Health and Safety Policy for Tree Surgeons Boundsgreen

Our tree surgery health and safety policy is designed to protect workers, clients, visitors, and the public during all operations. As tree surgeons, we recognise that arboricultural work involves significant hazards, including working at height, handling sharp tools, managing heavy timber, and operating near power lines or traffic. For this reason, every task is planned with a clear focus on prevention, control, and continual improvement. Safety is not treated as an optional extra; it is built into the way we work from start to finish.

Before any job begins, a suitable and sufficient risk assessment is completed. This includes identifying site-specific hazards, checking access and ground conditions, and deciding whether additional controls are needed. Tree surgery safety depends on careful preparation, so our teams review the condition of the tree, surrounding structures, weather conditions, and the likely movement of branches or sections during cutting. Where necessary, work is delayed or adapted if conditions create unacceptable risk.

All arborist personnel are expected to follow safe systems of work and to use equipment correctly at all times. Personal protective equipment is mandatory and may include helmets with chin straps, eye protection, hearing protection, chainsaw trousers, protective gloves, and safety boots. Equipment is inspected before use, maintained in good working order, and removed from service immediately if a defect is found. Well-maintained tools reduce risk and improve control, which is vital in all forms of tree maintenance.

Working at height is one of the most serious risks in tree surgery. Wherever possible, we use methods that reduce exposure, such as safe work positioning, appropriate climbing systems, and suitable lowering techniques. Anchor points, ropes, harnesses, and climbing accessories are selected and checked by trained staff. No one is permitted to improvise with fall protection or access equipment. If a task cannot be completed safely from the tree, we reassess the method rather than increasing danger.

Chainsaw use is controlled through training, supervision, and strict adherence to operational procedures. Operators must be competent and must never use a saw while tired, distracted, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The area beneath the work zone is kept clear, and exclusion zones are established to protect others from falling debris. When sectional dismantling or pruning is carried out, communication between team members is maintained using agreed signals and clear verbal instructions.

Manual handling is another important part of our tree care policy. Timber, branches, chip, and equipment can all cause strain or injury if lifted incorrectly. We aim to reduce heavy lifting through mechanical assistance, team lifting, and efficient site organisation. Loads are assessed before movement, routes are kept clear, and workers are encouraged to report any discomfort early. Preventing musculoskeletal injury supports long-term wellbeing and safer performance on every site.

Environmental and public safety also form a key part of our approach. Our arboricultural services are planned so that bystanders, property, vehicles, and nearby utilities are protected from foreseeable harm. Barriers, signage, and controlled access are used where needed. Traffic management is implemented when work affects roads, driveways, or pedestrian routes. We also consider noise, dust, and waste handling to minimise disruption and maintain an orderly work area.

Emergency readiness is essential in tree surgery because conditions can change quickly. Each team is briefed on emergency procedures, including how to respond to an injury, equipment failure, or unstable tree movement. First aid supplies are available, and at least one competent first aider is present where required. Rescue planning is especially important in climbing operations, and every team understands the need for rapid but calm action if a worker becomes suspended or incapacitated.

Training and supervision underpin our health and safety standards. New staff receive induction in safe working practices, site conduct, and equipment care. Refresher training is provided to support ongoing competence in areas such as climbing, chainsaw handling, aerial rescue, and hazard awareness. Good supervision helps reinforce safe habits and ensures that work methods remain consistent with current best practice. All incidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions are recorded, reviewed, and used to improve future performance.

We expect every person involved in tree surgery operations to take responsibility for safety. This includes following instructions, using the right protective equipment, reporting defects, and stopping work if conditions become unsafe. Fatigue, poor visibility, severe weather, or unexpected site changes can all increase risk, so work may be paused until controls are restored. Professional judgement and caution are essential in a high-risk environment where small mistakes can have serious consequences.

Contractors and subcontractors working on our behalf must meet the same standards. They are required to provide evidence of competence, maintain suitable insurance, and operate in line with our procedures. We expect a shared commitment to safe behaviour, careful planning, and respect for the working environment. This approach ensures that tree surgeons operate to a consistent standard regardless of project size or complexity.

This policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective, practical, and aligned with current industry expectations. As tree surgery specialists, we understand that safe practice protects people, property, and the quality of our work. By combining planning, training, supervision, and equipment care, we maintain a strong safety culture across all tree operations. Every task is approached with the same principle: do the work safely, or do not do it at all.