Health and Safety Policy — Hedge Trimming Woolwich

Policy statement: This document sets out the health and safety policy for Hedge Trimming Woolwich and associated hedge maintenance activities across the service area. Our aim is to deliver safe, reliable hedge care in Woolwich and nearby neighbourhoods while protecting employees, clients, and the public. The company recognises that safe working is integral to quality gardening operations and commits to adequate resources, training and supervision to reduce risk. All staff must follow this policy and contribute to a safe working culture.

Scope and objectives

The policy applies to all Woolwich hedge trimming jobs, from domestic boundary hedges to small-scale commercial maintenance. Objectives include: preventing accidents, minimising occupational ill health, ensuring legal compliance, and promoting continuous improvement. Tasks covered include cutting, shaping, pruning, site set-up, removal and disposal of green waste, and storage and use of equipment and chemicals.

Responsibilities: Management will ensure suitable risk assessments, provide training and personal protective equipment (PPE), and maintain plant and tools. Supervisors must enforce safe systems of work and monitor performance. Operatives are responsible for following instructions, wearing required PPE and reporting hazards or incidents promptly. Contractors engaged for hedge trimming services Woolwich are expected to meet or exceed this policy.

Risk assessment and planning

All hedging work must be planned and preceded by a written or documented risk assessment. Assessments will consider site access, underground services, overhead power lines, proximity to roads and footpaths, presence of pedestrians, nesting birds, and the condition of the hedge. Method statements should detail safe sequences of work, required controls, exclusion zones and emergency arrangements.

Tools, machinery and PPE: Only company-approved equipment may be used for hedge cutting. Items include hand shears, powered hedge trimmers, pole saws and chipper-shredders. Tools shall be inspected daily and serviced regularly. Operatives must wear appropriate PPE: cut-resistant gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, hi-visibility clothing and steel-toe boots. PPE is mandatory and any defects must be reported immediately.

Training and competence: Employees will receive induction training, task-specific instruction and refresher training as required. Competency checks will be recorded for hedge maintenance in Woolwich, including safe use of machinery, ladder and platform safety, and manual handling techniques. Supervision will be proportional to task risk and worker experience.

Traffic and public safety: When working near roads or footpaths, teams will implement pedestrian and traffic controls to protect the public. This may include signage, cones, temporary barriers and the use of a trained banksman. Work will be scheduled to minimise disruption and undertaken so that cuttings cannot create slip hazards. Waste deposition on the highway is prohibited unless removed promptly.

Environmental and ecological considerations: The policy recognises the importance of wildlife protection. Surveys for nesting birds will be carried out during the breeding season and work adjusted accordingly. Use of herbicides or plant protection products will be controlled, with only trained staff authorised to apply chemicals. Green waste will be handled to reduce fly-tipping risk and composted or disposed of through authorised channels.

Emergency procedures and incident reporting: First aid provisions will be available on site appropriate to the activity and number of staff. All incidents, near-misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported and recorded. Managers will investigate incidents to identify root causes and implement corrective actions. Emergency contact protocols and access arrangements are maintained in site documentation.

Working at height and access equipment: When trimming tall hedges, safe work at height measures apply. Ladders should be used only for short duration tasks with proper support and fall prevention measures. Where appropriate, mobile elevated work platforms should be used by competent, trained operators. Maintenance of access equipment is part of our inspection regime.

Health and wellbeing: The company promotes safe manual handling, hydration and appropriate rest breaks during hot weather. Staff are encouraged to report fatigue or health concerns that could affect safe performance. Occupational health support and adjustments for medical conditions will be considered to safeguard employees during operations.

Monitoring, review and continual improvement: This policy will be reviewed regularly and updated following changes in operations, equipment or incidents. Routine site audits, toolbox talks and worker feedback will support continual improvement. Records of training, inspections and risk assessments will be maintained to demonstrate compliance and drive ongoing safety performance for hedge care Woolwich projects.

Commitment: The company is committed to providing a safe working environment for all involved in hedge trimming and landscape maintenance. By following these procedures, using appropriate equipment and sustaining a culture of safety, we aim to reduce harm and protect the communities we serve. This policy is supported by management and applies to everyone engaged in hedge trimming Woolwich operations.

Signed on behalf of the company: (Management) — Policy effective from the date of issue and subject to periodic review to reflect best practice and operational changes.

Note: This health and safety policy is a company statement of intent and does not replace specific on-site risk assessments or task briefings. All staff must comply with the measures set out here in combination with day-to-day safe systems of work when performing hedge trimming services in the Woolwich area.