Health and Safety Policy — Hedge Trimming Addiscombe Services

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitments of our hedge cutting and maintenance operation in and around the Addiscombe area. It focuses on safe working practices for hedge trimming in Addiscombe, risk management, and continuous improvement. The policy applies to all personnel, contractors and visitors engaged in hedge maintenance Addiscombe activity and is designed to meet statutory obligations while promoting best practice. Our objective is to ensure that every task is planned and executed so that the health, safety and welfare of everyone affected are protected.

The policy emphasises that safety is everyone’s responsibility. Managers and supervisors have a duty to ensure safe systems of work are in place, including formal risk assessments and method statements for each hedge cutting Addiscombe job. Employees must follow instructions, use issued equipment, report hazards, and attend relevant training. We maintain records of qualifications, training and competency checks to evidence that operatives tasked with Addiscombe hedge trimming are suitably skilled and supervised.

Risk assessment is central to our approach. Before any hedge cutting or hedge trimming in Addiscombe begins, a site-based assessment is completed to identify hazards such as overhead power lines, brittle or diseased vegetation, hidden structures, wildlife, pedestrian routes and vehicle movements. Control measures are then documented and implemented, including exclusion zones, appropriate signage, and safe access arrangements. All assessments are reviewed if conditions change or new information becomes available.

Safe Working Procedures and Equipment

We require the selection and maintenance of suitable tools and equipment for each job. Powered hedge trimmers, shears, pole tools and ladders used for Addiscombe hedge trimming are inspected before use and subject to periodic maintenance checks. Portable appliance testing (PAT) and service records are kept where relevant, and defective items are removed from service immediately. Where mechanical equipment is used, guards and safety features must be in place and used correctly.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided and must be worn as required. This includes eye protection, hearing protection, chaps where appropriate, gloves and high-visibility clothing. Employees are instructed on correct PPE use and storage. Appropriate footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are compulsory to reduce slips, trips and exposure risks during hedge maintenance Addiscombe tasks.

Working at height and ladder work are controlled through a permit-to-work mindset and alternative access methods are preferred. Where ladders are unavoidable, a documented ladder safety procedure must be followed and a third-party confirmed spotter used for stability when passing public areas. Mechanical access platforms are used where they offer a safer solution.

Training, Competence and Communication

Training and competency form the backbone of our safety management. All operatives undertaking Addiscombe hedge trimming receive induction training, practical competency checks and periodic refresher sessions. Supervisors receive additional training in risk assessment, first aid, and emergency response. Records of training are retained, and development needs are identified during performance reviews.

Clear communication is required on every job. Briefings are held before work starts and on-site changes are communicated immediately. We use toolbox talks and written instructions to reinforce safe methods for hedge cutting and maintenance. A hierarchy of control is applied to all hazards and workers are empowered to stop work if unsafe conditions arise.

Emergency preparedness includes access to first aid kits, trained first aiders on larger jobs, and documented procedures for incidents, injuries and near misses. Where necessary, emergency services access routes are maintained and communicated. Incidents are investigated to identify root causes and corrective actions are implemented to prevent recurrence.

Environmental protection is incorporated into our safety policy. Waste management, protection of adjacent planting and prevention of pollution from fuels or lubricants are standard controls for any hedge trimming Addiscombe operation. Wildlife and nesting birds are considered in scheduling works to comply with conservation best practice and legal protections.

Our monitoring and review process includes routine site inspections, audits and performance measurement. We set measurable safety targets, monitor incident trends and review this policy annually or after significant events. Continuous improvement is pursued through worker involvement, training updates and adoption of safer equipment or techniques.

Responsibilities are clearly defined: senior management provide resources and leadership; supervisors ensure safe systems are implemented; and employees follow established procedures and report concerns. Contractors working on behalf of the company must demonstrate equivalent safety standards before being engaged for hedge cutting in Addiscombe or related landscaping activities.

Summary of core controls (selected):

• Pre-work risk assessment and documented safe method statement for every job
• Regular equipment inspection and maintenance, with defective items removed
• Compulsory PPE and competency-based training for operatives
• Clear site communication, emergency procedures and incident reporting
• Environmental controls including waste and wildlife protection

Implementation of this Health and Safety Policy for Addiscombe hedge maintenance is mandatory. It is communicated to all staff and contractors and forms part of contract conditions for any hired service. Through these measures we aim to deliver safe, high-quality hedge maintenance and hedge cutting services while protecting people, property and the environment.

Policy review: This policy will be reviewed at least annually, and whenever there are significant changes to operations, legislation or after a major incident. The organisation remains committed to the ongoing reduction of risk and the promotion of a positive safety culture across all hedge trimming operations.