Landscape Safety

Lee Orr

Agriculture Health & Safety CoordinatorWVDA

Some Common Landscaping Hazards

From OSHA: Cuts and Amputations Electrical Ergonomics Hand Injuries Heat/Cold Stress Lifting Motor Vehicles Noise Pesticides/Chemicals Slips, Trips and Falls

Ergonomics

Motor Vehicles

Slips, Trips and Falls

Soil Preparation and Grading

Primary hazards include: Solutions:

Equipment Accidents Train and certify operators

Slips and trips - uneven terrain Wear boots with traction soles

Vehicle Accidents Train and certify drivers

Cuts and amputations Stay clear of tiller blades

Hearing loss Wear ear protection

Irrigation

Primary hazards include:  Solutions:

Glue and primer hazards Wear protective gloves

Amputation Stay clear of trencherblades/Inspect equipment

Electrocution Call for utility locates

Hardscape Construction

Primary hazards include: Solutions:

Cuts and amputations Saw training/Ensure equipment safeguards are in place and functional

Hearing loss Wear hearin protection

Lifting-related injuries Get help lifting/Lift safely/Stretching

Slips and trips Keep job site clean

Struck by Follow SOP's/Wear personal protective equipment

Trenching/Excavation Protective systems/Training

Planting

Primary hazards include: Solutions:

Lifting-related injuries Get help lifting/Lift safely/Stretching

Heat stress Drink enough water/Pay attention to body signals/Rest breaks/Work and rest in

shade when possible

Cuts and hand injuries Wear gloves/Inspect tools and equipment

before use

Slips, trips and falls Keep job site clean

Vehicle accidents Train and certify drivers

Lawn and Landscape Maintenance

Primary hazards include: Solutions:

Cuts and amputations Keep clear of rotating mower and brush-cutting blades

Hand injuries Wear glovesChemical exposure Read and obey MSDS form

information/Implement effective hazard communication program that includes employee training

Eye injury Wear protective goggles when using blowers

Hearing loss Wear ear protection when using power equipment

Ergonomics Maintain comfortable mower settings/Use safe-lifting techniques.

Vehicle accidents Train drivers

Tree Care

Primary hazards include: Solutions:

Struck by Use PPE (eg, hard hat), know drop zone

Cuts and amputations Train safe chainsaw use and wear chaps

Eye damage Wear protective eyewear

Hearing damage Wear ear protection for chipping/chainsaw

Electrocution Comply with OSHA

clearance rules

Slips, trips and falls Use proper tree tie-in

Equipment training

Forklift Tractor Skid-steer Zero-turn mover Stand behind equipment Trenchers Other earthmoving

equipment

Slips, trips and falls

Practice ladder safety HOUSEKEEPING!!!

A clean shop is a safe shop.

Cuts and amputations

Keep all guards in place Replace damaged guards Do not service/clear running equipment or

machinery.

Electrocution

Contact utilities before digging.

Communicate the electrical hazards with employees.

Be aware of overhead power lines.

Eye Injuries

Thousands of people are blinded each year from work-related eye injuries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nearly three out of five workers are injured while failing to wear eye and face protection.

Safety Glasses

If you buy cheap, goofy looking safety glasses, nobody is going to use them.

Spend the extra money. Buy tinted glasses for outdoor use.

I’d hammer in the morning…

The End