Health and Safety Policy for Tree Surgeons Bermondsey

This health and safety policy sets out the standards, responsibilities, and working practices expected from our tree surgeons in Bermondsey. Our commitment is to protect workers, clients, the public, and property during every stage of tree work. Tree surgery is a high-risk activity, so all operations must be planned carefully, supervised appropriately, and carried out with a strong focus on prevention.

We aim to maintain a safe working environment by identifying hazards early, reducing risk through controls, and promoting a culture where safety is treated as a core value. Every member of the team is expected to act responsibly, use equipment correctly, and report any unsafe condition without delay. Prevention, preparation, and communication are essential to every task.

This policy applies to all tree surgery activities, including pruning, felling, crown reduction, stump removal, site clearance, and the use of mechanical tools and climbing systems. It also covers temporary work areas, traffic management, manual handling, and working at height. The same standards apply whether the work is routine maintenance or a more complex arboricultural operation.

Core Safety Principles

All tree surgeons must follow a structured approach before work begins. This includes site inspection, risk assessment, equipment checks, and the identification of hazards such as unstable trees, overhead utilities, falling branches, uneven ground, wildlife activity, and adverse weather. No task should begin until the team understands the risks and the controls required.

Wherever possible, work should be designed to reduce exposure to danger. This may include restricting access to the work zone, using suitable barriers and signage, selecting the right machinery, and assigning only competent personnel to specialist tasks. We expect all operations to be planned so that the safest method is preferred over the fastest one.

Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that procedures are followed and that staff remain alert throughout the job. If conditions change, work must stop and the risk assessment reviewed. Safety takes priority over speed, convenience, or cost, and no employee is permitted to continue work when they believe conditions are unsafe.

Personal protective equipment is mandatory and must be suitable for the task being completed. Depending on the job, this may include helmets with chin straps, eye and face protection, gloves, hearing protection, high-visibility clothing, chainsaw-resistant trousers, and safety boots. PPE must be worn correctly, kept in good condition, and replaced when damaged or worn.

Equipment, Tools, and Working at Height

All tools and machinery used by our tree surgeons Bermondsey team must be inspected before use and maintained according to manufacturer instructions. Chainsaws, polesaws, climbing systems, lowering devices, chippers, and other powered equipment must only be operated by trained and authorised personnel. Faulty equipment must be removed from service immediately.

Working at height is one of the most significant risks in arboriculture. Climbers must use approved techniques, secure anchor points, and compatible fall protection systems. Ladders should only be used when appropriate and never as a substitute for safer access methods. Rigging, cutting, and descent procedures must be controlled to avoid sudden movement, dropped objects, or instability.

Manual handling is another important concern, particularly when lifting timber, moving waste, or handling tools. Team members should use safe lifting methods, seek assistance for heavy or awkward loads, and plan routes to avoid slips, trips, and strain injuries. Good housekeeping must be maintained so that ropes, offcuts, and debris do not create unnecessary hazards.

Weather conditions must be assessed before and during work. High winds, heavy rain, ice, lightning, and poor visibility can make tree surgery unsafe. If weather increases risk to an unacceptable level, work must be paused or postponed. The team should also consider ground conditions, especially where surfaces are slippery, soft, or uneven.

Emergency preparedness is a vital part of this policy. All workers must know the emergency plan for the site, including first aid arrangements, rescue procedures, and how to summon assistance. At least one competent person should be able to respond quickly in the event of an injury, entrapment, equipment failure, or falling object incident.

Responsibilities and Safe Conduct

Managers and supervisors must ensure that employees receive suitable induction, task-specific instruction, and ongoing monitoring. Workers are expected to follow safe systems of work, use equipment properly, and avoid taking shortcuts. Anyone who is not confident in a procedure must ask for clarification before proceeding.

Members of the public and nearby property must be protected through clear site boundaries and controlled access. When operations take place near roads, paths, gardens, or buildings, additional precautions may be required to manage falling material, noise, dust, and vehicle movement. This is especially important where trees are large, unstable, or close to vulnerable areas.

We also maintain a zero-tolerance approach to working under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that may impair judgement or coordination. Fatigue, stress, and illness can also affect safe performance, so staff should report any condition that may compromise safety. Open communication supports better decisions and fewer incidents.

Accidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions must be reported and recorded so that corrective action can be taken. Investigations will focus on learning and prevention rather than blame, with the aim of improving procedures and reducing repeat risk. Regular reviews of this policy help ensure that it remains effective and relevant to the work being carried out.

This policy reflects our commitment to safe, professional, and responsible arboricultural work. By following these standards, our tree surgery team can carry out work efficiently while protecting people, property, and the environment. Every task must be approached with care, discipline, and respect for the hazards involved.

All employees, contractors, and supervisors are expected to understand and comply with this policy at all times. Safety is not an optional extra; it is part of the quality of the service we provide and the standard by which all work will be judged.