Health and Safety Policy for Hedge Trimming Canary Wharf Operations

Purpose: This health and safety policy sets out how our hedge trimming Canary Wharf and surrounding area teams manage risks to protect staff, clients, and the public. It applies to all routine hedge maintenance, pruning, and related gardening works. Our aim is to maintain a safe working environment while delivering professional hedge care and trimming services.

The policy emphasises training, risk assessment and adherence to safe systems of work. Every operative receives induction and ongoing competency checks for operating power tools, working at height and manual handling. Employees must understand and follow safe procedures, report hazards promptly and participate in safety briefings.

Scope: This document covers site set-up, machinery and hand-tool use, environmental controls, public protection and emergency response during hedge trimming in Canary Wharf and nearby districts. It includes procedures for traffic management when roadside hedges are trimmed and requirements for working on elevated platforms and ladders.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Before work starts a written risk assessment is completed for each job. Assessments identify hazards such as falling branches, trip hazards, hidden fences, wildlife nesting and overhead utilities. Control measures include exclusion zones, spotters, and protective barriers. Only authorised personnel follow the documented safe system of work for each task.

Safe systems include pre-use tool checks, locking-off ignition for machinery during adjustments, and clear communication between team members. PPE standards are mandatory: chainsaw trousers, cut-resistant gloves, safety helmets with visors, high-visibility jackets and hearing protection where appropriate. Supervisors enforce PPE use and sign off daily safety checks.

Operational Controls and Equipment

Equipment is selected based on hedge type and site constraints. Petrol and electric hedge trimmers, pole pruners and lightweight shredders are serviced on a scheduled basis. Battery-powered tools are used where noise and emissions must be minimised. Machines are inspected before use and defects recorded. When mechanical lifting is required, trained operators use secure platforms and edge protection.

Working at height controls follow a hierarchy: avoid working from ladders where possible; use mobile elevated work platforms or scaffolding for sustained access. Where ladders are the only option, steps include risk assessment, three-point contact rule, secure footing and a competent ground-based assistant. All elevated work is planned and supervised.

Traffic and public safety measures are implemented when jobs are near pedestrian routes or carriageways. These measures include signage, cones, temporary footpath diversion and the use of trained banksmen to manage vehicle access. Waste arisings are removed promptly or placed in secure skips to prevent public trips and environmental contamination.

Emergency Response and First Aid — First aid kits suitable for arboricultural injuries are available on-site and at least one team member is trained in first aid. Emergency procedures cover serious cuts, eye injuries, crush incidents and major bleeding. Teams carry mobile phones or radios with clear instructions for emergency services access and rendezvous points.

Environmental and Wildlife Considerations: We take care to minimise disturbance to local ecology. Work avoids peak nesting season where possible and includes checks for nests and protected species. Waste disposal follows best practice to reduce emissions and prevent soil contamination. Where herbicide use is necessary, only qualified staff apply approved products following label guidance.

Training and competency remain central: employees complete refresher courses in tool safety, manual handling, hazard awareness and species protection. Toolbox talks are held weekly and records maintained. Management conducts periodic audits to ensure procedures are followed and to drive continuous improvement in our Canary Wharf hedge maintenance operations.

Responsibilities and Review: Management is responsible for policy implementation, resource allocation and legal compliance. Staff are responsible for following instructions, reporting incidents and participating in training. The policy is reviewed annually or after any significant incident to ensure it remains effective and aligned with evolving best practice for hedge trimming services in the area.