What’s At Stake

Landscapers work outdoors to maintain and beautify the scenery. Their work involves tasks that could prove hazardous: electric and gas power tools, ladders, mowers, noise, sun, and weather exposure.

What’s the Danger

HARMS / HAZARDS

1. Troubles From the Great Outdoors

• Touching a poisonous plant can result in an itchy rash. Burning a poisonous plant can result in breathing difficulties which is an emergency.
• Because of their small size, ticks can be hard to detect. Be sure to find them, though, because they may carry diseases. You will need tweezers to remove them.
• Never swat at a stinging insect closely watch food and drinks to ensure an insect does not crawl inside.
• Infected mosquitoes can spread diseases such as West Nile virus. Rid the worksite of standing water to reduce places where mosquitoes lay eggs.

2. Slips and Falls

• Consider the conditions you’re working in. Grass clippings, wet or icy spots, bad lighting, chemical spills, and electrical cords or hoses on paths are all things that can lead to slip and trip injuries.
• Preventing injuries can be as simple as paying close attention to conditions and putting equipment back where it belongs.

3. Pesticide/Herbicides:

• Comply with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
• Make sure staff is properly trained (and licensed, if required) in the manufacturers’ instructions for proper application, storage and disposal.
• Always use required proper personal protective equipment (PPE). Provide PPE to employees and inspect it carefully before each use to make sure it is in good condition.
• Wash your hands and any exposed skin after using.
• Notify staff, customers and the general public as required by law where pesticides have been applied and post signs as appropriate.

4. Heat Stress

• Ensure workers are drinking enough water to stay hydrated. If in the heat 2 hours or less, workers should drink 1 cup of water every 15 to 20 minutes. During prolonged sweating that lasts several hours, sports drinks provide additional electrolytes and hydration.
• When workers feel heat discomfort, let them take breaks. Provide cool rest areas as well as shade and water for workers.
• Educate workers and supervisors to recognize heat illness and how to prevent it.
• Shorten work periods and increase rest periods when temperature, humidity, and sunshine increase. Do this also when there is no air movement, if PPE (personal protective equipment) is worn, and for heavier work.
• Heatstroke is an emergency that can rapidly lead to death. Cool the worker down quickly and call 911.
• Adjust work schedules to provide workers with a rest from the heat.
• Allow workers time to acclimate to the hot environment.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

BEST LANDSCAPER SAFETY PRACTICES

• Wash your hands frequently.
• Remove contaminated clothing and footwear to avoid transferring chemicals to your home or other “clean” spaces.
• Wash contaminated items before re-wearing or discarding.
• Read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for each chemical used.
• Keep your limbs covered to avoid insect bites.
• Protect yourself from the sun and from extreme heat or cold.
• Learn safe lifting techniques.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Know how to safely use equipment and tools.

Good General Safe Work Practices

• Practice safe lifting techniques.
• Work safely with equipment, tools, and ladders.
• Follow SDS recommendations when working with chemicals.
• Follow safety procedures when working with:
  • pesticides or other products
  • power tools
  • ladders
  • machinery including lawnmowers, vehicles, chainsaws, etc.
• Use, maintain and store personal protective equipment according to manufacturers’ recommendations.
• Stay hydrated to avoid heat stress.
• Know the signs of an insect bite and how to identify ticks.
• Follow company safety rules.
• Know how to report a hazard.
• Follow good housekeeping procedures.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment
  • Safety goggles or glasses
  • Face shields
  • Hard hat
  • Safety shoes, including boots with slip-resistant soles
  • Gloves of various types to deal with different materials
  • Earplugs or earmuffs
  • Masks or respirators

FINAL WORD

Landscape workers complete jobs such as landscape and irrigation installation, lawn care, tree removal, general landscape maintenance and snow removal.