Health and Safety Policy for Hedge Trimming Chiswick

This Health and Safety Policy sets out safe working standards for Hedge Trimming Chiswick and related landscape services. It applies to all staff, contractors and associates working on hedge cutting and hedge maintenance Chiswick-wide, and describes responsibilities, risk management and the safety controls we maintain. Our objective is to protect people, property and the environment while delivering consistent, professional hedge care. The policy supports everyday decisions on site, informs training, and underpins supervision and auditing activities.

We recognise that trimming hedges in Chiswick and nearby neighbourhoods involves hazards that must be managed: working at height, use of powered tools, manual handling, traffic interaction and ecological considerations. This policy emphasises prevention and control measures that reduce risks to an acceptable level. All operatives are required to follow safe systems of work, report hazards immediately and participate in routine safety briefings. Compliance is mandatory for everyone authorised to perform garden pruning, hedge cutting and maintenance.

Risk assessment and planning are integral to every job. Before starting any Chiswick hedge trimming task, a documented assessment must identify hazards, evaluate risks and specify control measures. Assessments will cover site layout, public access, underground services, overhead lines, wildlife and the state of the hedgerow. Where risks cannot be controlled by standard measures, additional precautions or cancelled work may be necessary. The assessment records are maintained to support continuous improvement and to provide evidence of safe planning.

Equipment safety underpins our hedge trimming service. Powered shears, petrol hedge trimmers, chain saws and ladders are inspected before use and maintained by qualified technicians. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided and includes eye protection, gloves, hearing protection, high-visibility clothing and appropriate footwear. Specialists undertaking arboricultural tasks will use harnesses and certified fall-arrest systems when required. Only competent personnel may operate machinery and carry out maintenance tasks.

Training and competence are central to safe outcomes. Staff receive induction training on our safety policy, tool handling, emergency procedures and environmental care. Ongoing training covers safe use of petrol and battery equipment, ladder safety, traffic management for verge works and first aid. Training records are kept for all team members and refreshed at regular intervals. Supervision and mentoring ensure practitioners retain required skills for Chiswick hedge trimming operations of varying complexity.

Traffic and public safety measures are implemented for any works affecting pavements, roads or communal spaces. Where necessary we install temporary barriers, cones and signage to protect the public and workers during hedge cutting in Chiswick. A competent person oversees traffic control arrangements and ensures signage meets adequate visibility standards. Public engagement is encouraged to avoid accidental entry into work areas and to reduce nuisance disturbance to neighbours.

Environmental protection is embedded in our policy. We schedule works to avoid sensitive periods for nesting birds and take care to preserve native plants where possible. Waste management processes aim to reduce on-site debris, segregate green waste for composting, and prevent pollution of drains and soil. Chemical use is minimised; when herbicides or preservatives are necessary, certified products are applied by trained operatives following manufacturer instructions and environmental guidance across Chiswick and adjacent areas.

Emergency planning and incident reporting are straightforward and accessible. First aid kits are carried on site and selected staff are trained as first aid responders. In the event of an incident, the operative must secure the area, deliver immediate assistance, notify supervision and complete an incident form. Investigations identify root causes and corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Records of accidents, near-misses and remedial measures are reviewed periodically to strengthen our safe working culture.

Monitoring, review and continual improvement ensure the policy remains effective. Routine inspections, safety audits and feedback from operatives inform updates to procedures and training. Senior management conducts periodic reviews of performance metrics and compliance trends, and adjusts resourcing or practices where necessary. Everyone has a role in maintaining safety: staff must follow procedures, report concerns and suggest improvements; supervisors must ensure compliance; management must provide resources and leadership.