Health and Safety Policy — Hedge Trimming Honor Oak

Hedge Trimming Honor Oak is committed to providing a safe working environment for all employees, contractors and the public while delivering high-quality hedge maintenance services in and around the service area. This policy outlines the principles, responsibilities and control measures that govern our work on hedgerows, boundary planting and garden screening.

Our approach to safety is preventative and pragmatic: we assess risk, apply control measures and review outcomes. The policy applies to all activities associated with hedge cutting, pruning, waste removal and associated landscaping tasks. It is designed to complement existing industry standards and best practice for gardening and grounds maintenance.

Scope and application: this statement covers routine and specialist hedge trimming in Honor Oak, including the use of powered tools, ladders, mobile elevated work platforms and hand tools. It applies during site preparation, active trimming operations and post‑work site clearance. All operatives must follow the safe systems of work described below.

Responsibilities

Management has overall responsibility for health and safety: ensuring resources, training and supervision are provided. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for implementing safe systems of work and monitoring compliance during each hedge maintenance job. Employees must follow instructions, use protective equipment and report hazards promptly.

All operatives must sign a declaration acknowledging they have read and understood the policy. Records of inductions, tool training and risk assessments are retained and reviewed. Honor Oak hedge trimming services integrates these records into job planning to ensure continuity and traceability.

Risk assessment and method statements

Before starting any task a documented risk assessment and method statement (RAMS) will be prepared for the specific site. RAMS will identify hazards such as overhead power lines, wildlife, traffic, uneven ground and hidden obstacles. Control measures include exclusion zones, safe working distances, and isolation of live services where required.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory where risks cannot be eliminated: eye and ear protection, gloves, cut-resistant clothing and safety footwear. Respiratory protection will be used for dusty tasks. All PPE items are maintained, inspected and replaced as necessary to meet safety standards for hedge maintenance operations.

Tool and equipment safety is a core operational control. Powered hedgetrimmers, chainsaws and shredders are subject to pre-start checks and daily inspections. Faulty equipment is removed from service and reported. Charging and refuelling of powered equipment follows manufacturer guidance and fuel is stored securely.

Safe work controls include but are not limited to:

• Establishing clear exclusion zones and signage for public safety.
• Using spotters or traffic management where operations occur near roads or footpaths.
• Implementing manual handling techniques to reduce musculoskeletal injury.
• Ensuring environmental protection measures for nesting birds and protected species.

Training and competence

All staff involved in hedge work receive relevant training: tool operation, first aid, working at height, and awareness of wildlife protection. Competence is assessed through practical observation and refresher training is scheduled periodically. Apprentices and new starters work under direct supervision until competent.

Incident reporting and investigation are mandatory. Any accident, near miss or unsafe condition must be recorded and investigated to identify root causes and preventive actions. Learning outcomes feed back into training and safe working procedures for future hedge maintenance Honor Oak tasks.

Monitoring and review: the policy and site procedures are reviewed at least annually and after significant incidents. Routine site audits, toolbox talks and competency checks ensure that the policy remains effective and relevant to evolving operational needs.

Environmental and legal considerations

Work scheduling takes account of seasonal constraints, wildlife protection calendars and waste disposal obligations. While this policy avoids detailed statutory commentary, the company complies with applicable environmental and health and safety requirements relevant to hedge trimming activities in the service area.

Emergency procedures: operatives are instructed in emergency response including first aid, incident escalation and securing the site. Emergency equipment is maintained and accessible at all times. A nominated first aider is present on larger jobs and portable communication devices are used where appropriate.

Commitment: Hedge Trimming Honor Oak maintains a proactive safety culture through training, supervision and continuous improvement. Employees, contractors and subcontractors are expected to support this policy and work collaboratively to preserve a safe and healthy work environment while delivering high standards of hedge trimming and landscape care across the local service area.