Operative pruning a tall hedge with hand shears

Health & Safety Policy for Hedge Trimming Colindale

Hedge Trimming Colindale operates a comprehensive health and safety policy that applies to all hedging work, including domestic and commercial hedge trimming, hedge maintenance and related grounds care activities. This policy sets out our commitment to protect employees, contractors, clients and the public from injury and ill health while delivering high-quality Colindale hedge trimming and nearby services. It is designed to be practical, clear and readily applied to on-site operations while remaining adaptable across service locations.

Scope and Objectives

The primary objectives of this policy are to: minimise risk through risk assessment and safe systems of work; ensure that equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) are fit for purpose and correctly used; provide adequate training and supervision for all personnel; and promote a culture where safety is integral to every hedge-cutting task. These aims cover every aspect of hedge cutting Colindale work from planning through completion, including site preparation, waste management and customer property protection.

Team performing safety checks on hedge trimming equipment

Responsibilities

Management – responsible for implementing this policy, providing resources, ensuring that risk assessments are carried out and that safe working procedures are established.
Supervisors – responsible for day-to-day monitoring of site practices, ensuring operatives follow procedures and that PPE and tools meet required standards.
Operatives and Contractors – responsible for following instructions, using PPE, reporting defects or incidents and maintaining awareness of hazards when performing hedge maintenance Colindale tasks.

Risk Assessment and Safe Work Procedures

Before starting any hedging services Colindale job, a written risk assessment will be completed that considers site-specific hazards: overhead and underground services, pedestrian and vehicular traffic, uneven ground, proximity to property, wildlife nesting and seasonal considerations. Control measures are prioritised using the hierarchy of controls: eliminate, substitute, engineer controls, administrative controls and PPE. Operators must not proceed until residual risks are understood and controlled.

Worker wearing PPE trimming a hedge with powered trimmer

Equipment, Tools and PPE

All cutting equipment, from handheld shears to powered hedge trimmers and pole cutters, will be inspected before use, maintained in line with manufacturer guidance and tested where appropriate. A tool register and maintenance log are kept and accessible. PPE required for most hedging jobs includes, but is not limited to: cut-resistant gloves, eye and hearing protection, high-visibility clothing, long trousers and robust footwear. For tasks involving elevated work or greater risk, harnesses, helmets and additional protection will be provided.

Training and competence are essential. Staff receive induction training that covers company safety systems, emergency procedures and specific training for powered equipment. Continued professional development and refresher training ensure operatives remain competent for hedge cutting Colindale tasks. Records of training and certifications are retained and reviewed during supervisory audits.

Incident Management and Emergency Response: all incidents, near misses and injuries must be reported immediately to a supervisor. A clear procedure for reporting is in place, ensuring that incidents are recorded, investigated and that corrective actions are implemented to prevent recurrence. First aid provision is available on-site, and designated first aiders are appointed for each project. In emergencies, work is to be stopped and emergency services contacted as required.

Waste branch chipping and responsible disposal during hedge work Environmental and Public Safety Considerations We ensure that hedging services are delivered with respect for the environment and the local community. Waste material will be removed or shredded and disposed of responsibly. Special precautions are taken during bird-nesting season and other sensitive periods to avoid harm to wildlife. When working near public footpaths and roads, we use signage, barriers and spotters where necessary to protect members of the public and reduce disruption. Noise and dust are managed through appropriate scheduling and use of lower-noise equipment where practicable.

Supervisor conducting a safety briefing before hedge maintenance Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement The policy is actively monitored through routine site inspections, toolbox talks and formal audits. Performance indicators include incident rates, near-miss reports, maintenance records and training completion. Corrective actions arising from audits or incidents are logged and tracked until resolved. This policy will be reviewed annually or more frequently if there are significant changes to operations, equipment or legislation, ensuring ongoing improvement and alignment with best practice for hedge care, including specialised hedging services Colindale operations.

Contractors and Subcontracted Work

When engaging subcontractors for hedge maintenance Colindale or related tasks, we require demonstration of equivalent health and safety standards. Contracts specify safe working requirements, insurance and evidence of competence. Subcontractor activities are coordinated to ensure that all parties understand site-specific risks and control measures prior to commencing work.

Compliance with this policy is a condition of employment and engagement. Non-compliance may result in disciplinary action or termination of subcontractor agreements. We adopt a collaborative approach to safety, encouraging staff to suggest improvements via regular safety meetings. Commitment to safety is integral to our service delivery and to maintaining professional standards in hedge trimming and hedge management across Colindale and surrounding areas.

Policy Review and Approval This health and safety policy is approved by senior management and is endorsed as the framework for safe delivery of all hedge-related services. It is communicated to all employees and available on request to relevant stakeholders. Everyone involved in hedging activities is expected to read, understand and apply the policy so that safety is embedded in every job, from small domestic hedge cutting to larger landscaping contracts.