Health and Safety Policy — Hedge Trimming Camden

Purpose: This document sets out the health and safety policy for our hedge trimming work across the service area. It explains the responsibilities, safe working practices and risk management measures we apply when carrying out hedge trimming in Camden and surrounding neighbourhoods. The policy is intended to be practical, proportionate and focused on protecting workers, clients and the public while delivering high-quality hedge maintenance and landscaping services.

We recognise that Camden hedge trimming and related gardening activities involve inherent hazards including use of powered tools, working at height, handling green waste and traffic interaction. Our approach is to eliminate risks where possible, reduce unavoidable hazards and ensure safe systems of work. All employees and contractors are required to follow this policy and the procedures that support it.

Scope and application: This policy applies to all staff, subcontractors and visitors involved in hedge care Camden operations. It covers site assessment, equipment selection and maintenance, personal protective equipment, emergency procedures and safe disposal of cuttings. The policy also applies when working on private gardens, communal areas and managed green spaces within the service region.

Responsibilities

Management has overall responsibility for health and safety and must ensure resources are available to implement safe systems of work. Supervisors must carry out site-specific risk assessments before commencing hedge trimming services Camden tasks and ensure teams are briefed on control measures. Employees are responsible for following instructions, reporting hazards and using protective equipment correctly.

Key duties include:

• Risk assessment: conduct a written or documented assessment to identify hazards and mitigation measures;
• Training: maintain competency through training in tool use, manual handling and working at height;
• Equipment: ensure tools and machinery are maintained and inspected before use;
• PPE: provide and use appropriate protective gear such as eye protection, gloves, hearing protection and cut-resistant clothing;
• Emergency planning: establish first aid, incident reporting and escalation procedures.

We emphasise that clear communication and supervision are essential. Toolbox talks and pre-start checks form part of daily routine to maintain safe operations for all hedge cutting Camden assignments.

Safe working practices: Before any hedge trimming task we identify site-specific hazards such as overhead services, proximity to roads, pedestrian routes and wildlife considerations. Tools are selected to match the job — from hand shears for delicate shaping to petrol or battery-powered hedge trimmers for heavy growth — and are inspected for defects. Where work is near traffic, we implement traffic management controls and high-visibility clothing.

Manual handling is a major consideration when moving ladders, timber, waste or equipment. Teams use appropriate lifting techniques, mechanical aids and team lifts where necessary. When working at height, ladders are used only where safe; where there is a significant risk we use access platforms or other engineered solutions. All access equipment is checked and used in line with manufacturer guidance.

Wildlife and environmental protection are incorporated into our safe systems of work. We take steps to avoid harm to nesting birds and follow appropriate timing and inspection procedures during the bird nesting season. Green waste is managed responsibly and recycled where possible to minimise environmental impact from our hedge maintenance Camden operations.

Incident management and reporting: All incidents, including near misses, must be reported promptly. We maintain an incident log and undertake investigations to identify root causes and prevent recurrence. First aid provision and emergency contact procedures are maintained for every site. Lessons learned are communicated to the wider team and included in training reviews to strengthen safety performance.

Monitoring and review: Health and safety performance is reviewed regularly through inspections, audits and staff feedback. We set measurable objectives and targets to improve safety on every hedge care project. Internal audits and periodic policy reviews ensure the approach remains current and effective for the evolving nature of gardening and hedging work across the service area.

Training and competence: Employees receive induction training and ongoing instruction tailored to their role. Training covers tool operation, battery and fuel safety, manual handling, working at height, environmental awareness and first aid. Competence is checked and recorded, with refresher courses scheduled to maintain high standards across all hedge trimming services in the Camden region and adjacent locations.

Compliance and continuous improvement: Our safety policy reflects good practice and industry standards, applied consistently to both domestic and commercial hedge trimming assignments. We encourage proactive hazard reporting and foster a culture where safety is integral to quality workmanship. Regular updates to procedures and investment in safer equipment support ongoing improvement.

Policy communication: The policy is available to all staff and contractors, who are required to acknowledge their understanding. Risk assessments, permits where relevant and method statements accompany higher-risk tasks. Supervisors will ensure that all personnel understand their roles and responsibilities before work begins.

Conclusion: This health and safety policy underpins our commitment to safe, reliable and professional hedge trimming and hedge management services. By following the measures outlined here, we aim to protect people, property and the environment while delivering efficient hedge maintenance Camden clients expect. Safety is everyone's responsibility.