FACTS

1. Landscapers working near trees or using tall equipment risk accidental contact with overhead power lines, leading to electrocution.
2. Digging or trenching without proper site assessment can result in striking buried electrical cables, causing shocks or service disruptions.
3. Faulty or improperly maintained electrical tools can pose shock hazards, especially in damp outdoor conditions.
4. Lack of appropriate PPE increases the risk of injury when dealing with electrical components or equipment.
5. Incorrectly installed lighting systems can lead to electrical faults, posing hazards to both workers and the public.
6. Working in wet or damp environments can increase the risk of electrical shock when using power tools or equipment.
7. Inadequate training in electrical safety can lead to improper handling of equipment and increased risk of accidents.

STATS

• Electrocution is the sixth leading cause of occupational fatalities in the United States, with landscaping workers at significant risk due to contact with electrical lines.
• Landscaping, gardening, and farming equipment account for approximately 67% of electrocutions each year in the USA.
• The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) notes that electrical hazards cause nearly one fatality every day in the workplace, with a significant portion occurring in industries like landscaping.
• Electricity Canada compiles data annually to support industry-wide benchmarking and drive safety culture improvements, highlighting the ongoing efforts to reduce electrical hazards in various industries, including landscaping.
• From 2011-2021, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 1,072 work-related fatalities occurred in the landscaping and groundskeeping industry, with electrical hazards being a significant contributor.
• Approximately 13,000 injury or illness cases are reported in the horticulture and landscaping industry each year, with electrical hazards being among the common causes.
• The 2021 Ontario Electrical Safety Report indicates that contact with overhead power lines remains a leading cause of electrical fatalities in outdoor work environments, including landscaping.