Gardener preparing to trim a hedge at the start of a job

Health & Safety Policy for Hedge Trimming Ealing

This policy describes the approach taken by our gardening service when delivering hedge trimming in Ealing and surrounding neighbourhoods. It sets out our commitment to safe working practices, risk reduction and the protection of employees, clients, members of the public and the environment while carrying out hedge maintenance. The objective is to ensure that all routine and non-routine work is carried out with a consistent focus on safety, professionalism and compliance with good industry practice.

Team assessing a hedge site and planning safe work

Scope and application

This safety statement applies to every activity involving hedge cutting, shaping, pruning and related landscape operations performed by our team. It covers on-site operations, vehicle loading/unloading, equipment maintenance and waste handling. The policy is written to be relevant for Ealing hedge trimming jobs of all sizes, whether domestic boundary hedges, communal green space or small commercial contracts. All team members and subcontractors must follow the controls and procedures described below.

Key principles and responsibilities

Operative using protective equipment while trimming a hedge The management team accepts overall responsibility for implementing and maintaining this policy. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that operatives are trained, competent and equipped. Each operative has a duty to work safely, report hazards and follow safe systems of work. Our safety principles include:

Risk assessment before each job to identify hazards and determine control measures.
Use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe tools for hedge care in Ealing.
Clear communication with the client and the public when work affects access or visibility.

Risk assessment and planning

Before any hedge trimming activity commences, a documented risk assessment will be completed. The assessment identifies mechanical, environmental and biological hazards (e.g. traffic, uneven ground, wildlife nests). Controls include exclusion zones, traffic management where necessary, use of harnesses or platforms for elevated work, and techniques to avoid damaging structures or services. Plans consider the specific requirements of the site and the chosen method for hedge maintenance Ealing projects.

Training, competence and personal protective equipment

All operatives receive training in safe hedge trimming practices, tool use and emergency response. Training is refreshed periodically and whenever new equipment or processes are introduced. Emphasis is placed on manual handling, correct posture, and awareness of public safety. Required PPE includes gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, high-visibility clothing and protective footwear. For mechanical hedge cutters, additional guards and chain-protection clothing are used. Operatives must wear PPE at all times when on site.

Equipment, maintenance and safe systems

Equipment is selected for the task and inspected before use. Petrol-driven hedge trimmers, powered shears and ladders are serviced on a scheduled basis and defects are recorded and rectified. A permit-to-work or checklist may be used for complex or elevated operations. Safe systems include ensuring blades are immobilised during transport, batteries stored safely, and that only competent operatives operate powered tools. When using ladders or platforms for hedge work, ground stability is confirmed and appropriate restraint is applied.

Green waste collection and responsible disposal after trimming

Environmental protection and wildlife considerations

When performing garden hedge trimming in the area, we take steps to minimise environmental impact. Pruning seasons are observed to avoid active bird nesting where practical; if nests are discovered, work is suspended and alternative arrangements made. Green waste is segregated and disposed of responsibly, with recycling used where available. Herbicide or chemical use is avoided unless absolutely necessary and applied by trained staff following product guidance. The protection of flora, fauna and soil stability are important elements of our site planning.

Supervisor reviewing safety checks and documentation at the end of the job

Incident reporting, monitoring and review

All incidents, near misses and unsafe conditions must be reported promptly. An investigation will determine root causes and corrective actions will be implemented. Regular site inspections and periodic audits of our hedge maintenance processes help verify compliance. This policy is reviewed at least annually or when changes to operations or legislation occur. Management will ensure records of risk assessments, training, maintenance and incident reports are maintained and available for review. Continuous improvement is the aim: changes arising from lessons learned are incorporated into practice.

Conclusion

Adherence to this health and safety policy ensures that our Ealing hedge trimming and hedge care services are delivered safely and professionally. Everyone involved in a project has responsibilities: management provides leadership and resources, supervisors ensure systems are followed, and operatives carry out work safely. By working together we protect people, property and the environment while delivering high-quality hedge maintenance services.