Health and Safety Policy for Hedge Trimming Surbiton

Introduction: This Health and Safety policy sets out the commitments and procedures of the hedge care and maintenance service operating as Hedge Trimming Surbiton. It is written to ensure safe working practices for staff, contractors and the public while delivering professional hedge trimming and garden maintenance services across our service area. The policy emphasises risk awareness, incident prevention, and continuous improvement in safety performance.

Scope and Purpose

The policy covers all activities related to Surbiton hedge trimming, including site assessment, equipment use, waste handling, and traffic management. Its purpose is to define responsibilities, confirm safe systems of work and provide a clear framework for training and supervision. Maintaining high safety standards protects employees, clients and neighbours and supports reliable, quality hedge cutting and upkeep.

Responsibilities

Management is responsible for implementing this policy, providing resources and ensuring that safe work procedures are followed. Supervisors must conduct pre-job briefings and confirm that operatives have relevant competence. Operatives are required to follow instructions, use personal protective equipment and report hazards. Everyone involved in hedge maintenance should act to reduce risk and stop unsafe work.

Risk assessment is central to safe hedge maintenance Surbiton operations. Before commencing work, a documented assessment will identify site-specific hazards such as buried services, slopes, public footpaths, traffic or wildlife. Control measures are recorded and implemented. Where necessary, work will be planned to avoid nesting seasons or to protect wildlife, balancing safety with environmental care.

Safe systems of work include safe access and egress, correct use of ladders, platform or aerial equipment, and exclusion zones to protect passersby. Tools and equipment must be inspected before use; electrical items used outdoors must be suitable for site conditions. Fuel handling, storage and refuelling of petrol tools are managed to minimise spill and fire risk. Maintenance of machinery is carried out according to manufacturer instructions and recorded.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory during hedge cutting tasks: eye and ear protection, cut-resistant gloves, hi-visibility clothing and appropriate footwear. Chainsaw use requires certified training and additional PPE such as chainsaw trousers and protective helmets. Staff receive instruction on proper tool handling and are encouraged to take breaks to reduce fatigue-related errors.

Traffic and pedestrian management are essential for hedge cutting in Surbiton where operations may adjoin public footways or roads. Where required, temporary signage, cones and barriers will be deployed and, for higher-risk operations, trained banksmen or traffic marshals will be present. Vehicles are parked to maintain visibility and avoid obstructing access.

Emergency Procedures

First aid provision is maintained on site with trained first-aiders available for routine work activities. Emergency procedures are in place for incidents such as severe injury, fire or dangerous animal encounters; these procedures include safe shutdown of machinery, scene protection, and rapid communication with emergency services. Incidents are recorded, investigated and reviewed to prevent recurrence.

Training, Competence and Communication

Training is provided to ensure staff competence in hedge care, Surbiton hedge care standards, and safety practices. New employees receive induction training, while experienced staff take part in refresher sessions and equipment-specific courses. Toolbox talks, safety briefings and written procedures support ongoing communication. Staff are encouraged to raise concerns and contribute to safety improvements.

Waste management and environmental protection are integrated into safe working methods. Arisings are handled to prevent trip hazards and waste is removed from site promptly and disposed of responsibly. Where appropriate, cuttings are chipped and reused. The company follows best practice to protect hedgerow biodiversity while delivering high-quality hedge cutting Surbiton services.

Monitoring and review processes include routine site inspections, safety audits and review of near-misses and accidents. Performance indicators and corrective actions are recorded and implemented to drive continual improvement. Risk assessments and the policy itself are reviewed regularly or after significant changes in operations or legislation.

By adopting these measures, the hedge maintenance team demonstrates a commitment to safe, reliable and professional work. This policy is supported by documented procedures, staff training and an open safety culture to ensure that all hedge trimming activities are carried out with care for people, property and the environment.