Health and Safety Policy for Hedge Trimming Norbiton

Hedge Trimming Norbiton is committed to maintaining the highest standards of health and safety for staff, clients and members of the public when delivering garden and hedge maintenance services. This policy sets out the practical arrangements for safe operations, hazard control and continuous improvement specifically for hedge cutting and related grounds work across our service area. It applies to all employees, sub-contractors and visitors involved in hedge cutting Norbiton and associated gardening tasks.

Scope and Objectives

The scope covers routine and specialist tasks including pruning, trimming, formative shaping, removal of overgrown sections, stump work and vegetation clearance. Our objectives are to: prevent accidents, reduce occupational illness, protect property and preserve the environment while ensuring customer satisfaction. The policy supports a proactive approach to risk management and incident prevention during every hedge maintenance job we undertake in and around Norbiton.

The policy is built on a simple hierarchy of controls and regular risk assessment. Typical hazards include manual handling, falls from height, contact with power tools, flying debris, vibration, noise, exposure to hazardous plants or chemicals, and traffic risks on roadside verges. Our risk assessment process ensures hazards are identified, assessed and controlled before work begins. Controls are documented and communicated to operatives at the start of each job.

Responsibilities

Management will provide resources, equipment and training necessary to meet safety standards for Norbiton hedge services. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that safe systems of work are followed and that daily briefings and site checks occur. Each operative is required to follow safe working practices, use PPE and report hazards or near-misses promptly. Everyone has a duty to stop unsafe work and seek clarification if unsure.

All staff engaged in hedge work receive induction training and documented on-the-job instruction. Specific training covers chainsaw and power hedge trimmer use, working at height (ladders and platforms), manual handling techniques, traffic management for roadside work and first aid. Training records are maintained for auditing and refresher sessions are scheduled periodically to ensure competence across our hedge maintenance team.

Plant, equipment and protective clothing are maintained to the manufacturer's standards. Before use, operatives perform pre-start checks on machinery and tools and report defects immediately. Storage and refuelling of petrol-driven equipment follows safe practice to reduce fire and spill risks. Only authorised personnel will operate powered cutting equipment and all electrical tools are used with RCD protection where appropriate.

Safe Working Procedures

Safe hedge work practices include pre-job planning, exclusion zones, use of appropriate barriers and signage, and implementation of traffic management when required. A permit-to-work approach is used for higher risk tasks. Key elements of our working system include:

• Site assessment – confirming working space, overhead power lines and ground conditions.
• PPE – helmets, eye protection, gloves, hearing protection, chainsaw trousers where applicable and high-visibility clothing.
• Method statements – step-by-step safe methods for complex or elevated tasks.

We insist on using the right ladder or a small elevated work platform for hedge heights beyond safe arm reach and apply three-point contact procedures. When working close to live carriageways a traffic marshal plan is implemented. Vigilance and clear communication between team members are emphasised to prevent accidents involving bystanders or vehicles.

Emergency Procedures and Reporting

In the event of an accident, first aid is provided by trained personnel and emergency services are contacted if required. All incidents, injuries and near-misses are recorded and investigated to identify root causes and corrective action. We maintain clear incident reporting lines and promote a no-blame culture to encourage honest reporting and learning. Regular drills and reviews ensure preparedness and continuous improvement.

Environmental and Waste Management

Environmental protection is integral to our hedge maintenance operations. Green waste is segregated for composting or lawful disposal and fuel or chemical spills are prevented through secure storage and spill kits on-site. We minimise disturbance to wildlife by scheduling sensitive work outside breeding seasons where practicable and by following best practice for living hedgerows during trimming and shaping tasks.

Recordkeeping and monitoring are central to policy effectiveness. Job briefings, risk assessments, equipment checks, training logs and incident records are retained for audit and review. Routine inspections and periodic management reviews ensure the policy remains relevant to operational needs and the evolving risks of hedge maintenance in our area.

Policy review: This health and safety policy is reviewed at least annually or following a significant incident, change in working practice or update in equipment. By maintaining clear responsibilities, effective training and robust procedures, our aim is to deliver safe, professional and reliable hedge maintenance services across Norbiton and surrounding neighbourhoods while protecting people and the environment.