Hedge Trimming Victoria Health & Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitment of Hedge Trimming Victoria to protect the health, safety and welfare of employees, contractors, clients and the public when delivering hedge pruning and garden maintenance services. The purpose of the policy is to ensure that all hedge maintenance activities are planned and executed to minimise risk, comply with industry best practice, and provide a clear framework for safe work across our service area. Safety is integral to every job, and this document summarises responsibilities, procedures and expectations for everyone involved in Victoria hedge trimming operations.

The policy applies to all work undertaken by the company, including domestic and commercial hedge care, specialist shrub pruning, and general vegetation control. The scope includes pre-job risk assessment, use of powered tools and equipment, manual handling, working at heights, environmental protection and traffic management on site. Our objectives are to reduce incidents, prevent harm, and maintain a culture of continuous improvement in hedge trimming in Victoria through proactive management and employee engagement.

Risk assessment and job planning are mandatory for every task. Before any hedge trimming or hedge maintenance Victoria assignment begins, teams must conduct a site-specific hazard assessment that identifies risks such as fall hazards, electrical lines, hazardous flora, unstable ground and public access. Control measures must be applied following the hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Site boundaries should be established and, where necessary, cordons and signage placed to protect passersby.

Roles and responsibilities are clearly defined to ensure accountability and safe outcomes. The following responsibilities apply to everyone engaged in Victoria hedge trimming jobs:

• Management must provide resources, training and oversight to ensure safe systems of work are implemented.
• Supervisors are responsible for on-site risk control, tool checks and ensuring team members are competent for the task.
• Operatives must follow safe work procedures, wear required PPE, report hazards and participate in safety briefings.

Training, competency and induction form the foundation of safe operations. All staff engaged in hedge pruning Victoria activities will receive a comprehensive induction, job-specific training and periodic refreshers. Training covers equipment operation (hedge trimmers, chainsaws, pole pruners), safe use of ladders and elevated work platforms where applicable, identification of hazardous plants, first aid and emergency response. Competency assessments will be recorded and updated to ensure only qualified personnel undertake high-risk tasks.

Equipment and maintenance: Powered tools and machinery are essential to effective hedge trimming services but present significant hazards if not maintained. A pre-use checklist must be completed for all tools and machines. Regular servicing, scheduled maintenance and defect reporting systems are required to keep machinery safe and reliable. Where possible, vibration-dampening and low-noise equipment should be selected to reduce long-term occupational health risks. Lockout and tagout procedures must be used during maintenance.

Manual handling and working at heights: Many hedge trimming tasks involve repetitive movements, awkward postures and lifting. Teams must use mechanical aids, correct lifting techniques and rotate tasks to reduce musculoskeletal strain. For elevated work, appropriate fall protection, harnesses and stable access equipment are mandatory. All working at height operations will be planned and supervised by a competent person, and emergency rescue considerations must be included in the plan.

Traffic and public safety: When hedge pruning occurs near roads, footpaths or driveways, traffic management plans must be in place. This includes using high-visibility clothing, signs, cones and barriers to protect workers and the public. Communication with nearby residents and users is encouraged to reduce unexpected interactions with work zones during hedge trimming services.

Chemical use and environmental controls: Where herbicides or pesticides are required for vegetation control, they must be used sparingly and only by trained personnel in accordance with manufacturer instructions and environmental best practice. Spill kits and containment measures are to be available on-site. Waste green material should be managed responsibly: composting, recycling and safe disposal options must be followed to minimise environmental impact from our hedge care activities.

Incident reporting, first aid and emergency procedures are vital components of our safety system. All incidents, near misses and hazards must be reported immediately and investigated to identify root causes and preventive actions. First aid kits and trained first aiders will be available on jobsites. Emergency procedures, including contact points for medical services and evacuation routes, will be clearly documented and practiced so teams performing Victoria hedge trimming work can respond promptly.

Monitoring, review and continuous improvement: This policy will be reviewed regularly and after any significant event to ensure it remains effective for hedge trimming operations across our service area. Audits, toolbox talks and performance metrics will track compliance and safety performance. Employees are encouraged to contribute suggestions to improve processes. The company will maintain records of training, risk assessments, equipment maintenance and incident investigations to drive better outcomes and ensure our hedge maintenance Victoria services remain safe and reliable.

Commitment and enforcement

Hedge Trimming Victoria is committed to implementing this policy and ensuring that safety is a shared responsibility. Failure to comply with safety requirements may lead to disciplinary action, and all workers are expected to prioritise safety over productivity. Through clear leadership, proper planning and continued investment in training and equipment, we aim to deliver professional hedge pruning and maintenance with the highest standards of health and safety.

Policy review

This policy is reviewed at least annually or following significant changes in operations, technology or legislation. Managers are responsible for ensuring the policy is communicated, understood and applied consistently across all hedge trimming and garden maintenance activities.