FACTS

Key hazards related to the use and misuse of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

1. Improper Fit and Usage: PPE that does not fit properly can compromise protection. For example, gloves that are too large may get caught in machinery.
2. Lack of Training on PPE: Workers who are not adequately trained in the correct use of PPE may not wear it correctly or consistently, reducing its effectiveness.
3. Inadequate PPE for Specific Tasks: Using the wrong type of PPE for specific tasks can expose workers to hazards.
4. Heat Stress from PPE: Wearing PPE in hot weather can contribute to heat stress, particularly if the equipment is heavy or limits ventilation. This is a significant concern in landscaping, where outdoor work often occurs in high temperatures.
5. Restricted Mobility and Vision: Some types of PPE, like face shields or bulky gloves, can restrict movement or obscure vision, increasing the risk of accidents, such as tripping or falling.
6. Complacency and Overreliance on PPE: Workers may become complacent and over-reliant on PPE, neglecting other safety measures like proper equipment handling or hazard awareness.
7. PPE Maintenance Issues: Failure to regularly inspect, clean, and replace PPE can lead to its deterioration.

STATS

• Failure to properly wear PPE is consistently listed among the top 15 violations in the landscaping services.
• Common injuries in landscaping include cuts, burns, and musculoskeletal injuries. The improper use of PPE contributes significantly to these injuries. For instance, approximately 34% of landscaping injuries that resulted in workers’ compensation claims are related to tree work, where proper head and eye protection is essential.
• OSHA reports that in 2019, there were approximately 7,450 eye injuries alone in the broader construction and landscaping sectors.
• OSHA recorded over 2,000 citations for improper respiratory protection, which is critical in landscaping when handling pesticides and fertilizers.
• It’s estimated in landscaping that proper use of PPE could prevent up to 60% of injuries related to exposure to hazardous materials, machinery, and environmental conditions like extreme weather or noise.