Health and Safety Policy for Tree Surgeons Sanderstead

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the standards expected from every member of the tree surgery team. The aim is to prevent injury, protect the public, and ensure that all tree surgeons carry out work in a controlled, competent, and safe manner. Tree work is inherently high risk, so every task must begin with careful planning, clear communication, and a strong commitment to safe practice.

The company recognises that health and safety is not an extra consideration; it is central to every operation. Whether performing pruning, dismantling, crown reduction, stump work, or site clearance, all personnel must assess the task before work begins. Risks may include falls from height, chainsaw injury, dropped branches, manual handling strain, contact with overhead hazards, and exposure to weather conditions. A consistent safety culture helps reduce these risks and supports reliable service delivery.

All employees, subcontractors, and supervisors are expected to follow this policy at all times. No work should proceed if it cannot be completed safely. If conditions change during the day, such as worsening wind, unstable ground, or unexpected hazards, operations must stop and the risk reviewed. In this way, the work of tree surgeons remains professional, controlled, and focused on preventing harm.

Every site begins with a thorough risk assessment and task-specific briefing. The team must identify hazards, decide on control measures, and confirm that the equipment selected is suitable for the job. Safe access routes, drop zones, and exclusion areas should be established before cutting starts. The presence of the public, neighbouring property, traffic, pets, or vulnerable structures must be taken into account.

Competence is essential in all tree surgery operations. Only trained and authorised staff may use chainsaws, climbing equipment, wood chippers, stump grinders, or rigging systems. Anyone working aloft must be properly trained in climbing and aerial rescue awareness. A qualified and experienced approach reduces the chance of error and supports the safe management of complex arboricultural tasks.

Protective clothing and equipment must be worn correctly and kept in good condition. This includes helmets with chin straps, eye and hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw trousers, safety boots, and hi-vis clothing where needed. Damaged PPE must be replaced immediately. The correct use of personal protective equipment is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce the severity of incidents.

Plant and machinery are to be inspected before use and maintained according to manufacturer recommendations. Chainsaws must be checked for chain tension, lubrication, brakes, and sharpness. Chippers, grinders, and other powered tools must only be used by trained operators. Safe maintenance records should be kept so that tree surgery equipment remains dependable and fit for purpose.

Manual handling also requires close attention. Logs, branches, timber, and equipment can be heavy or awkward to move. Staff should use mechanical aids where possible and avoid unnecessary lifting. Good planning, correct posture, and team lifting techniques help prevent musculoskeletal injuries. Tree surgeons should never rush handling tasks simply to save time, as this can lead to avoidable strain or accidents.

Working at height presents serious hazards, so climbing operations must follow safe systems of work. Anchor points, ropes, harnesses, and rigging gear should be checked before use. Aerial operations must be supervised appropriately, with rescue arrangements in place before any climber leaves the ground. Weather conditions, particularly high winds, rain, or ice, may affect the safety of all elevated work and must be taken seriously.

Communication is vital during all tree work. Clear hand signals, agreed commands, and radio contact where necessary help coordinate work between climbers, ground staff, and machine operators. Everyone on site must understand the plan for the day, the expected sequence of tasks, and the emergency procedure if something goes wrong. Good communication supports safe decision-making and reduces confusion during fast-moving operations.

Environmental safety is also part of the policy. Care should be taken to prevent unnecessary damage to lawns, walls, fences, underground services, nesting wildlife, and surrounding vegetation. Waste wood, sawdust, and debris should be managed so that walkways and work areas remain clear. Trees and surrounding features should be treated with respect, and the site left in a tidy, controlled condition once work is complete.

Emergency preparedness is a key requirement. First aid supplies must be available, and at least one trained first aider should be present where practical. In the event of an accident, work should stop immediately, the area should be made safe, and the emergency response procedure followed. Rapid reporting of incidents, near misses, and equipment failures helps prevent repetition and strengthens future safety practice.

Training and supervision form the foundation of this policy. New staff should receive induction training before undertaking any task, and experienced workers should continue to refresh their skills. Supervisors must monitor compliance and correct unsafe behaviour promptly. By reinforcing safe habits every day, the company ensures that all tree surgery operations are carried out to a consistently high standard.

Any person who believes a task is unsafe has the right and duty to stop work and raise the concern. No disciplinary action will be taken for refusing to proceed with work that presents an unacceptable risk. Safety takes priority over speed, cost, or convenience. This approach protects workers, clients, visitors, and the wider public.

This policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective, practical, and aligned with current industry expectations. As tree surgery methods, equipment, and work patterns change, safety measures must evolve too. A strong policy supports responsible practice, helps maintain professionalism, and ensures that tree surgeons continue to work with care, discipline, and respect for the risks involved.