Health and Safety Policy — Hedge Trimming Neasden

Purpose and scope

This policy sets out the commitment of our gardening team to maintain a safe work environment for hedge trimming and related landscape services across our service area. It applies to all operatives, subcontractors and visitors engaged in hedge trimming Neasden and neighbouring locations, and covers routine hedge maintenance, one-off hedge cutting, and associated site work. The aim is to reduce risk, protect health, and ensure consistent safe practice when undertaking hedge care.

Policy statement

We recognise a legal and moral duty to provide a safe system of work. Our Neasden hedge trimming services will be planned, resourced and delivered so that hazards are identified, risks are reduced to as low as reasonably practicable, and controls remain in place throughout the job. All staff are required to follow the procedures set out here and to cooperate with monitoring and review activities.

Responsibilities

Management: Management will provide leadership and allocate resources for training, equipment and supervision. They will ensure risk assessments and method statements are current for each hedge maintenance or hedge cutting in Neasden project.

Operatives and supervisors: Operatives must work safely, wear issued PPE, and report defects or hazards immediately. Supervisors will check competence, verify site-specific arrangements, and ensure clear communication with property owners or site staff without sharing private contact details.

Risk assessment and planning

Before any hedge work, a documented risk assessment will identify hazards such as overhead services, unstable ground, wildlife, pesticides, public access, and manual handling risks when lifting heavy cuttings. A safe system of work will include traffic management, exclusion zones and restrictions on working at height where necessary for hedge care Neasden projects.

Training and competence

All personnel undertaking hedge trimming, hedge cutting or hedgerow maintenance must hold appropriate training certificates or demonstrate competence. Training topics include safe use of powered hedge trimmers, petrol tools, ladders and mobile elevated work platforms, first aid, and manual handling. Regular refresher training and toolbox talks ensure teams remain up to date with best practice.

Equipment and maintenance— Tools and machinery must be suitable for the task and inspected before use. Defective equipment will be removed from service and tagged. Fueling of petrol-powered hedge trimmers is conducted in designated areas, with spill kits available. Electrical equipment will be used with portable RCD protection when appropriate for outdoor grounds work.

PPE and safe workwear

Personal protective equipment is mandatory during hedge maintenance operations. Typical PPE includes cut-resistant gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, chainsaw or cutter-resistant trousers where applicable, high-visibility clothing and safety boots. Wearing PPE is a condition of mobile and site work for all hedge care staff.

Environmental and wildlife considerations

Our hedgerow work recognises environmental responsibilities. Surveys prior to work will identify nesting birds, protected species and sensitive habitats. Where wildlife is present, work will be scheduled to avoid disturbance and comply with conservation best practice. Waste vegetation will be disposed of responsibly or mulched on site where appropriate.

Public safety and site control

When working where public access is possible, we will implement barriers, signage and traffic controls to protect passers-by. Exclusion zones will be enforced during active cutting, and a competent person will oversee pedestrian and vehicle management. This duty is integral to providing safe hedge trimming services across our operating area.

Emergency procedures

Clear emergency arrangements are in place: first aid equipment is carried on site and at least one trained first aider is present for higher-risk tasks. Emergency contact details for relevant local services are kept with supervisors; however, no customer contact or website details are included in this policy. All incidents, near misses and injuries are recorded and investigated to prevent recurrence.

Monitoring, review and continuous improvement

We will regularly audit operations, conduct site inspections and review accident records to measure compliance and effectiveness. The policy, risk assessments and method statements will be reviewed at least annually or following significant change, accident, or near miss. Staff feedback and incident learning contribute to continuous improvement in hedge trimming practices.

Communication and behaviour

All members of staff are encouraged to raise safety concerns without fear of reprisal. Clear lines of responsibility and reporting ensure that safety issues are escalated and resolved promptly. Supervisors will hold routine briefings to communicate job-specific risks and controls for each hedging task.

Conclusion — This Health and Safety Policy underpins safe delivery of hedge trimming in Neasden and surrounding areas. Our commitment to training, equipment maintenance, environmental care, and proactive risk management ensures high standards of safety for clients, staff and the public. By following the measures laid out here, the organisation guarantees that hedge maintenance Neasden activities are performed with competence, care and accountability.