The basis of health and safety law is the Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974. Under this Act a hedger has to be able to prove, in court if necessary, that what he had done was “as far as is reasonably practicable”. The hedger is likely to avoid trouble if he has followed the advice in this leaflet.

There are many government Regulations which give legal advice on health and safety. Some of this advice is compulsory, some of it is voluntary and this does not have to be followed, especially if it is unreasonable. But if there is an accident, the hedger is held to blame unless he can show that what he did was reasonably practicable. A small number of the compulsory Regulations apply directly to Cornish hedging.

CLOTHING Safety boots and appropriate wet-weather gear. Eye protection (usually safety spectacles) are advised where stone is being split or dressed. Anti-tetanus cover has to be up to date. Always have a packet of assorted plasters available.

PERSONAL NEEDS Toilet and changing facilities must be reasonably available. Having a mobile phone is sensible for hedgers working alone.

TOOLS The traditional Cornish shovel is best; when correctly handled, it reduces strain and avoids bending. Club and sledge hammers, long and short bars, and cold chisels, should be available. Other tools are needed if there is a lot of top-growth to be dealt with. Each tool must be in a condition fit for the use to be made of it.

HANDLING STONE A hedger can always handle stone reasonably practicably without strain by using the method most appropriate for the job.
1. Using a tractor or digger is best for transporting stone any distance and for moving large or heavy stones.
2.Rolling, skidding or walking a stone instead of carrying it. Many hedgers transport stone short distances on a barrow or sack truck.
3.Levering by bars, pick-axe or gently by shovel. Several types of bar are needed, from a small wrecking bar to a 2m heavy bar.
4.Pushing or lifting and dropping in place with tractor or digger bucket. Pulling by machine or hand winch.
5.Moving and dropping using a tripod and chain pulley (test certificate required) .
6.When a stone is suspended by chains from tractor bucket or pulley, it should not be approached while the chains are in tension. Stones should not be approached except by the person(s) actually handling them.
7. Lifting stones by hand (adapted from www.betterbacks:hse.gov.uk(((LINK TO BE ISERTED))):-

BULLETS TO BE INSERTED

Your first step should always be to consider using a handling aid.
If you have to lift the stone yourself, start with a good posture. Resist stooping or squatting, it's better slightly to bend your back, hips and knees.
Adopt a stable position. Feet should be apart with one left slightly forward to maintain balance.
Get a good hold. Hug the stone, ideally with the heaviest side next to your body.
Avoid twisting your back or leaning sideways, especially when your back is bent.
Look ahead. Once the stone is held securely, don't look down on it.
If you need to adjust your grip on the stone, put it down first.

The hedger is legally required to see that the most practicable method is used for each stone. Stones are often of awkward shapes, and learners have to be taught how to handle them safely.

SITE A zone at the hedge bottom of at least 1m wide along the hedge must be kept clear of stones.

ROADSIDE HEDGES Special arrangements must be made to warn traffic of any obstructions.

GENERAL. On each site the hedger should mentally assess the risks involved before he starts work. Where conditions are potentially unusually hazardous, the hedger should, for his own legal protection, make a written risk assessment before work starts. Where there is other work on the same site, the relevant health & safety precautions should be observed. There are other health & safety aspects of living an ordinary life which are relevant to every worker. These should always be taken into consideration, and someone at home should always know where the hedger is working each day.