Health and Safety Policy for Hedge Trimming Leyton

Purpose: This Health and Safety policy sets out clear expectations for anyone involved in Hedge Trimming Leyton and related garden maintenance services. It applies to all staff, contractors and operatives engaged in hedge cutting, hedge maintenance Leyton projects and general green space works within our service area. The aim is to minimise risk through planning, training and consistent use of safe systems of work. All personnel must follow this policy and report hazards immediately so corrective action can be taken.

Scope: The policy covers routine hedge cutting, informal Leyton hedge care, seasonal works, and tasks that involve pruning, trimming, removal of arisings and transport of vegetation. It addresses site assessments, personal protective equipment (PPE), equipment safety, working at height, manual handling and public safety. It also reinforces environmental precautions to protect wildlife, nesting birds and controlled waste handling during hedge operations.

Risk assessment is mandatory for every job. Before any hedge trimming in Leyton or nearby locations, supervisors must complete a documented assessment considering site layout, proximity to roads, pedestrians, overhead services, hidden obstructions and ecological constraints. The assessment will inform the method statement and safe systems of work, including traffic management, exclusion zones and the appointment of a banksman where required.

Responsibilities and Competence

Management must ensure that all workers are competent for the tasks assigned, with records of training, certifications and tool-specific instruction. Operatives performing hedge cutting must have practical training in chainsaw and powered hedge trimmer use where appropriate, plus training in manual handling and first aid. Supervisors will monitor compliance, conduct toolbox talks and enforce disciplinary measures for unsafe behaviour. Everyone has a duty to stop work where immediate danger exists and to seek guidance from supervisors.

Personal protective equipment is essential. At minimum staff must wear cut-resistant gloves, eye protection, hearing protection when using powered equipment, hi-vis clothing and appropriate footwear. For chainsaw work or elevated tasks, additional PPE such as leg protection, helmets with visors and fall arrest gear must be used in accordance with risk assessments. Inspect PPE daily and replace defective items promptly.

Equipment and machinery must be maintained to manufacturer standards with pre-use checks recorded. Powered tools require guards in place, sharp blades, correct fuel storage and regular servicing. Portable appliance testing and secure transportation of equipment to and from site must be observed. Only authorised staff should operate specialist machinery and they should carry out start-up, safe operation and shutdown procedures consistently.

Site Control, Public Safety and Environmental Protection

Traffic and pedestrian safety are priority considerations during hedge cutting services. Set up clear exclusion zones with cones, barriers and signage when working near footpaths or roads. Use a banksman to manage vehicle or plant movements. If works are likely to cause nuisance such as flying debris or excessive noise, implement mitigations like screening and schedule noisy operations for less disruptive times. Emergency access must always be maintained.

Manual handling and working at height require detailed planning. Use mechanical aids where possible, team lifts and correct posture to minimise strain. For elevated trimming, use stable platforms or harness systems in preference to ladders when practicable. Ensure all ropes, harnesses and access equipment are inspected and used by trained personnel only.

Waste and ecological controls: segregate green waste for composting or authorised disposal, store fuels safely and avoid contamination of soil and water. Check for nesting birds and protected species; where suspected, stop work and seek ecological advice. Follow pesticide and chemical guidance for any plant treatments and maintain COSHH-style records for hazardous substances used on site.

Emergency procedures and first aid must be clearly communicated. Each site must have an accessible first aid kit and a designated first aider. In case of serious incidents call emergency services and preserve evidence for investigation. Report all accidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences using the company incident reporting process so trends can be identified and corrective action implemented.

Record keeping and monitoring will include documented risk assessments, training logs, equipment maintenance records and incident reports. Management will carry out periodic audits and site inspections to ensure compliance with this policy. Regular review of the policy will reflect changes in legislation, best practice and operational lessons learned.

Enforcement and continuous improvement: non-compliance will be addressed by retraining, supervision or disciplinary action where appropriate. We encourage staff input and consultation on health and safety matters through toolbox talks and meetings. By following this policy we create a safer working environment for teams delivering professional hedge trimming in Leyton and related garden services, protecting people and the community while maintaining high standards of workmanship.

Key controls summary:

• Plan: carry out and document risk assessments for every job.
• Protect: ensure use of appropriate PPE and safe tools.
• Prevent: apply site exclusions, traffic management and environmental protections.
• Prepare: maintain training, emergency procedures and equipment records.

Policy review: This Health and Safety policy for our hedge services will be reviewed at least annually or after any significant incident, operational change or legislative update affecting hedge cutting Leyton activities. Commitment to safety is mandatory and non-negotiable for all staff and contractors.