Health and Safety Policy for Hedge Trimming Gunnersbury

Hedge Trimming Gunnersbury and associated garden maintenance services are committed to delivering safe, reliable work while protecting staff, clients, and the public. This policy sets out our approach to risk management, training, equipment control and emergency response for hedge and shrub works. It applies to all employees, sub-contractors and operatives who carry out hedge cutting, pruning and general garden maintenance as part of our Gunnersbury service area.

Policy statement and objectives

We aim to maintain the highest standards of health and safety for hedge trimming in Gunnersbury. Our objectives include:

• Eliminating foreseeable hazards through planning and assessment.
• Ensuring competent personnel are deployed for all jobs.
• Providing suitable equipment and protective clothing at all times.
• Communicating responsibilities clearly and promoting continuous improvement.

Risk assessment and pre-work checks

Before any hedge work begins our team carries out a documented risk assessment tailored to the specific site. The assessment covers electrical sources, overhead lines, public footpaths, access limitations, wildlife considerations and potential manual handling hazards. Where risks cannot be eliminated they will be controlled by safe systems of work, including cordoning, signage and, where appropriate, traffic management for roadside hedges.

Safe systems of work

Gunnersbury hedge maintenance uses method statements for routine and non-routine activities. These statements outline step-by-step controls, required personnel, PPE and communication methods. Specific measures include pre-start briefings, permit-to-work where necessary, and exclusion zones during powered hedge cutting. The approach ensures consistency of practice across domestic and commercial sites.

Training, competence and supervision

All operatives are trained in the safe use of tools and machines used for hedge trimming and shrub care. Training covers chainsaw use where applicable, powered hedge trimmers, pole pruners and manual tools. New staff receive induction training and probationary supervision. Competency is assessed regularly, and refresher training is scheduled to maintain standards and to introduce changes in legislation or equipment.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) and tools

We supply and require the use of appropriate PPE for hedge cutting Gunnersbury tasks: safety helmets, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw trousers where necessary, and high-visibility clothing. Tools are inspected before use and maintained under a formal maintenance regime. Defective equipment is removed from service until repaired or replaced.

Working near utilities and wildlife protection

Working in garden environments can involve risks from underground and overhead services. Before starting, operatives will identify and respect utility locations. We follow good practice to protect nesting birds and other wildlife by checking for active nests and complying with seasonal restrictions where they apply. Where specialist advice is required, work is paused until guidance is obtained.

Incident reporting and emergency response

All incidents, near misses and injuries are reported, recorded and investigated to prevent recurrence. First aid equipment and qualified first aiders are available on site. Emergency procedures are in place for major incidents, including rapid access to medical services and clear communication channels. We maintain an accident book and conduct routine reviews of any incident to learn and apply corrective actions.

Monitoring, audit and continuous improvement

Our Gunnersbury hedge trimming policy is monitored through routine site inspections, supervisor checks and periodic audits. Performance indicators include absence of reportable incidents, completion of required training, and timely maintenance of equipment. Findings are used to update risk assessments, method statements and training plans to ensure ongoing compliance and improvement.

Responsibilities and communication

Responsibility for health and safety rests with management, supervisors and every operative carrying out hedge and garden works. Management will provide resources, supervise compliance, and ensure legislative and best-practice standards are observed. Operatives are required to follow the health and safety procedures, wear PPE, and report unsafe conditions. Communication is maintained via toolbox talks, written instructions and digital records to ensure everyone understands expectations.

Contractors and client sites

When working as contractors on client sites we align our risk controls with the client’s site rules, while retaining responsibility for our methods. Contractors are vetted for competence and insurance. Our policy also emphasises environmental sensitivity, minimising waste, and responsible disposal of arisings from hedge maintenance to protect local amenity and biodiversity.

Policy review

This health and safety policy for hedge services is reviewed at least annually and whenever significant changes occur in operations, personnel or applicable regulations. Reviews ensure the policy remains appropriate for hedge management and landscaping activities across our service area and supports a culture of safety, responsibility and professionalism.