Health and Safety Policy for Tree Cutting Service

Purpose: This policy sets out the commitment of our tree cutting service to achieve and maintain safe working conditions for all staff, contractors and the public engaged in tree work, tree removal, and arboricultural operations. The aim is to reduce risk through clear procedures, effective training and the careful management of equipment and site hazards. It applies to all tree cutting, tree trimming and related arborist activities carried out on behalf of the company.

Scope: The policy covers risk assessment, planning, personal protective equipment (PPE), machinery and tool safety, and emergency preparedness for every tree felling and tree removal service task. It clarifies roles and responsibilities for crew leaders, ground staff, climbers and operators of chainsaws, chippers and cranes, and it emphasises safe systems of work for urban and rural operations alike.

Management commitment: Senior management will provide the leadership, resources and oversight required to ensure safety standards are set and maintained. Supervisors will monitor compliance and carry out regular site inspections, while workers are expected to follow instructions and report hazards immediately. This safety policy supports a proactive safety culture and continuous improvement in our tree care and cutting operations.

Before any tree cutting operation begins a documented risk assessment will be completed by a competent person to identify potential hazards such as overhead power lines, unstable limbs, confined spaces and ground conditions. Control measures will be implemented to prevent harm. Planning must also include exclusion zones, traffic management where necessary, and safe access arrangements for climbers and equipment.

Training and competence: All operatives engaged in arborist tasks will hold appropriate qualifications and receive task-specific training, including chainsaw operations, aerial rescue, safe rigging and use of harnesses and ropes. Refresher training and toolbox talks are scheduled regularly. Only authorised personnel should carry out cutting, pruning and dismantling of trees, ensuring that competence matches task complexity.

Equipment and maintenance: Machines and hand tools used in tree work — including chainsaws, stump grinders, wood chippers, winches and cranes — will be subject to a documented inspection and maintenance regime. Defective equipment will be taken out of service immediately. PPE such as cut-resistant trousers, helmets with visors, gloves, hearing protection and high-visibility clothing is mandatory; the use of appropriate PPE is a standard condition of working on every tree felling job.

Safe systems of work include established methods for directional felling, sectional dismantling and rigging to control falling debris. When performing a tree trimming and cutting task, crews must set up and maintain exclusion zones and use tag lines, soft felling techniques and barriers to protect bystanders and property. A clear chain of command and communication protocols will be used for all operations.

Emergency procedures: An emergency plan will be in place at every site, including rescue procedures for suspension trauma and first aid for cuts, crush injuries and falls. Workers will have access to first aid kits and trained first-aiders, and emergency services will be notified according to the nature of an incident. All near-misses and accidents will be reported and investigated to prevent recurrence.

Environmental considerations: Our approach to tree care balances safety with environmental stewardship. Work methods will minimise damage to surrounding vegetation and wildlife habitats, and waste management practices will ensure responsible disposal or recycling of arisings. Noise, dust and runoff controls are applied where relevant to protect neighbours and ecosystems.

Monitoring and review: The effectiveness of the safety policy will be monitored through regular audits, site inspections and performance reviews. Safety performance indicators such as incident rates, compliance checks and corrective actions will be recorded and reviewed by management. Continuous improvement will be driven by worker feedback, audit findings and changes in industry best practice.

Roles and responsibilities: The policy assigns clear responsibilities at all levels: management for policy and resource allocation, supervisors for safe task execution, and workers for following procedures and reporting hazards. Contractors and subcontractors engaged to provide arborist services must demonstrate equivalent safety standards before commencing work.

Key control measures include:

• Pre-job risk assessment and documented method statements for complex tree removal.
• Mandatory PPE tailored to the specific tree work task.
• Competency-based training and regular refresher courses.
• Equipment inspection and maintenance programs.
• Clear communication and exclusion zones during operations.

Policy review and communication: This health and safety policy will be reviewed at least annually and updated following significant incidents, changes in practice or the introduction of new equipment. The policy will be communicated to all staff, workers and contractors via inductions, team briefings and accessible documentation so it remains current and actionable.

Commitment statement: We are committed to providing a safe working environment for everyone involved in our arborist services and tree removal work. By following this policy, we will reduce risk, protect people and property, and maintain professional standards in every operation.