Hedge Trimming Putney: Health & Safety Policy for Garden Maintenance

Hedge Trimming Putney is committed to providing safe, reliable garden maintenance services that protect staff, clients and the public. This policy outlines the standards, responsibilities and practical measures we implement for all hedge cutting and trimming work across the service area. The aim is to reduce risk and ensure every job meets accepted industry safety practices.

All operatives receive induction training before attending sites, with refresher sessions at regular intervals. Training covers correct use of petrol and electric hedge trimmers, ladder safety, manual handling and use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Supervisors carry out site assessments and ensure that staff understand site-specific hazards.

Our approach to risk control begins with a formal pre-work assessment at each property in Putney and nearby neighbourhoods. That assessment identifies hazards such as unseen utilities, fragile boundaries, pedestrian routes and wildlife considerations. The assessment informs control measures, including safe access routes, cordoning off work areas and the use of appropriate tools and equipment.

Equipment maintenance is central to safety. All hedge trimmers, saws and blowers are maintained to manufacturer standards and inspected before use. Faulty tools are tagged and removed from service. Batteries and fuel are stored and transported securely to avoid leaks and fires. Where appropriate we use lower-noise, lower-emission equipment to reduce disturbance and environmental impact.

Personal protective equipment is provided to all team members and must be worn during operations. Typical PPE includes eye protection, hearing protection, cut-resistant gloves, hi-vis clothing and protective footwear. Where staff work above ground level, harnesses and fall-protection systems are used and inspected before each use.

Emergency procedures are in place for incidents such as severe injury, fire or unexpected hazards. Each team carries a first-aid kit and has access to trained first-aiders. Incidents are recorded and reviewed to prevent recurrence. Communication plans ensure that teams can quickly summon assistance and notify clients when necessary.

Traffic and public safety are paramount when working near footpaths or roads. We implement measures such as signage, cones and barriers to protect passersby. Work is scheduled to minimise pedestrian disruption, and where works could impinge on sidewalks we provide clear alternative routes.

Safe Working Practices for Hedge Cutting in Putney and Surrounding Areas

Teams follow established safe systems of work, including:

• Carrying out a site-specific risk assessment.
• Using the correct tools and guarding for the task.
• Ensuring a competent person supervises high-risk activities.
• Implementing exclusion zones when cutting is underway.

Manual handling controls are applied to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injury. Mechanical aids are used where possible and team lifts are planned for bulky or heavy sections. Staff are trained in correct lifting techniques and encouraged to report any pain or discomfort immediately.

Environmental and wildlife considerations are integrated into our work planning. We schedule operations to avoid disturbance during nesting seasons where practical, and we check hedges before trimming to minimise impact on birds and small mammals. Green waste is handled responsibly, with arisings either removed from site or chipped and returned in line with the client's wishes.

Client interaction is managed with clear site instructions. Before work begins, team members briefly explain the process, safety zones and any temporary restrictions. Clients are asked to keep children and pets clear of work areas for their safety and ours.

Incident Reporting and Continuous Improvement

All accidents, near-misses and unsafe conditions must be reported immediately. Reports are investigated and actions are recorded to improve procedures. Regular toolbox talks, site audits and performance reviews ensure our health and safety measures evolve with industry best practice.

Management responsibilities include ensuring that policies are implemented, resources allocated and training completed. Supervisors are responsible for verifying that risk assessments are current and that control measures are applied consistently across the service area.

Contractor and subcontractor control requires that any third-party workers comply with this policy. We verify competence, insurance and safety records before engaging contractors and monitor their performance while on site. Anyone failing to meet safety expectations is removed from work until concerns are resolved.

Review and legal compliance: We review this policy at regular intervals and after any significant incident. While this document is intended to be accessible and practical, it is implemented alongside statutory obligations and industry standards applicable to garden maintenance and hedge trimming, ensuring services are delivered responsibly throughout Putney and neighbouring communities.