Health and Safety Policy for Hedge Trimming Hatch End

This Health and Safety Policy describes the standards and procedures for safe hedge services across our service area. Our commitment covers all aspects of Hedge Trimming Hatch End operations, including hedge cutting, pruning, and general hedge maintenance in Hatch End and nearby neighbourhoods. The purpose of this policy is to minimise risk to staff, clients, visitors and the public while delivering professional hedge maintenance and garden hedge services. We apply clear responsibilities, documented controls and ongoing training to ensure everyone works to the same safety expectations.

Risk Assessment and Planning

Before any hedge trimming task begins the site is surveyed and a formal risk assessment completed. Risk assessments for hedge cutting in Hatch End identify hazards such as falling branches, slipping on cuttings, nearby power lines, and public access. Controls are established to eliminate or reduce risks, such as exclusion zones, correct ladder use, and mechanical cutter guards. All jobs are planned with safety in mind and require a signed assessment that outlines who is responsible for each control and how it will be implemented.

Staff assigned to hedge trimming in the Hatch End area receive induction training and regular updates. Training covers safe use of powered hedge trimmers, hand tools, ladders and powered pole pruners, plus manual handling techniques and traffic management when working near roads. Training records are maintained and competence is reassessed periodically to ensure the highest standards of safety and workmanship.

Equipment, Maintenance and Personal Protective Equipment

All equipment used for Hatch End hedge cutting is subject to routine maintenance and inspection. This includes service schedules for petrol and electric hedge trimmers, chainsaw maintenance when necessary, and routine checks of power leads and battery systems. Faulty equipment is removed from service immediately and only used once repaired and retested. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is mandatory for all operatives and includes protective gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, chainsaw trousers where relevant, and high-visibility clothing. Supervisors enforce PPE use and supply replacements as needed.

Site organisation is a cornerstone of safe hedge maintenance Hatch End activity. Work zones are cordoned off with signage and barriers where required, and public access routes are protected to prevent contact with falling debris. Vehicles are parked to maximise visibility and reduce obstruction. Tool storage and secure disposal of trimmings are managed to prevent trip hazards and to maintain tidy, professional working areas.

Environmental controls are in place to protect flora and fauna when delivering local hedge services. Consideration is given to nesting seasons and protected species; if nesting birds or other sensitive wildlife are identified, work is rescheduled or adapted to prevent disturbance. Waste management procedures ensure green waste is collected, composted or disposed of responsibly in accordance with local environmental guidance.

Emergency preparedness and first aid are integrated into every job. On-site first aid kits and trained first aiders are provided for all hedge trimming jobs in Hatch End and surrounding locations. Emergency procedures include clear steps for incident reporting, arrangements for emergency services access, and an internal reporting system for near misses and accidents. All incidents are investigated to identify root causes and prevent recurrence, with lessons learned communicated across the team.

Operational controls for hedge trimming services include a permit-to-work approach for higher risk tasks, safe ladder protocols and the use of appropriate lift equipment for elevated work. When working close to roads we implement traffic management plans and marshal pedestrian routes. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring all control measures are in place before work starts and for conducting toolbox talks to reinforce the specific risks of the job.

Monitoring, review and continuous improvement are essential. Regular site audits, vehicle and equipment inspections, and reviews of training records are conducted to measure compliance with this policy. We encourage employees to report hazards and propose improvements. This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if there is a significant change in operations, equipment or legislation affecting hedge care and trimming. By maintaining robust safety systems we provide reliable, safe and professional hedge trimming and pruning services across the Hatch End area and neighbouring communities.