Health and Safety Policy for Hedge Trimming Islington

Hedge Trimming Islington is committed to protecting the health, safety and welfare of all employees, contractors and members of the public affected by our hedging, garden maintenance and tree-line services. This policy sets out how our hedge care operations will be planned and delivered to minimise risk and ensure safe, professional work across our service area. The company treats safety as an integral part of every hedge cutting and hedgerow trimming task and expects staff to apply consistently high standards of risk awareness and safe working practice.

Our policy covers all aspects of hedgerow maintenance, including routine hedge maintenance Islington operations, one-off pruning and emergency pruning activities. It applies to all locations where we operate, to ensure uniform standards across the service area without relying on localised legal detail. The policy emphasises prevention, clear responsibilities and continual improvement, balancing effective garden care with active protection of workers and the public.

Everyone has a duty to work safely. Managers will ensure controls are implemented and maintained; supervisors and operatives must follow procedures, use equipment correctly and report hazards. We will provide adequate instruction, information and training so that staff delivering hedge trimming in Islington and surrounding districts are competent and confident when operating powered tools, using ladders, or working near roads and pathways. Routine briefings and job-specific risk assessments are mandatory prior to work commencement.

Risk Management and Preventive Measures

Risk assessments will be carried out for all hedging tasks to identify hazards associated with sharp tools, powered cutters, vibration, manual handling, working at height and proximity to public footways. The company will ensure suitable control measures are in place, including exclusion zones, traffic management where appropriate and clearly defined safe systems of work. Protective clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, eye protection, hearing protection and high-visibility garments are required and will be provided.

Key preventive measures include:

• Pre-start checks on machinery and tools to confirm safe condition.
• Formal risk assessment and method statements for complex or high-risk jobs.
• Use of suitable PPE and mechanical aids to reduce manual handling.
• Traffic and pedestrian management for work near highways or busy walkways.
• Clear communication systems and reporting of near-misses and hazards.

All operatives are trained in the safe use and daily maintenance of hedge trimmers, pole cutters and other specialist equipment. Licences or competence checks will be recorded where necessary. Supervisors are responsible for monitoring adherence to safe practices and intervening when an unsafe condition or behaviour is observed.

Emergency Preparedness, Monitoring and Review

We maintain clear emergency procedures to deal with incidents, injuries, fire and hazardous situations. First aid equipment will be available on site and at our mobile units; staff will be aware of local medical arrangements and reporting lines. Incidents and near misses must be reported immediately and will be investigated to identify root causes and corrective actions, helping to prevent recurrence.

Company responsibilities are supported by individual duties. Managers will ensure resources and training are allocated; employees must follow this policy and raise concerns when they arise. Key responsibilities include:

• Management: policy implementation, ensuring adequate resources and oversight.
• Supervisors: job-specific checks, on-site supervision and enforcement of safe systems of work.
• Operatives: correct use of equipment, wearing PPE and stopping work if unsafe.
• Contractors and subcontractors: must comply with the same standards and provide evidence of competence.

We operate a programme of regular inspections, audits and performance reviews to verify compliance and drive continual improvement in our hedge care services. Monitoring includes equipment logs, training records, incident trend analysis and client site reviews. Where improvements are identified, action plans will be implemented and communicated promptly to staff to maintain a safe working environment across all hedging operations.

In conclusion, this health and safety policy underpins our commitment to safe, responsible and professional hedging, hedge trimming and hedge maintenance services. It is an active document which will be reviewed periodically to reflect operational changes and lessons learned. By following these standards, Hedge Trimming Islington aims to deliver quality green-space services while protecting people and the environment.