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  • I have yet to see a local authority put up warning signs when carrying out strimming or grass cutting in parks or on verges, even though they will be working on and very close to public areas and footpaths, but then considering the areas they need to cover, signage is not really practical. However it is the responsibility of the operator to ensure the safety of himself and third parties.

    We put signs out anyway if we think the public will close by - it all helps.

    • yeah that's pretty much what I was thinking, cheers Mark.

    • Here in Milton Keynes they put signs up when they are cutting the verges on the grid system. But then it is all 60-70 mph roads and the grass goes right to the kerb. They use roadworks signs with mowing for the next xx miles on them. Usually states 1 or 2 but then is about half mile between each roundabout.  

  • I put a sign up if its by a main road, but theirs only 2-3 jobs where I cut verges that close - if its on private property I just use my judgement as to how... so far humans have tended not to stand still infront of my mowers and I think common sense plays apart - obviously cutting a high hedge, do put signs up, but for a lawn no need IMO.

  • Hi Mark.

    I think this falls into the risk assessment category, which we all know can be a bit of a minefield.

    If in the unfortunate event that a member of the public was hurt whilst you were strimming for instance, all you would have to prove is that you took every measure possible to prevent it.

    As far as I know there is no legal requirement to provide a warning sign, but would a good H&S lawyer ask whether not providing a warning sign falls into the "every possible measure" category?

    Having worked in local authority I never once put a sign out and as the landscape dictated, I had no choice but to work very close to the public on occasions.

    I think it is one of those situations whereby it could be classed as good working practice to use one, with a dash of "...hope it never happens" if one isn't.

  • I only have 2 jobs at the moment, both church yards, that the general public are likely to wander in, and I can quite easily move to a different area to carry on working, I know stuff can get thrown out while mowing but I was more concerned about the strimmer. Anyway I think I may invest in a couple of "Caution Grass Cutting in Progress" signs might work out cheaper than if some one gets a stone or something in the face.

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