FACTS

1. Uneven Terrain: Landscapers often work on natural, uneven surfaces, increasing the risk of trips and falls.
2. Wet or Slippery Surfaces: Irrigation, rain, or morning dew can create slick conditions, leading to slips.
3. Obstacles and Debris: Tools, equipment, and natural debris like branches can obstruct pathways, causing tripping hazards.
4. Loose Gravel or Mulch: These materials can shift underfoot, reducing stability and increasing fall risks.
5. Inclined Surfaces: Working on slopes or hillsides can affect balance and footing, leading to potential falls.
6. Poor Lighting: Early morning or late evening work may occur in low-light conditions, making hazards less visible.
7. Inadequate Footwear: Wearing improper shoes can reduce traction and support, increasing the likelihood of slips and trips.

STATS

• In the USA in 2022, the construction industry, which includes landscaping, accounted for nearly 1 in 5 workplace deaths, with 38.4% due to falls, slips, and trips.
• In 2020, there were 43,435 workplace fall-related claims, resulting in 62 fatalities, highlighting the significance of fall hazards in work environments in Canada.
• In the USA falls on the same level accounted for 18.2% of the most disabling workplace injuries in 2020, emphasizing the importance of walking surface awareness.
• In 2019, over 6,500 reported cases of workplace injuries occurred in the landscaping sector, with the majority caused by slips, trips, falls, and equipment accidents in Canada.
• In British Columbia, landscaping and lawn maintenance companies reported an average of 300 claims and 11,800 lost workdays annually over a recent five-year period, with more than a quarter of the injuries involving young workers.