WHAT’S AT STAKE

In the landscaping industry, workers are exposed to a wide range of hazards, including sharp tools, heavy machinery, chemicals, flying debris, and extreme weather conditions. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essential for protecting workers from these hazards and preventing injuries.

WHAT’S THE DANGER

The dangers in landscaping are varied and can lead to serious injuries if proper PPE is not used.

Specific Risks

1. Head Injuries:

• Falling Objects: Working near trees, ladders, or machinery poses a risk of falling objects.
• Bumps and Strikes: Low-hanging branches, overhead structures, or machinery can cause head.

2. Eye Injuries:

• Flying Debris: Lawnmowers, trimmers, and chainsaws can eject debris at high speeds.
• Chemical Exposure: Handling pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers can lead to chemical splashes that can damage your eyes if not adequately protected.

3. Hearing Loss:

• Loud Equipment: Prolonged exposure to loud machinery such as chainsaws, lawnmowers, and leaf blowers can lead to permanent hearing loss if ear protection is not used.

4. Respiratory Issues:

• Dust and Chemicals: Landscaping work involves exposure to dust, pollen, and chemical fumes.

5. Cuts and Punctures:

• Sharp Tools: Handling sharp tools like pruners and hedge trimmers poses a risk of cuts and punctures.

6. Foot Injuries:

• Heavy Objects: Dropping heavy tools can cause foot injuries if proper footwear is not worn.
• Puncture Hazards: Stepping on sharp objects like nails, thorns, or debris can lead to puncture wounds if footwear is not puncture-resistant.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

It’s essential to use the right PPE for each task and ensure that it’s in good condition and used correctly.

Head Protection

1. Hard Hats:

• When to Wear: Wear a hard hat when working in areas where there is a risk of falling objects.
• Inspection and Maintenance: Regularly inspect your hard hat for cracks, dents, or signs of wear.

Eye and Face Protection

1. Safety Glasses or Goggles:

• Protection from Debris: Wear safety glasses or goggles when using equipment that could eject debris.
• Chemical Protection: Use goggles that offer a tight seal when handling chemicals.

2. Face Shields:

• Additional Protection: Where you are exposed to high levels of flying debris or chemical splashes, wear a face shield in addition to safety glasses or goggles.

Hearing Protection

1. Earplugs, Earmuffs and Proper Fit:

• Noise Reduction: Choose hearing protection that offers a Noise Reduction Rating appropriate for the noise levels you are exposed to. Ensure earplugs are inserted correctly and earmuffs create a good seal.

Respiratory Protection

1. Dust Masks and Respirators:

• Protection from Dust: Use a dust mask or particulate respirator when working in dusty environments.
• Chemical Protection: Wear a respirator that is rated for chemical protection when handling pesticides, herbicides, or other hazardous chemicals.

Hand Protection

1. Gloves:

• Cut and Puncture Resistance: Wear gloves that offer protection against cuts, punctures, and abrasions.
• Chemical Resistance: Use nitrile or rubber gloves when applying pesticides or herbicides.

Foot Protection

1. Safety Boots

• Steel-Toed Boots: Wear steel-toed boots to protect your feet from heavy objects and impacts.

Full Body Protection

1. Protective Clothing

• Long Sleeves and Pants: Wear long sleeves and pants made from durable, breathable fabric to protect your skin from cuts, scrapes, sun exposure, and insect bites.
• Chemical-Resistant Clothing: Wear clothing that offers chemical resistance to prevent skin exposure.

Training,  Awareness and Refresher Courses

1. Proper Use and Fit:

• PPE Training: Ensure that all workers are trained on the correct use, fit, and maintenance of PPE and conduct regular refresher courses to keep workers informed.

2. Inspect and Maintain PPE:

• Regular Inspections: Inspect all PPE regularly for signs of wear or damage.

FINAL WORD

By selecting the right PPE for each task, using it correctly, and maintaining it properly, you can protect yourself and your coworkers from the many hazards present in the landscaping industry.