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Hedge Laying Risk Assessment — Generated Instantly for £29
Describe your hedge laying project — location, tools, team size, hedge type and any site-specific hazards. We generate a fully written, UK-compliant hedge laying risk assessment covering sharp tools, manual handling, weather conditions and all relevant legislation in minutes.
Used by farmers, hedgelayers, conservation contractors and countryside volunteers across the UK
🌿 Working near roads, overhead cables or on steep banks? Mention it — we will include traffic management, electrical safety distances and slope working controls required under UK health and safety law and common law duty of care.
Legal requirements for hedge laying
Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, Regulation 3 requires every employer and self-employed person to make a suitable and sufficient assessment of risks to workers and others affected by the work. Hedge laying involves the use of sharp hand tools, repetitive cutting motions, manual handling of heavy timber and working outdoors in all weathers — all of which must be risk assessed.
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 places a general duty on employers and self-employed persons to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of employees and others who may be affected by the work. For hedge laying this includes passers-by, neighbouring landowners and members of the public using nearby footpaths or roads.
If hedge laying is carried out near roads or highways, the Highways Act 1980 and the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 may apply, requiring appropriate signage, barriers and traffic management. If working near overhead or underground services, the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require safe working distances and liaison with the Distribution Network Operator (DNO).
A written risk assessment is the foundation of safe hedge laying practice and is expected by landowners, conservation bodies, Natural England, local authorities and insurers.
How it works
1. Describe the hedge laying work
Tell us the hedge type, location, tools being used (billhook, slasher, chainsaw), team size, proximity to roads or public areas and any site-specific hazards such as steep slopes, ditches or overhead cables. If you are working alone, mention it and we will include appropriate controls.
2. Let the app take the strain
Anyrisks produces a fully written, UK-compliant hedge laying risk assessment covering all relevant hazards and referencing the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and other applicable legislation.
3. Instant download and use
Download as PDF and Word. Hand it to the landowner, submit it with your insurance or grant application, or file it for your own records. £29, no subscription.
What it covers
Every hedge laying risk assessment is written in full — covering all tools, techniques and site hazards relevant to your project.
Sharp hand tools — billhooks, slashers, axes, hand saws
Chainsaw use — PPE, maintenance, competence and certification
Repetitive strain injury from cutting and bending
Manual handling of heavy stems, stakes and binders
Working in cold, wet and windy winter weather
Slips, trips and falls on uneven, muddy or frozen ground
Working on slopes, banks and alongside ditches
Proximity to roads — traffic management and hi-vis requirements
Overhead power lines — safe working distances and DNO liaison
Underground services — cable avoidance tools and utility checks
Lone working in remote rural locations
Supervision of volunteers or trainee hedgelayers
First aid provision and emergency access to remote sites
Public liability — pedestrians, livestock and neighbouring land
Works for
From traditional farmland hedgerows to conservation projects and training events, Anyrisks covers every type of hedge laying work.
What customers say
"I needed a risk assessment for a Countryside Stewardship hedge restoration project. Anyrisks covered everything — chainsaw use, manual handling, working near the road. Natural England accepted it without question."
Tom W.
Farm contractor, Shropshire
"We run volunteer hedge laying days. Anyrisks gave us a proper risk assessment covering supervision, tool safety and first aid. The insurance company and landowner were both happy with it."
Rachel P.
Conservation group coordinator, Herefordshire
"I lay hedges as a side job in winter. The assessment covered lone working, cold weather and working on steep banks. It took two minutes and I use it for every job now."
Mike D.
Self-employed hedgelayer, Gloucestershire
Anyrisks vs DIY templates
| Anyrisks | DIY / Templates | |
|---|---|---|
| Written in full — not a blank form | ✓ | ✗ |
| Covers traditional hedge laying tools and techniques | ✓ | ✗ |
| Chainsaw, billhook and hand tool safety included | ✓ | ✗ |
| Traffic management and roadside working controls | ✓ | ✗ |
| Lone working and emergency response procedures | ✓ | ✗ |
| Volunteer supervision and public liability measures | ✓ | ✗ |
| Ready in under 2 minutes | ✓ | ✗ |
| Instant PDF and Word download | ✓ | Sometimes |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a risk assessment for hedge laying as a contractor or volunteer?
Yes. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, anyone organising or supervising hedge laying work must carry out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment. This applies to farmers, conservation groups, contractors and volunteer coordinators.
Does it cover traditional hedge laying tools and techniques?
Yes. Describe the hedge laying style (Midlands bullock, Welsh, South of England, etc.) and tools being used (billhooks, slashers, axes, chainsaw, hand saw). We include control measures for sharp hand tools, repetitive strain, cutting techniques and safe stacking of pleachers.
What if the hedge is next to a road or public footpath?
Mention the location and proximity to roads, footpaths or boundaries. The assessment will include measures for managing pedestrian and vehicle traffic, appropriate signage, hi-vis clothing and barrier controls under the Highways Act 1980 and common law duty of care.
Does it cover working alone or with a group?
Yes. State whether you are working alone, with one other person, or supervising a group or volunteers. For lone working we include check-in procedures and emergency response. For groups we include supervision, competence checks and briefing requirements.
Can I use it for National Hedgelaying Championships or training events?
Yes. Describe the event type (competition, training course, community day) and participant numbers. We will include public liability considerations, first aid provision, tool briefings and supervision ratios appropriate for the event.
Is the assessment accepted by land agents, Natural England and local authorities?
Anyrisks produces a fully written, UK-compliant risk assessment in the professional format expected by landowners, local authorities, conservation bodies and grant-funding organisations including Natural England and the Countryside Stewardship scheme.
Does it cover working in cold or wet weather conditions?
Yes. Hedge laying is typically carried out in winter. Mention seasonal working and we will include controls for cold stress, wet weather clothing, hand warmth, visibility in low light and slippery ground conditions.
What about overhead power lines or underground services?
If the hedge is near overhead power lines, buried cables or services, mention this. We will include safe working distances under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and requirements to contact the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) or utility providers before work begins.
Also see: The ultimate guide to risk assessment · Do I need a risk assessment? · Risk assessment legal requirements · Risk assessment generator