Health and Safety Policy for Hedge Trimming Brimsdown

Purpose: This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitment of the hedge maintenance team to manage risks associated with hedge trimming in Brimsdown and surrounding service areas. Our aim is to provide safe, reliable hedge and boundary care while protecting staff, clients, the public and the environment.

Scope: This policy covers all aspects of Brimsdown hedge trimming operations including site assessments, equipment use, transportation of materials and waste management. It applies to permanent staff, contractors and visitors working on hedgerow and garden boundary projects.

Responsibilities: Management will ensure adequate resources for safety training and supervision. Operatives will follow safe systems of work and report hazards promptly. The company safety officer will carry out regular inspections and maintain records of maintenance, training and incidents.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems

Before starting any Brimsdown hedge trimming task, a documented risk assessment will be completed. The assessment will consider access, overhead power lines, hidden obstacles, traffic management where required and the presence of wildlife or nesting birds during the season.

Controls will be implemented to reduce risk: exclusion zones, cordoning where footpaths or drives are adjacent, and clear communication between the team. Work will be planned to avoid unnecessary exposure to manual handling and vibration from hedge trimmers.

Where mechanical access is needed, the use of elevated work platforms or ladders will follow safe operation rules. Ladders are only used where appropriate and when the ground and reach allow. PPE and fall prevention measures will be in place for all elevated work.

Personal Protective Equipment and Tools

Operators will wear appropriate PPE: gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, hi-vis clothing and protective footwear. PPE is mandatory for all hedge cutting and pruning operations, and its correct use will be checked during toolbox talks.

All equipment for hedge cutting, trimming and chipping will be inspected before use. Faulty tools will be tagged and taken out of service. Routine maintenance schedules will be documented to ensure equipment reliability.

Chemicals and aerosols (if used for pest or weed control) will be handled according to manufacturer instructions and COSHH principles: safe storage, appropriate dilution, and correct disposal are required to minimise environmental impact.

Training and Competence - Staff undertaking hedge care in the Brimsdown service area will receive training on safe hedge trimming methods, machine operation, manual handling, and emergency procedures. Records of training and competence will be maintained.

New team members will receive an induction covering company safety standards and site-specific hazards. Regular refresher sessions and toolbox talks will address seasonal risks such as nesting birds, slip hazards and changes in access conditions.

Supervision levels will be matched to the task complexity and competence of operatives to ensure work is carried out safely and consistently across all hedge maintenance jobs.

Emergency Procedures - First aid provisions will be available on site. Emergencies will be reported and logged, and appropriate first aid administered while professional medical help is summoned if necessary. Operatives will be trained in basic first aid relevant to common landscaping injuries.

A clear incident reporting process ensures that near-misses and accidents lead to review and improvement of practices. Lessons learned will be integrated into future risk assessments and training plans.

Traffic and Public Safety: When working near roads or footpaths, appropriate signage, cones and, where necessary, banksmen will be used to protect the public and the workforce. Work scheduling will consider peak pedestrian and vehicle periods to reduce disruption.

Environmental Considerations: Waste green material will be handled and disposed of responsibly. Where possible, arisings will be chipping on-site for reuse as mulch. Care is taken to protect adjacent planting and wildlife habitats during trimming and clearance.

Noise and dust will be controlled through good practice: using quieter equipment, timing noisy operations considerately and maintaining equipment to reduce excessive emissions. We will avoid unnecessary disturbance to neighbours in the service area.

• Key commitments include:
• Maintaining a safe work environment
• Providing appropriate training and PPE
• Completing and reviewing risk assessments

Continuous Improvement - Safety performance will be reviewed periodically. Audits, inspections and staff feedback will inform ongoing improvements to practices and procedures for hedge trimming operations across the Brimsdown area.

Performance metrics such as incident rates, completion of training and maintenance checks will be tracked and reported internally to promote accountability and progress.

Conclusion: This policy establishes a framework for safe, professional hedge trimming and boundary management. By adhering to these principles we commit to protecting people, property and the environment while delivering high quality Brimsdown hedge care.