Hedge Trimming Temple Health & Safety Policy

Hedge Trimming Temple is committed to protecting the health and safety of all employees, subcontractors, clients and the public during the delivery of hedge trimming, hedge maintenance and garden care services. This policy sets out our approach to risk management, safe systems of work and continuous improvement in safety standards across our service area.

We recognise that hedge cutting services and general grounds maintenance involve significant hazards including working at height, use of powered cutting equipment, manual handling and interaction with traffic or pedestrians. The purpose of this statement is to ensure that every task is planned, supervised and carried out using safe working practices, appropriate personal protective equipment and competent staff. The safety of people and protection of property are priorities in every job we undertake.

Responsibilities and Roles

Our management team will maintain clear responsibilities for health and safety, ensuring that supervisors and operatives understand their duties. All staff engaged in hedge care and hedge cutting operations must follow instructions, report hazards without delay and observe safe systems of work. Contractors and temporary workers are expected to comply with our safety rules. We will provide training and supportive supervision to ensure competence in plant operation, ladder use and safe pruning techniques.

Risk Assessment and Safe Work Procedures

Prior to starting any job, a site-specific risk assessment will be carried out that considers terrain, proximity to roads, services and nearby structures. Control measures will be put in place, including exclusion zones, traffic management where necessary, and clear communication methods for teams. Risk assessments will be documented and reviewed regularly, especially when conditions or equipment change.

We will operate a hierarchy of controls when assessing hazards: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls and personal protective equipment. Where possible, we avoid working from unstable positions, use mechanical lifts or platforms for working at height, and choose lower-noise or lower-vibration machinery to reduce operator exposure. All machines used for hedge maintenance are inspected and maintained according to manufacturer instructions to prevent mechanical failure.

Safe work instructions for hedge trimming, hedge pruning, and shrub management are provided to employees in both written and verbal forms. Supervisors ensure that team briefings occur before each task, highlighting control measures, emergency procedures and permitted activities. Any deviation from the safe system must be stopped and reported for reassessment.

Training, Competence and Supervision

Staff competence is essential to delivering safe hedge cutting services. We provide induction training, job-specific training and refresher sessions covering safe use of chainsaws, petrol and electric hedge trimmers, powered saws, ladder safety and manual handling. Training records are maintained and competency assessments completed periodically. Supervisors are responsible for mentoring new staff and monitoring compliance with safety procedures.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is supplied and must be used as required. PPE includes helmets with face protection, eye protection, hearing protection, cut-resistant gloves, high-visibility clothing and leg protection for chainsaw operations. PPE is inspected before use and replaced when damaged. Employees are empowered to refuse unsafe work and to request alternative equipment where necessary.

Incident Reporting, Emergency Response and Review

All incidents, near misses and unsafe conditions related to hedging and garden services must be reported immediately and recorded. We maintain an emergency response plan that covers first aid, fire procedures and contact with emergency services. Where injuries occur, investigations identify root causes and corrective actions are implemented to prevent recurrence. Regular audits and management reviews ensure the policy is effective and adapted to operational changes.

Equipment, Vehicles and Environmental Controls

Vehicles and trailers used for hedge work are maintained to ensure safe transport of equipment and debris. Waste produced by hedge trimming is managed responsibly to minimise environmental impact; where possible, green waste is mulched or recycled. Fuel and hazardous substances are stored and handled in accordance with safe practice guidance, and spill kits are available on site.

We actively promote a safety culture where good practice is shared and improved. Regular toolbox talks, on-site observations and feedback loops support continual learning. Supervisors use checklists to confirm that pre-start equipment checks, exclusion zones and communication systems are in place before operations commence.

Hedge Trimming Temple will periodically review this health and safety policy to reflect operational experience, technological change and industry best practice. This policy applies across our gardening service area and underpins all hedge care and landscape maintenance activities. Commitment, competence and communication drive our approach to keeping people safe and property secure while delivering professional hedge cutting services.