FACTS

Landscaping Defects Cause Accidents

1. Design. If a flaw goes undetected during the design phase, it can make its way into the final product.
2. Installation. Contractors have a duty to follow all design specifications when installing irrigation systems, constructing paths and walkways, and ensuring steps and his are properly graded.
3. Components. Many digital and computerized components are used in landscaping projects, including sprinkler systems, lighting, and water features. The use of incorrect or defective components can result in mechanical systems failure, leading to flooding and fires.
4. Maintenance. As plants grow, roots may lift pavement or break pipes as they climb to the surface. Wood chips and ground coverings may erode over time and affect the surrounding grade.
5. Hazards

• Cuts and Amputations
• Electrical
• Ergonomics
• Heat and Cold Stress
• Lifting and Awkward Postures
• Motor Vehicles
• Noise
• Pesticides and Chemicals
• Slips, Trips, and Falls

STATS

• An average of 197 landscape services workers died from on-the-job injuries each year. The fatality rate for the landscape services industry, about 25 deaths per 100,000 workers, is similar to that for more recognized high-risk industries such as agriculture and mining. Although landscape services workers make up 0.8% of the U.S. workforce, they experienced 3.5% of the total occupational fatalities.
• BLS Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) identified 789 deaths due to traumatic injuries among landscape services workers and their first-line supervisors. In each of these years, 25 to 30% of these workers who died were identified as self-employed. About 56% of the fatalities occurred among white workers, 29% among Hispanic and Latino workers and 11% among Black or African American workers. Nearly 80% of the landscape services worker fatalities occurred in the landscape services industry.
• The most common event resulting in landscape services worker fatalities was transportation incidents. About 33% of all landscape worker fatalities were due to transportation incidents in comparison with 43% for all U.S. industry.
• Landscape services workers were more likely to die due to falls to lower level, struck by falling objects, and electrocutions (22%, 17%, and 9.8%, respectively) than the overall U.S. workforce (12%, 6.3%, and 4.4% respectively).