Health and Safety Policy for Hedge Trimming Crouch End

This Health and Safety policy sets out the approach taken by our hedge care teams when delivering hedge trimming in Crouch End and nearby neighbourhoods. The purpose of this policy is to protect employees, clients, visitors and the public by outlining clear responsibilities, safe working procedures and the standards expected of anyone performing shrub and hedge maintenance. Safety is a core part of every job we accept, and proactive risk management ensures reliable, professional results.

All staff working on Crouch End hedge trimming services must follow the controls in this policy. Duties include carrying out pre‑work risk assessments, using correct personal protective equipment, maintaining tools and machinery and ensuring safe traffic and pedestrian management when working near roads and footpaths. The company will provide training, supervision and any necessary health surveillance to comply with general industry standards.

Responsibilities and Organisational Roles

Management will ensure that there is a named safety lead responsible for implementing this policy and for reviewing it at regular intervals. Employees and contractors are required to: follow instructions, report hazards and incidents promptly, and contribute to maintaining a safe site. Supervisors must confirm that crews are competent before starting any Crouch End hedge maintenance task and must ensure that safe systems of work are in place.

Key elements of responsibility include:

• Carrying out site-specific risk assessments and method statements before work begins
• Ensuring plant, tools and safety equipment are inspected and fit for use
• Implementing traffic management and pedestrian exclusion zones where required
• Recording incidents and ensuring remedial actions are taken

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Before any hedge trimming or shrub management is undertaken, operatives should perform a documented risk assessment that considers site access, overhead and underground services, slopes, proximity to public areas and the presence of wildlife or nesting birds. Where necessary, work will be scheduled to avoid high-risk periods for wildlife and to comply with conservation best practice. Tasks will only proceed if the assessed risks can be controlled to an acceptable level.

Safe systems of work include the use of suitable ladders or mobile elevated work platforms when required, ensuring a competent person operates powered equipment, and enforcing exclusion zones for passersby. All electrical tools must be inspected for damage, RCD protected where appropriate and used with clear lines of sight and communication among team members.

PPE, Tools and Equipment

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory for hedge trimming operations. Required items typically include chainsaw trousers or reinforced trousers, gloves, eye protection, ear protection and high‑visibility clothing. Regular maintenance of cutting tools, spanners, shears, hedge trimmers and power equipment reduces the chance of malfunction and injuries. Only trained personnel should carry out equipment servicing and repairs.

When using gasoline or battery powered strimmers and hedge cutters, crews must follow safe refuelling and battery handling procedures, store fuels in approved containers and ensure that fuel is kept away from ignition sources. Fire extinguishers and first aid kits should be accessible on site.

Training and competence are central to delivering safe hedge trimming Crouch End operations. All operatives will receive induction training, task-specific instruction and periodic refresher training in manual handling, use of powered tools, working at height and emergency procedures. Training records are maintained for audit and review.

First aid provision will be appropriate to the size and nature of the crew. At least one person with a valid first aid qualification should be present on larger jobs. Incident reporting procedures ensure that near misses and accidents are investigated and lessons learned are shared across teams.

Environmental considerations are integrated with health and safety practices. Waste from hedge cutting is handled responsibly: arisings are cleared to avoid trip hazards, and green waste is managed in accordance with environmental policy. Where herbicides or other chemicals are in use for associated gardening tasks, COSHH assessments will be completed and safe application practices observed.

Public Safety and Traffic Management

Working in residential areas requires particular attention to public safety. Crews must set out appropriate signage, cones and cordons for Crouch End hedge care tasks that impact footways or lanes. Where necessary, a traffic management plan will be implemented following local traffic guidance so that pedestrians and road users are protected during operations.

Communication with adjacent property owners and occupants can reduce unexpected interactions while work is underway. Operatives should work considerately and communicate clearly when works may temporarily restrict access or produce noise. Noise levels and working hours will be managed to minimise disturbance while ensuring tasks are completed safely.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

This policy will be reviewed at least annually and after significant incidents or changes in work practice. Audits, toolbox talks and site inspections will be used to monitor compliance and identify opportunities for improvement. Corrective actions will be tracked until closure, and feedback from operatives will be encouraged to refine procedures.

By adhering to this Health and Safety policy for hedge trimming and related garden maintenance, our teams commit to delivering safe, professional and responsible services across the service area. Regular training, effective supervision and a culture of reporting are the foundations that keep staff, clients and the public safe while achieving high standards in hedge management and landscape care.