Health and Safety Policy for Hedge Trimming Seven Kings

Operative trimming a residential hedge with safety gear Purpose: This Health and Safety policy outlines the commitments and procedures that govern safe working practices for Hedge Trimming Seven Kings operations. It applies to all staff, contractors and operatives engaged in hedge cutting, hedge maintenance and garden boundary management across our service area. The policy sets clear expectations for safe behaviour, protective equipment, training and risk control measures to prevent injury and property damage during hedge care in and around residential and commercial properties.

Scope and application

This policy applies to Seven Kings hedge trimming activities including manual pruning, powered hedge cutters, chainsaws for larger works, use of ladders and mobile elevated platforms. It covers pre-job planning, site assessment, tool maintenance and waste management. All tasks must be planned to reduce hazards and to protect operatives, clients, visitors and the general public.

Supervisor conducting a site hazard assessment before hedge work

Responsibilities

Company management is responsible for policy implementation, resourcing safe systems and ensuring statutory standards are observed. Site supervisors and team leaders will carry out job-specific risk assessments and authorise work. Operatives are required to follow instructions, use personal protective equipment and report hazards or incidents immediately. Clients and property owners must be informed of planned work to help control access and reduce risks.

Risk assessment and safe systems

Each hedge trimming in Seven Kings assignment must begin with a documented risk assessment. The assessment will identify hazards such as overhead power lines, unstable ground, hidden debris, wildlife nests and pedestrian routes. Controls may include cordoning off the work area, timing works to avoid peak pedestrian periods, and assigning a lookout for traffic or passersby.

Safe systems of work for hedge maintenance Seven Kings include task-specific instructions, emergency arrangements and supervision. Work at height must follow ladder safety protocols or use appropriate elevated platforms. Where mechanical equipment is used, lock-off and isolation procedures are mandatory for maintenance and blade changes.

Operative wearing PPE and using a hedge trimmer safely

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Mandatory PPE for Seven Kings hedge trimming tasks includes, where relevant:

Cut-resistant gloves and arm protection
Eye protection (safety goggles or visor)
High-visibility clothing for roadside or public-area work
Head protection when working under branches or with chainsaws
Hearing protection for prolonged use of noisy machinery

PPE must be maintained, stored correctly and replaced when damaged. Operatives are trained in correct fitting and limitations of each item.

Training and competence

All staff engaged in hedge trimming operations must hold appropriate training and competence records. This covers safe use of powered hedge trimmers, petrol-driven equipment, chain saws and mobile elevated work platforms. Training includes practical instruction, assessment and refresher updates. Supervisors will ensure workers allocated to jobs are competent for the task.

Apprentices and new staff will work under supervision until assessed as competent. A training log will be maintained for hedge care Seven Kings personnel and reviewed regularly to ensure compliance with safe working standards.

Plant and equipment All machines and tools used for Seven Kings hedge trimming must be inspected before use and maintained to a safe standard. Pre-start checks include guards, blades, fuel systems and controls. Faulty equipment will be taken out of service immediately and reported to the supervisor.

Environmental and wildlife considerations

During hedge maintenance in Seven Kings we will take all reasonable steps to avoid harming wildlife, particularly during nesting season. Surveys and checks for nests, roosts and protected species are part of pre-work planning. Work schedules may be adjusted to comply with conservation obligations and to minimise disturbance.

Waste from hedge trimming, including cuttings and removed vegetation, will be managed responsibly. Wherever possible, arisings will be recycled on-site as mulch or removed to authorised green waste facilities. Fuel and lubricants are handled to prevent soil and water contamination.

Team responding to an on-site incident with first aid equipment

Emergency procedures and reporting

In the event of injury, fire or environmental incident, operatives must follow the emergency plan: secure the area, administer first aid within competence, call emergency services if necessary and notify the supervisor. All incidents, near misses and property damage will be recorded and investigated to prevent recurrence.

Completed neat hedge with cuttings collected for recycling

Monitoring, review and continuous improvement

This policy will be reviewed at regular intervals and after any significant incident or change in legislation. Audits and site inspections will monitor compliance with the policy and identify training or resource needs. Lessons learned will be communicated to all teams to foster a culture of safety.

Compliance and commitment

The company is committed to providing a safe working environment for all involved in Seven Kings hedge trimming and associated landscape tasks. Managers, supervisors and workers share responsibility for implementing this Health and Safety policy and for maintaining safe, professional standards of work.

Signed on behalf of the company: Management will ensure the allocation of responsibilities, adequate resources and ongoing oversight to make this policy effective. Regular briefings and documented procedures will support operatives in delivering safe, reliable and compliant hedge trimming services across our service area.