Health and Safety Policy — Hedge Trimming East Ham Services

Operative trimming a hedge with safety gear This Health and Safety policy sets out the commitment of our hedge trimming operations in and around East Ham to protect employees, the public and property. It applies to all hedge trimming in East Ham and associated hedge maintenance activities that our teams carry out. The policy outlines responsibilities, risk management, safe working methods and monitoring procedures that underpin safe hedge cutting East Ham services.

Scope and Objectives

We will implement a consistent approach to safety for all hedge maintenance East Ham assignments, whether domestic landscapes, communal borders or commercial premises. Our principal objectives are to prevent injury, minimise risk to third parties and avoid damage to the environment and property while delivering quality hedge cutting and trimming services.

Supervisor conducting a site risk assessment near hedgerow

Responsibility and Management

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with senior management, who must ensure that risk assessments are conducted and that controls are put in place. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day-to-day compliance and for ensuring operatives are competent. All staff engaged in East Ham hedge trimming must follow safe systems of work and report hazards promptly.

Risk assessments will be completed for every job and reviewed when conditions change. Assessments consider:

site constraints and public access,
proximity to roads, footpaths and overhead services,
plant and equipment hazards including powered cutting tools,
working at height and ladder use,
manual handling and lone working risks.

Controls will be implemented using the hierarchy of risk control: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Team wearing PPE operating powered hedgetrimmers

Safe Systems, Equipment and PPE

Only appropriately maintained and inspected tools will be used for hedge trimming projects. Powered hedgetrimmers, saws and pole-pruners are inspected before use and maintained according to manufacturers' instructions. Operatives must wear suitable PPE such as cut-resistant gloves, eye protection, hearing protection where needed, high-visibility clothing and sturdy footwear. Electrical tools will be used with RCD protection or battery powered alternatives to reduce electrocution risk.

Working at height will be avoided where reasonably practicable. Where unavoidable, work platforms, harnesses and fall-prevention measures will be used. Step ladders are used only for low-risk, short-duration tasks and must be secured and inspected. Scaffolds or mobile elevated work platforms are used when required for higher or prolonged works.

Traffic, Public Safety and Site Control

Before starting hedge cutting East Ham jobs, the work area will be assessed and segregated from the public using barriers, cones and signage as needed. Traffic management plans are implemented for sites close to roads and pavements. Children and animals must be kept clear of the work area. Team leaders will ensure bystanders are warned and safe distances observed.

Waste arising from hedge trimming is managed responsibly. Clippings and debris are cleared promptly to prevent slip hazards and are disposed of in accordance with environmental good practice. Where relevant, materials suitable for recycling will be separated and processed appropriately.

First aid kit and emergency response equipment on site Training, Competence and Supervision — All operatives receive job-specific training and are assessed as competent before undertaking unsupervised hedge maintenance tasks. Training covers tool operation, safe systems of work, first aid awareness and emergency procedures. Records of training, licenses and qualifications are kept and reviewed regularly.

Completed hedge after safe trimming and debris cleared

Incident Reporting, First Aid and Emergency Response

All incidents, near misses and accidents are reported and investigated to prevent recurrence. First aid kits suitable for outdoor gardening work are maintained in vehicles and on site. Emergency procedures include arrangements for summoning medical assistance and ensuring an incident log is kept for review.

Our policy includes regular workplace inspections and audits. Performance is monitored by management through site visits, toolbox talks and review of incident records. Findings lead to corrective actions, procedural updates and refresher training. Continuous improvement is an essential part of how we manage safety for hedge trimming services in the area.

Policy Review and Communication

This policy is reviewed at least annually or following significant change, incident or updated legislation. It is communicated to all staff, contractors and relevant third parties. Everyone engaged in hedge cutting and maintenance activities is expected to cooperate in implementing and improving these arrangements, and to take reasonable care for their own safety and that of others.

By adhering to this Health and Safety policy our hedge trimming teams demonstrate a professional commitment to safe, reliable and environmentally responsible hedge maintenance across the local service area. Compliance with this policy supports lawful, efficient operations and protects people and property while delivering high-quality hedge services.