Health and Safety Policy — Hedge Trimming Willesden

This Health and Safety policy sets out the approach, responsibilities and safe working procedures for Hedge Trimming Willesden and related hedge care operations. It applies to all team members, contractors and anyone engaged in hedge maintenance, pruning and vegetation management under our operational control. The purpose is to protect employees, visitors, third parties and property by ensuring that hedge trimming activities are carried out safely, consistently and in compliance with applicable health and safety principles.

Scope and application

The policy covers routine and seasonal hedge trimming, transplanting, stump and root pruning, and any associated works such as waste handling, transport of green waste and use of powered equipment. It applies to hedge trimming in Willesden and nearby service areas where the company operates, whether on private or communal grounds. All operations will be planned and executed to minimise risk, including consideration of public access, site-specific hazards and environmental sensitivities.

Responsibilities

The following roles and responsibilities are established to maintain safe hedge services in the area:

• Management: Develop and maintain the health and safety policy, ensure risk assessments are completed, provide training, and allocate sufficient resources.
• Supervisors: Ensure work is carried out according to method statements, conduct site briefings and oversee the safe use of equipment.
• Operatives: Follow safe systems of work, use personal protective equipment (PPE), report hazards and attend required training.

Contractors and sub‑contractors are required to comply with this policy and demonstrate equivalent safety arrangements prior to commencement.

Risk assessment and safe systems of work

All hedge trimming and landscape maintenance tasks will be subject to a documented risk assessment and a site-specific method statement. Risk assessments will identify hazards such as working at height, contact with overhead utilities, manual handling, use of powered hedgetrimmers and chainsaws, biological risks (e.g., insects, brambles), and proximity to public footpaths or roads. Mitigation measures will include:

• Site control measures (signage, barriers, traffic management where required)
• Safe equipment selection and pre-use checks
• Appropriate PPE (cut-resistant gloves, eye protection, high-visibility clothing, hearing protection)
• Clear emergency procedures and first-aid provision

Method statements will be prepared for higher-risk tasks and retained with the project records.

Training and competence

Personnel performing hedge trimming must be trained and competent for the tasks assigned. Training arrangements include induction, job-specific training on machinery (e.g., petrol and electric hedgetrimmers, pole saws), manual handling, and working at height where applicable. Refresher training will be provided, and qualifications or certificates will be verified for those operating specialist equipment. A programme of supervised work will ensure new staff gain experience under guidance.

Equipment and maintenance

All tools and machinery used for hedge maintenance will be maintained to manufacturer standards and inspected before use. Defective equipment will be withdrawn from service and recorded. Fuel storage, charging of batteries and safe handling of cutting tools will follow secure procedures to prevent fire risks and accidental activation. Use of Willesden hedge services vehicles for equipment transport will comply with load security and vehicle maintenance schedules.

Incident reporting and emergency response

Any incident, near miss or injury occurring during hedge trimming activities must be reported immediately to a supervisor and recorded in the incident log. Investigations will identify root causes and corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Emergency response provisions include site-specific first-aid arrangements, contact procedures for emergency services and processes for safe evacuation where necessary. Records will be retained and reviewed as part of continuous improvement.

Environmental and wildlife considerations

The company recognises the importance of protecting biodiversity during hedge works. Work will be scheduled to avoid active bird nesting seasons where reasonably practicable, and any signs of protected species will trigger a pause and consultation with an ecologist. Waste management practices will prioritise recycling of green waste and minimise disturbance to habitats while delivering professional Willesden hedge maintenance.

Monitoring, review and continuous improvement

This policy will be monitored through regular site inspections, toolbox talks and audits. Performance indicators include training completion rates, number of incidents, and results of equipment inspections. The policy and supporting procedures will be reviewed annually or after a material change in legislation, operational practice or following a significant incident. All staff are encouraged to contribute suggestions for safer, more efficient working methods.

Compliance and legal framework

Our operations aim to follow recognised health and safety best practice standards and applicable statutory duties relevant to hedge trimming and grounds maintenance. While this policy does not list specific laws, compliance with the general duties to ensure safe systems of work, competent personnel and suitable equipment is expected at all times. Failure to adhere to this policy may result in disciplinary action or suspension of site access for contractors.

Implementation of this Health and Safety policy is mandatory. By maintaining robust procedures, proper supervision and ongoing training we commit to delivering safe, professional and reliable hedge care across our service area. This document is retained as part of our operational records and is available to management and staff for reference.