Health and Safety Policy for Tree Surgeons Marylebone

This health and safety policy sets out the standards expected of our tree surgeons when carrying out arboricultural work. Our aim is to protect employees, contractors, clients, members of the public, and anyone else who may be affected by tree surgery operations. We believe that safe work practices are essential to delivering reliable, professional tree care.

All work must be planned, supervised, and completed in a way that reduces risk as far as reasonably practicable. Every tree surgeon in Marylebone is expected to understand the hazards involved in climbing, cutting, rigging, and operating machinery, and to act responsibly at all times. Safety is not treated as an extra step; it is built into every stage of the job.

We maintain a clear commitment to legal compliance, competence, and continuous improvement. This policy applies to all tasks, including crown reduction, felling, pruning, stump work, and site clearance. The principles below support a consistent approach to risk control, ensuring that each arborist works to the same high standard.

Our Core Commitments

The company will provide suitable equipment, appropriate training, and clear instruction for all staff members. Supervisors must make sure that work is only assigned to people with the correct skill level and experience. Where specialist tasks are required, additional controls will be introduced before work begins.

We require all tree surgery activities to be properly assessed before starting. This includes identifying hazards such as unstable trees, overhead services, falling timber, manual handling, weather conditions, and public access near the work area. If conditions become unsafe, the job must be paused or rescheduled.

A strong safety culture depends on communication. Team members must report defects, near misses, incidents, or concerns immediately. No one should continue work if they believe equipment is unsafe, the site is inadequately controlled, or the method of work has changed in a way that increases risk.

Risk Assessment and Planning

Before any operation begins, a site-specific risk assessment must be completed. This assessment should consider the tree species, condition, decay, proximity to buildings, traffic, pedestrians, and the possibility of falling branches or tools. Planning should also include emergency arrangements and rescue procedures where climbing or elevated work is involved.

Method statements should outline how the task will be done safely, including access routes, exclusion zones, rigging methods, and disposal of arisings. Where needed, the work area must be cordoned off and clearly marked. The objective is to prevent avoidable exposure to danger for both the crew and the public.

We expect every Marylebone tree surgeon to follow the planned method unless a supervisor authorises a change. Any significant alteration, such as unexpected structural weakness or changes in weather, must trigger a fresh review. Safety decisions should always take priority over speed or convenience.

Training, Competence, and Supervision

Only trained and competent personnel may use chainsaws, climbing systems, rigging equipment, chippers, stump grinders, or other specialist tools. Refresher training may be required when equipment changes, procedures are updated, or performance concerns are identified. Competence must be proven, not assumed.

New staff, apprentices, and less experienced workers must be supervised until they can demonstrate safe working habits. Supervisors should ensure that tasks match the worker’s capability and that proper instruction is provided before any hazardous activity begins. A cautious approach to competence helps prevent injury and equipment damage.

Managers will regularly review training needs and make sure records are kept up to date. We encourage a culture of learning where staff can ask questions, raise concerns, and challenge unsafe practices without fear of blame. The safest tree surgeons are those who continue to learn and improve.

Equipment, PPE, and Worksite Control

All tools and machinery must be inspected before use and maintained in accordance with manufacturer requirements. Defective equipment must be taken out of service immediately and reported for repair or replacement. Protective guards, brakes, lanyards, and cutting systems must never be bypassed or altered.

Appropriate personal protective equipment is mandatory. This may include helmets, eye protection, gloves, protective trousers, chainsaw boots, hearing protection, and high-visibility clothing where required. PPE must be worn correctly and kept in good condition. However, PPE is considered the final layer of protection, not the primary control.

Site control is essential when carrying out tree surgery in areas where people or vehicles may be present. Exclusion zones must be maintained, and traffic management should be used where necessary. Tools and timber must be stored safely to avoid slips, trips, and struck-by incidents.

Emergency Procedures and Incident Response

Emergency arrangements must be in place before work starts. All team members should know what to do in the event of an injury, equipment failure, tree collapse, or contact with utility services. First aid provisions must be suitable for the type of work being undertaken and the number of people on site.

In a serious incident, the area should be made safe if it can be done without further risk. Emergency services must be contacted promptly, and accurate information should be passed on. Any incident, however minor, must be reported and investigated so that lessons can be learned and future risks reduced.

This tree surgeons Marylebone policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective, current, and relevant to the work we carry out. We expect every employee and contractor to support these standards and contribute to a safe working environment. By working carefully, planning properly, and respecting the hazards of arboriculture, we protect people, property, and the quality of our service.