Health and Safety Policy for Hedge Trimming Covent Garden

Purpose: This Health and Safety policy sets out the principles, responsibilities and controls that govern safe hedge trimming and garden maintenance services in and around the Covent Garden area. The objective is to protect employees, contractors, residents and visitors from harm while delivering hedge trimming in Covent Garden and related grounds care. The policy emphasises proactive risk management, continuous training and the use of appropriate equipment to maintain safe operations.

Scope: This policy applies to all team members involved in hedge cutting, shrub pruning, boundary maintenance and site preparation. It covers routine and non-routine tasks, including working at height, use of powered hedge trimmers, manual shears and debris handling. While tailored for the local service area, the policy is written to be broadly applicable and avoids detailed legal prescriptions.

Policy principles: Our approach to Covent Garden hedge trimming is founded on prevention, competence and accountability. Key principles are to: (1) eliminate or reduce hazards where reasonably practicable, (2) provide suitable training and supervision, (3) maintain equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE), and (4) ensure clear communication of risks to all site personnel.

Roles and responsibilities: Management must ensure risk assessments are carried out, controls implemented and resources allocated. Supervisors are required to enforce safe systems of work and verify that teams follow procedures. Operatives are responsible for working safely, reporting hazards and using PPE correctly. Contractors and subcontractors engaged for hedge maintenance must comply with this policy and demonstrate competence.

Training and competence: All staff involved in hedge maintenance, including apprentices and temporary labour, receive a combination of induction, on-the-job training and refresher sessions. Training covers safe use of powered hedge trimmers, manual cutting techniques, ladder safety, traffic and pedestrian management, and first aid awareness. Staff are assessed for competence and only authorised to work unsupervised when certified as competent.

Risk assessments are completed before work begins on each site. They identify hazards such as overhead utilities, hidden debris, uneven ground, vehicle access and public footpaths. Controls are documented in the method statement and include engineering, administrative and PPE measures. The following control measures are standard practice:

Control measures and safe working practices

• Site segregation: Use barriers, cones and signage to separate working zones from the public.
• Access management: Ensure safe access, maintain clear walkways and use spotters where visibility is limited.
• Equipment checks: Pre-start inspections on powered trimmers, chainsaws and ladders; defective items removed from service.
• PPE: Mandatory use of eye protection, hearing protection, cut-resistant gloves, protective footwear and hi-vis clothing.
• Manual handling: Use team lifts, mechanical aids and safe lifting techniques when handling cut material or bulky debris.
• Working at height: Use appropriate platforms, harnesses and secure ladders; avoid overreaching and ensure three-point contact.

Environmental and public considerations: Noise, debris and green waste management are controlled to minimise disruption. Branches and trimmings are contained and cleared promptly. Fuel, oils and consumables are stored responsibly to reduce environmental risk and comply with good practice for garden services.

Equipment maintenance and inspection

Maintenance schedules and documented checks ensure tools and machinery are safe. Powered hedge trimmers and petrol-driven equipment receive regular servicing by authorised technicians. Electrical equipment is PAT-tested where applicable. Records of inspections and maintenance are retained to demonstrate ongoing compliance and due diligence.

PPE and plant controls: The selection of personal protective equipment is tailored to tasks. For dense or thorny hedges, additional cut-resistant clothing may be specified. Plant risk controls include guarding of cutting teeth, use of spark arrestors on machines and secure storage of fuel. All operatives must report any PPE defects and replace items as necessary.

Emergency procedures and first aid: Sites are assessed for emergency access and evacuation routes. First aid kits suitable for fieldwork are provided and at least one trained first aider is present during operations. Incidents, near misses and injuries are reported promptly, investigated and lessons learned are communicated to prevent recurrence. Where traffic management is required a traffic plan is prepared and implemented.

Monitoring, review and continuous improvement: Health and safety performance is monitored through toolbox talks, site inspections and audits. Incident records, audit outcomes and staff feedback inform periodic reviews of this policy. The policy is revised as necessary to reflect changes in equipment, techniques and operational experience. All staff are encouraged to contribute ideas for safety improvements and to speak up when hazards are identified.