herbicide for regrowth control) will follow manufacturers' instructions and environmental best practice; only trained personnel may apply treatments.

Incident reporting and review: Any accident, near miss or unsafe condition must be reported immediately and recorded. Incidents will be investigated to identify root causes and implement corrective actions. The Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated in response to legislative changes, emerging best practice or lessons learned from operations. Our aim is a proactive safety culture where hedge cutting Stoke Newington services are delivered with minimal risk to people, property and the environment.

Commitment

We are committed to continuous improvement, transparent monitoring and open communication so that every hedge maintenance task is planned, supervised and carried out to the highest safety standard. By adopting these principles and the controls described, our teams provide reliable and safe Stoke Newington hedge trimming services across our local service area.