Health and Safety Policy ??? Hedge Trimming Operations

Purpose: This health and safety policy sets out the standards and expectations for safe hedge trimming and related hedge maintenance activities. It applies to all personnel, contractors and operatives involved in hedge cutting, pruning and general hedge care tasks. The aim is to prevent injury and damage by identifying hazards, defining responsibilities and establishing safe systems of work. Safety is a core value and this policy supports practical measures that protect people, property and the environment during trimming hedges operations.

Policy Statement

All work to trim hedgerows or perform hedge maintenance must be planned, supervised and carried out by competent staff. Managers are responsible for ensuring risk assessments are completed and that appropriate resources, personal protective equipment (PPE) and training are provided. Workers must follow safe work procedures, report hazards, and stop work if an unsafe condition arises. The organisation will promote a positive safety culture that prioritises prevention and continual improvement in hedge cutting safety.

Responsibilities and Competence: Personnel must be trained for the specific tasks they perform, whether using powered hedge trimmers, shears, loppers or saws. Supervision should verify competence and that tools are correctly selected for the task. Training topics should include:

• Hazard recognition and risk assessment for hedge trimming and shrub maintenance;
• Correct use, inspection and maintenance of cutting equipment;
• Safe use of ladders and platforms for higher hedges.

Records of training and competence checks should be maintained for auditing and review.

Risk Assessment and Control Measures

Before trimming hedges, a site-specific risk assessment must be completed to identify hazards such as steep slopes, traffic, pedestrian routes, hidden utilities, animal habitats and unstable vegetation. Controls include establishing an exclusion zone, using signage, segregating pedestrians and vehicles, and assigning a lookout when necessary. Where mechanical equipment is used, implement lock-off procedures and ensure guards are fitted. Keep a written plan that details site layout, access points and emergency exit routes.

Emergency Procedures and First Aid: An emergency plan must be in place that covers first aid for cuts and crush injuries, response to severe weather or falling branches, and procedures for contacting emergency services. First aid kits and trained first-aiders should be available. In the event of a significant incident, secure the scene, provide first aid and seek further assistance as required. All incidents, near misses and injuries must be reported and investigated to prevent recurrence.

Safe use of tools is essential for hedge cutting safety. Pre-start checks should verify blades are sharp, guards are intact and fuel or battery levels are managed safely. Manual handling risks should be reduced by using mechanical aids where possible and by team lifting heavy materials. Never work beneath unsupported branches or on unstable ground. Use appropriate PPE including cut-resistant gloves, eye protection, hearing protection and high-visibility clothing where needed.

Environmental and ecological considerations form part of responsible hedge management. Schedule major trimming to avoid sensitive nesting seasons where possible and check for evidence of wildlife before starting work. Clean up clippings to prevent trip hazards and to reduce fire risk during dry conditions. Waste arising from hedge trimming should be disposed of or recycled in accordance with good practice, and mulched material should be stored safely away from access routes.

Equipment Maintenance and Inspection: Regular maintenance of trimmers, saws and power tools reduces the risk of failure. Implement a documented maintenance regime that includes pre-use inspections, scheduled servicing and prompt repair of defects. Batteries and fuel should be handled and stored safely. Maintain an inventory of equipment and inspection records to demonstrate compliance with the policy and to support ongoing hedge care operations.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement: Safety performance should be monitored through site inspections, toolbox talks and review of incident records. Policies and procedures must be reviewed periodically or after significant changes to work methods, equipment or following an incident. Encourage open reporting, involve staff in safety improvements and update training to reflect lessons learned. A formal review schedule supports continual improvement in trimming hedges safety outcomes.