Health and Safety Policy — Hedge Trimming Seven Sisters
This document sets out the Health and Safety Policy for Hedge Trimming Seven Sisters and related hedge maintenance services provided across our gardening service area. The purpose of this policy is to define clear standards of safe working for our staff, contractors, clients and visitors and to explain how risks are assessed, controlled and reviewed. The policy applies to all operations associated with hedge cutting, pruning, shaping and clearance whether carried out on private gardens, communal grounds or commercial sites, and it is intended to guide day-to-day practice for our Seven Sisters hedge trimming teams.
Our organisation accepts responsibility for ensuring that work on hedges is carried out in a manner that protects health and safety. Key responsibilities are allocated as follows: the management team will maintain and review this policy; supervisors will ensure safe systems of work are implemented; and operatives will follow safe working methods, use appropriate equipment and report hazards. All staff receive induction information which highlights safe behaviour, safe use of tools and the importance of hazard reporting. Visitors and clients are asked to follow instructions issued by our crew to maintain safety on site.
Before commencing any hedge trimming or shrub maintenance job, a written risk assessment will be completed and communicated to the team. This assessment will consider specific site hazards and control measures including the following factors:
- Presence of overhead services and buried services;
- Proximity to roads, pavements, play areas and public access;
- Wildlife, nesting birds and protected species considerations;
- Ground conditions, slopes and access/egress routes;
- Condition of hedges and presence of invasive species or contaminated material.
Safe Systems, Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment
All hedge trimming activities will be supported by documented safe systems of work that set out task sequences, exclusion zones and emergency arrangements. Hedge maintenance Seven Sisters crews will use appropriate implements including powered hedge-cutters, secateurs, shears, powered saws and hand tools which are regularly inspected and maintained. Faulty or damaged tools are removed from service and repairs carried out by authorised personnel. Equipment checks are recorded and retained for audit purposes.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory where risks cannot be fully removed. The minimum PPE for hedge trimming operations includes eye protection, hearing protection where powered tools are in use, cut-resistant gloves, leg protection where appropriate (such as chainsaw trousers for powered saw use), high-visibility clothing when working near roads and sturdy footwear. The policy requires that PPE provided is suitable, in good condition and worn correctly; training is given on correct selection and use.
Safe working practices include maintaining a clear exclusion zone around operating machinery, using tools in accordance with manufacturers' instructions, ensuring stable footing, and employing correct manual handling techniques when lifting debris. Traffic management measures are employed when work is close to highways; these may include signage, cones and a lookout or traffic marshal. Hot works and petrol handling are controlled and fuel stored in approved containers away from ignition sources.
Training, Incident Management and Continuous Improvement
All operatives involved in hedge cutting receive training appropriate to their role. Training covers safe operation of powered tools, chainsaw awareness for team members, first aid basics, manual handling and environmental awareness, including bird nesting season precautions. Competence is assessed periodically and refresher training is provided where performance or equipment changes indicate a need. Teams engaged in larger or specialised hedge works are assigned supervisors with demonstrable competence in horticultural safety.
In the event of an accident or near miss, the priority is to secure first aid and, if necessary, summon emergency services. Every incident is recorded in our incident log, investigated to identify root causes, and followed by corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Reporting includes details of the event, injured persons, witness statements and remedial steps. We maintain a culture of open reporting so that learning feeds back into training and risk control measures.
This policy also covers environmental safeguards that form part of safe hedge care practices. Waste cuttings are managed to minimise impact, chemicals (if used) are handled by qualified personnel and used only where necessary, and special measures are taken to protect wildlife and nesting seasons. Our approach to client sites is collaborative: we advise on safe access, request removal of obstructions where possible and explain any necessary temporary closures of footpaths for safety. The policy emphasises that safety and environmental protection go hand in hand.
Monitoring and review of the Health and Safety Policy for hedge trimming in Seven Sisters is an ongoing management responsibility. Performance is monitored through toolbox talks, site inspections and audit of records including risk assessments, equipment checks and incident reports. The policy will be reviewed at least annually or following significant change, incident or introduction of new equipment or techniques. Any updates will be communicated to all staff and contractors.
The company expects all staff and contractors to cooperate with this policy and to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work. Non-compliance may result in disciplinary action where appropriate. By embedding these standards into every job, the Seven Sisters hedge trimming and garden maintenance teams aim to deliver safe, reliable and professional services across our service area.
Signed on behalf of the organisation, this policy is supported by operational procedures and competency records and is available to relevant parties on request. Through training, communication, monitoring and continuous improvement, our objective remains the same: to carry out hedge trimming and landscape maintenance work without harm to people or the environment.