With all of these machines, there is a requirement to operate them safely. Attention needs to be paid at all times as the slightest lapse in concentration can lead to serious damage to property or to people in the vicinity.

A clearly marked working area where people should not enter needs to be laid out and adhered to.

Whether working on the public road or on private land, all precautions should be taken. On the road, there needs to be signage and the correct warning lighting on display.

In most cases, a flag man should be used to warn or stop oncoming traffic if required.

On private ground, the biggest danger is the possibility of hitting electricity wires and the fact that there can be flying debris which may damage either the tractor, its operator or a bystander. For these reasons, hedge-cutting is one job where concentration is very important and one lapse caused by a phone ringing or other distraction can cause untold damage.