Health & Safety Policy — Hedge Trimming Sanderstead

Hedge Trimming Sanderstead is committed to providing a safe working environment for all employees, contractors and members of the public affected by our gardening and hedge cutting operations. This policy outlines the standards, procedures and responsibilities that govern safe practice for hedge maintenance Sanderstead and related green-space services in our service area. It applies to routine hedge cutting, formative pruning, seasonal maintenance and any ancillary activities carried out on private and communal properties.

Policy Purpose and Scope

The purpose of this policy is to minimise risk, prevent injury and protect property and the environment while delivering professional hedge trimming services in Sanderstead and nearby neighbourhoods. The scope covers planning, on-site control measures, equipment use, training, incident reporting and ongoing monitoring to ensure compliance with accepted horticultural safety standards.

Key responsibilities are allocated as follows: management will provide resources, ensure competent staffing and maintain equipment; supervisors will ensure safe systems of work and toolbox briefings; operatives will follow safe working practices, wear required PPE and report hazards. A regular review cycle ensures the policy remains current and practical.

Risk Assessment and Work Planning

All jobs start with a documented risk assessment and site-specific method statement. Assessments identify hazards such as uneven ground, hidden obstructions, proximity to public footpaths, adjacent structures, wildlife and overhead utilities. Controls are selected following the hierarchy of risk controls: eliminate, substitute, engineer, administrative and PPE. Planning also considers access, vehicle positioning, traffic management and waste collection.

Common hazards associated with hedge work include cuts and lacerations, manual handling strain, noise exposure from powered tools, airborne debris and falling from height. To mitigate these we require pre-start checks, safety barriers where needed and exclusion zones to protect passers-by. Portable powered equipment is only operated from stable positions and with appropriate guarding.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Tools — operatives must wear protective gloves, eye protection, high-visibility clothing, suitable footwear and hearing protection when using noisy machinery. Chainsaw trousers or leg protection are mandatory when chainsaws are in use. Tools and machinery are inspected before use, logged for maintenance and isolated if defective. Routine servicing and prompt repairs reduce the likelihood of equipment failure on site.

Training and competence are central to safe hedge trimming operations. Staff receive induction training, task-specific instruction and refresher training for powered tools, pesticide use (if applicable) and first aid. Supervisors are trained in risk assessment and emergency procedures. Apprentices and new starters work under close supervision until assessed as competent for independent work in hedge cutting and general garden maintenance.

Working near roads or on properties bordering public access requires traffic risk assessments and the use of warning signs, cones and, where necessary, qualified traffic marshals. Vehicles are parked to protect the site and provide a safe working area, with secure storage for sharp tools and hazardous materials. Waste arising from hedge trimming is segregated and disposed of responsibly to minimise environmental impact.

Working at Height and Utilities — where pruning requires height access, operatives use suitable ladders, harnesses or mobile elevated work platforms. All height work is planned to avoid unnecessary exposure and conform to safe working load limits. Overhead lines are treated as live; approach distances are maintained and specialist contractors are engaged if work is required within a risk zone.

Emergency Response and First Aid

An emergency plan is maintained for all sites. It includes procedures for serious injury, fire, contact with hazardous plant and medical emergencies. Adequate first aid kits are available in vehicles and on larger sites a designated first aider is present. Incidents are recorded, investigated and corrective actions implemented to prevent recurrence.

Reporting and record-keeping are mandatory: near misses, hazards and accidents must be reported promptly through the company reporting system. Records of risk assessments, tool inspections, training and health surveillance are kept and reviewed regularly. This helps identify trends and informs improvements to safe working procedures for hedge maintenance teams.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

Management conducts periodic safety audits, site observations and reviews of incident data to assess the effectiveness of controls. Staff are encouraged to contribute ideas for safer working practices. The policy is reviewed at least annually, or when significant changes in operations, legislation or equipment occur, ensuring the hedge trimming service remains safe, professional and responsive to community needs.

Our commitment is to maintain high standards of occupational health and safety while delivering high-quality hedge trimming and garden care across the service area. By combining competent staff, well-maintained equipment, clear procedures and active management oversight, we aim to protect everyone involved and preserve the environment where we work. This policy is issued to all employees and is available on request to authorised stakeholders.

Signed on behalf of management — this statement represents a firm and ongoing commitment to the safety of our hedge cutting teams and the communities we serve in and around Sanderstead. Regular communication, practical training and diligent supervision underpin our approach to safe, reliable hedge maintenance.

All staff are expected to read, understand and comply with this policy. Failure to follow the procedures may result in disciplinary action and will be addressed through retraining or other remedial measures. Through collective responsibility we sustain a safer working culture for local hedge trimming and wider gardening services.