Health and Safety Policy for Hedge Trimming Teddington Services

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitments and procedures of our hedge maintenance team operating across the service area for Hedge Trimming Teddington and related garden care work. It is designed to protect staff, clients, visitors and members of the public while ensuring consistent, safe delivery of hedge cutting and hedge care services. The policy applies to all employees, contractors and temporary staff engaged in hedge cutting, shrub pruning and vegetation management.

We recognise that safe working practices are essential to delivering effective hedge trimming in Teddington and surrounding neighbourhoods. Our objectives include reducing risk, preventing injury and illness, and promoting a culture of safety. Responsibilities for implementation are defined below and are supported by regular training, equipment maintenance and documented risk assessments.

All work begins with a written risk assessment that identifies hazards specific to hedge work, such as working at height, the use of powered tools, proximity to roads and pedestrians, wildlife and hidden obstructions. The assessment informs method statements and safe systems of work for each job. These documents are reviewed before commencement and updated when conditions or scope change.

Line management holds overall responsibility for ensuring compliance with this policy. Supervisors will ensure each operative understands the safe method and has the right equipment. Operatives are responsible for following instructions, reporting hazards and wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times. Everyone on site must stop work and seek clarification where there is uncertainty about safety.

Training and competence are essential elements of our approach to Teddington hedge care. Staff receive induction, task-specific training and periodic refresher sessions covering the safe use of shears, powered hedge trimmers, chainsaws (where used), ladders, and mobile elevating platforms. Records of training and qualifications are maintained and reviewed during performance checks.

Equipment and tools are inspected prior to use, with defects reported and remedied before work continues. Portable electrical equipment is checked and tests recorded. Fuel storage and refuelling procedures minimise spill and fire risk. Where mechanical devices are used, guarding and anti-vibration measures are implemented to reduce operator exposure to mechanical and ergonomic hazards.

Traffic and pedestrian safety controls are put in place for work near roads, footpaths or driveways. These controls include signage, cones, temporary barriers and the use of trained banksmen where required. Parking and access are planned to avoid obstruction and reduce the potential for incidents involving vehicles and pedestrians during hedge cutting operations.

Key controls and safe practices include:

• PPE: high-visibility clothing, gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, and safety boots;
• Tool safety: locked-out and secured equipment, correct guards in place, and safe storage;
• Worksite management: cordoned zones for public protection, clear signage and safe access routes;
• Environmental care: awareness of nesting birds, protected species and seasonal considerations while performing hedge services;
• Emergency response: first aid provision, accessible communication devices and clear incident reporting procedures.

Working at height precautions apply when ladders or platforms are used during hedge cutting. Only suitable equipment is used, ladders are footed or secured, and operatives are trained in safe ascent and descent. Where the risk is higher, mechanical access or specialist contractors are engaged. Hedge cutting Teddington work that requires complex access is planned and supervised to reduce exposure to fall hazards.

Biological hazards such as stinging insects, brambles and allergic plant species are identified during risk assessment. Staff are briefed to recognise and avoid nests and to use appropriate PPE. Manual handling risks are minimised by using mechanical aids where possible, rotating tasks and applying safe lifting techniques to reduce musculoskeletal injury.

Incident reporting and investigation procedures are established to ensure prompt action after near-misses, injuries or property damage. Reports are recorded, investigated and learning is shared to prevent recurrence. Performance is monitored through workplace inspections, toolbox talks and periodic audits of safety systems related to hedge maintenance.