Health and Safety Policy — Hedge Trimming Turnham Green

Policy Statement: This document sets out the health and safety policy for our hedge trimming services in and around Turnham Green. It reflects our commitment to protect the health, safety and welfare of employees, subcontractors and members of the public while delivering professional hedge trimming in Turnham Green and nearby residential and commercial areas. Safety is integral to every task we accept and forms the basis of all operational decisions.

Scope and Application: This policy applies to all activities related to Turnham Green hedge trimming, including site surveys, pruning, cutting, disposal and post-service clearance. It covers on-site personnel, tools, vehicles and ancillary tasks such as waste removal and minor landscaping connected to hedge maintenance. Everyone engaged in hedge care whether permanent staff or temporary contractors must follow these standards.

Roles and Responsibilities: Management will ensure that suitable arrangements are in place to implement this policy, including provision of training, appropriate equipment and effective supervision of all hedge trimming work. Supervisors and team leaders must carry out risk assessments and communicate safe systems of work. Employees are required to follow instructions, use provided personal protective equipment and report hazards immediately. We encourage a culture where health and safety concerns are raised without delay and addressed promptly.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Systems

Before any hedge trimming task starts we perform a formal risk assessment tailored to the specific location and scope of work. This includes identification of: overhead cables, nearby traffic, pedestrian routes, ecological constraints, and the condition of hedges. Control measures for trim hedges Turnham Green operations include safe exclusion zones, traffic management when necessary and tool-specific safeguards such as guards on shears and chains-on powered cutters.

Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment: All machinery and hand tools undergo routine inspection and maintenance. Staff are issued with and trained to use appropriate PPE such as cut-resistant gloves, eye protection, hearing protection and high-visibility clothing. For powered tools we require chainsaw protective trousers or equivalent and face protection as dictated by the manufacturer and risk assessment. Equipment that fails inspection is removed from service until repaired or replaced.

Safe Working Methods: Our standard operating procedures for hedge work emphasise three priorities: planning, control and monitoring. Teams will establish exclusion zones, use pedestrian warning signs where footpaths are affected and ensure safe storage of cuttings to avoid trip hazards. When working at height for taller hedges, we follow strict procedures for ladders and lightweight platforms and consider alternative methods to avoid unnecessary elevation. All methods are designed to minimise environmental impact and disruption while keeping workers and the public safe.

Training, Competency and Supervision

Training is a core element of our policy. Staff receive initial induction, specific task training and periodic refresher sessions covering safe hedge maintenance techniques, machine operation, first aid and emergency response. Competency checks are carried out for operators of specialized equipment and for those supervising hedge trimming services. Supervision levels are set according to task complexity and risk profile to ensure ongoing safe performance.

Environmental and Wildlife Considerations: We recognise that hedges often support wildlife. Work schedules take into account nesting seasons and local biodiversity. Where potential ecological impact is identified, we modify our methods and timing to comply with conservation responsibilities. Waste and green material are handled responsibly, and debris is cleared to avoid blocking drains, footways or habitats.

Emergency Procedures and First Aid: Each site has a nominated first aider and an emergency plan appropriate to the location. Procedures cover treatment of cuts, falls, insect bites and other likely incidents during hedge maintenance. Serious incidents are escalated to emergency services when required, and internal reporting ensures lessons are learned and controls are improved to prevent recurrence.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement: We regularly monitor compliance with this policy through site inspections, toolbox talks and incident reporting analysis. Feedback from staff about hedge safety practices is used to refine procedures and training. Formal policy reviews are carried out at scheduled intervals and whenever changes in operations, equipment or legislation dictate. This ensures our approach to Hedge Trimming Turnham Green remains current and effective.

Key Controls and Safe Work Checklist:

• Pre-work risk assessment performed and recorded
• Appropriate PPE issued and worn
• Machinery inspected and in safe condition
• Exclusion zones and signage in place
• Supervision and competency confirmed
• Environmental factors considered and protected

Commitment: We are committed to maintaining high standards for health and safety in all our hedge services. By combining clear policies, practical controls and an engaged workforce, we aim to deliver safe, reliable and responsible hedge trimming and maintenance across the Turnham Green service area. This policy is supported by management and is a condition of employment and engagement for all personnel involved in hedge work.