Health and Safety Policy for Hedge Trimming Aldgate

This Health and Safety policy sets out the approach and commitments of our hedge trimming team operating throughout the local service area. We provide hedge trimming Aldgate and related garden maintenance services and aim to manage risks so that staff, clients and the public are protected. The policy applies to all personnel who carry out hedge-cutting, hedge maintenance in Aldgate and associated landscaping tasks, including contractors and temporary workers. Our goal is to deliver safe, consistent, and lawful work while maintaining strong standards of workmanship and care.

Policy Statement

We recognise our duty to maintain a safe working environment. All hedge trimming activities will be planned, risk assessed and supervised to reduce hazards. Managers and operatives must follow safe systems of work and ensure that equipment is used correctly and maintained. This policy supports safe delivery of Aldgate hedge trimming services and is reviewed regularly to reflect best practice and evolving operational needs. We commit to providing training, information and appropriate personal protective equipment to everyone involved.

Scope and Responsibilities: This policy covers manual and powered hedge-cutting, pruning, access to elevated work areas and operations near roads, footpaths and utilities. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring risk assessments are carried out; operatives must follow controls and report defects. The client or property owner should advise on site-specific hazards such as underground services or protected wildlife areas before work begins. Our teams deliver hedge trimming in Aldgate and nearby neighbourhoods with an emphasis on predictable, repeatable safety controls.

Hazard Identification: Common hazards for hedge maintenance include cuts and lacerations, slips and trips, falling from ladders, noise and vibration exposure, manual handling injuries and interaction with traffic. Working close to utilities, fencing and garden structures adds further risks. We adopt a hierarchy of controls to prioritise elimination, substitution, engineering and administrative measures before relying on personal protective equipment.

Risk Controls

Key controls include:

• Pre-start site inspection and documented risk assessment for each job.
• Use of correct tools and regularly serviced power equipment; clear exclusion zones to separate people from cutting works.
• Mandatory PPE: gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, hi-vis and stable footwear.
• Safe access measures: secure ladders, use of platforms where appropriate and avoidance of improvised working positions.
• Traffic management where hedge trimming is adjacent to roads or footways, including signage and banksman/spotter duties.
• Wildlife and environmental precautions, avoiding disturbance during nesting season and following good waste disposal practice.

Training and Competence: Staff receive induction on this policy, job-specific instruction and regular refresher sessions. Tool-specific training is provided for powered hedge trimmers, chainsaws used for any ancillary work, and powered pole pruners. Supervisors assess competence before authorising lone working or complex operations. We emphasise clear communication, permit-to-work where required and the use of method statements for high-risk tasks.

Equipment and Maintenance: Tools and machinery are inspected before use and maintained to a high standard. Faulty equipment is taken out of service until repaired. Fuel handling and storage are managed to minimise spill and fire risk. Battery systems are charged in designated safe areas and cables are protected from damage. Hedge-cutting equipment is secured during transport and while stored on-site to prevent accidental movement.

Monitoring and Incident Reporting: We keep records of risk assessments, training, toolbox talks and maintenance checks. Incidents and near-misses must be reported immediately, investigated, and actions recorded to prevent recurrence. Regular site audits and management reviews evaluate the effectiveness of controls. Our approach uses lessons learned to improve procedures and maintain a culture of continuous improvement across all hedge maintenance jobs in the service area.

Conclusion and Commitment: We are committed to a proactive approach to health and safety for all hedge maintenance Aldgate and garden trimming services. Management will provide resources required to implement this policy and seek to consult with staff on measures affecting their safety. Everyone engaged in hedge trimming, pruning and related outdoor tasks has a role to play and must follow safe working practices. This policy is reviewed periodically to ensure it remains effective and appropriate for the scale and nature of our operations.