Health and Safety Policy for Tree Surgeons Mitcham

Our health and safety policy sets out the standards expected from every tree surgeon in Mitcham when carrying out arboricultural work. Tree care can involve chainsaws, climbing systems, heavy timber, stump grinders, wood chippers and work at height, so safety must remain central at every stage. This policy applies to all employees, contractors and supervisors involved in tree surgery operations, from planning and site setup to completion and cleanup. We are committed to reducing risk, protecting the public and making sure every task is completed in a controlled, professional way.

The aim of this policy is to prevent injury, illness and property damage through good planning, clear communication and safe working methods. All tree surgery services must be assessed before work begins, with consideration given to weather conditions, ground stability, nearby structures, overhead lines, traffic, pedestrians and the condition of the tree itself. No task should proceed unless the workforce has the right tools, training and supervision to do the job safely. Every operative has a duty to work carefully and to stop work if conditions become unsafe.

We recognise that arborist safety depends on more than personal caution; it also relies on thorough preparation and teamwork. Before any job starts, a competent person will complete a site-specific risk assessment and identify hazards such as decay, unstable limbs, falling debris and restricted access. Where necessary, work areas will be cordoned off and signage used to keep unauthorised people away. Public safety is especially important on busy streets, near schools and close to properties, where tree work may create additional exposure to risk.

Safe Systems of Work

Safe systems of work must be followed for all operations, including pruning, crown reduction, dismantling, felling, stump removal and emergency callouts. Equipment must be inspected before use, maintained regularly and used only by trained operatives. Chainsaws, harnesses, lowering devices and rigging gear should be checked for defects and removed from service if damaged. Tree surgeon safety also requires correct manual handling techniques, especially when moving branches, timber or machinery across uneven ground.

Where climbing is required, only experienced personnel with suitable training may carry out aerial work. A climber must always use approved fall protection and secure anchor points, and rescue arrangements must be in place before work begins. Communication between climber and ground crew must remain clear at all times, particularly during rigging or dismantling operations. A controlled approach reduces the likelihood of dropped objects, equipment failure and strain injuries.

Environmental conditions can affect risk levels significantly. Wind, rain, frost, lightning and poor visibility may make tree surgery unsafe, especially when working at height or using cutting tools. If the weather changes in a way that increases danger, work should pause until a safe decision is made. We also take care to protect surrounding gardens, driveways, lawns and wildlife habitat, using appropriate methods to minimise unnecessary disturbance while maintaining professional tree surgery safety.

Training, PPE and Competence

All staff must receive suitable induction and ongoing training relevant to their duties. This includes the safe use of chainsaws, rescue awareness, lifting techniques, first aid, hazard recognition and emergency procedures. Competence must be verified before anyone is allowed to work independently. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that each person understands the hazards involved and follows the correct procedures throughout the day.

Personal protective equipment is mandatory and must be worn as required for the task. Standard PPE may include helmets, eye protection, ear defenders, gloves, chainsaw trousers, protective boots and high-visibility clothing. PPE must be kept in good condition, stored properly and replaced when worn or damaged. Although protective gear is important, it does not replace safe behaviour, good planning or proper supervision. A strong safety culture depends on both equipment and discipline.

Housekeeping is another essential part of our safety commitment. Sites should be kept tidy to reduce trip hazards, improve movement and make emergency access easier. Tools must be secured, debris managed and waste processed in an orderly way. When operating machinery such as stump grinders or chippers, operatives must follow manufacturer instructions and maintain a safe distance from moving parts. Only authorised workers may approach active machinery, and all guards and safety devices must remain in place.

Emergency Response and Reporting

Despite careful planning, incidents can still occur. For that reason, emergency procedures must be understood by all staff. A first aid kit and trained first aider should be available where required, and arrangements must be in place for prompt assistance in the event of an injury. If a serious incident happens, work must stop immediately, the area secured and the emergency response activated. Clear records should be kept of accidents, near misses, equipment defects and unsafe conditions so that lessons can be learned and improvements made.

Near-miss reporting is encouraged because it helps prevent future harm. Even when no injury occurs, situations such as falling branches, equipment slippage or unexpected tree movement can reveal weaknesses in planning or control measures. Reporting these events supports continuous improvement and strengthens the overall safety management system. Arboricultural health and safety is an ongoing responsibility, not a one-time task, and everyone has a part to play in keeping standards high.

This policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective and current. Updates may be made following changes in work practices, equipment, training needs or incident investigations. We expect every member of the team to follow this policy, respect the risks of the trade and work with care and professionalism at all times. By maintaining clear standards and a shared commitment to safety, our tree surgeons can deliver reliable work while protecting people, property and the environment.