Hedge Cutting & Trimming Risk Assessment

Typical hazards & measures

• Vehicle movements on site (reversing) — Plan segregated pedestrian/vehicle routes; cone/sign reversing zones; use a trained banksman; avoid unnecessary reversing; position chipper/trailers to remove pinch points; ensure beacons/alarms work; restrict public access during manoeuvres.
• Operator competence and fitness for task — Verify training/assessment for handheld hedge cutters (e.g., NPTC/LANTRA) and supervise new starters. Check fitness for overhead/repetitive work and HAVS exposure; restrict solo use of long-reach tools until assessed; refresh training and tool-specific inductions.
• Noise exposure — Issue hearing protection meeting appropriate SNR for tool noise; brief workers on correct fit and duration. Rotate tasks and enforce quiet breaks to keep daily exposure within limits. Maintain machines and keep blades sharp to reduce noise; monitor exposure with periodic checks and records.
• Plant toxicity and thorns — Identify species such as yew, laurel and privet; avoid ingesting sap, wash skin promptly, and wear long sleeves and eye protection. Handle thorny or spiny species with tough gloves and forearm guards. Collect arisings carefully; keep food/drink away from work area to prevent contamination.
• Lone working and weak communications — Avoid lone trimming; if unavoidable, do a dynamic RA, set timed check-ins, provide radio/phone and man-down alarm. Share exact location/ETA and access routes. Prohibit lone work near roads, water, or at height/MEWP. Escalate if a check-in is missed.