WHAT’S AT STAKE

Uneven ground, debris, tools, and wet grass are all potential causes of slips, trips, and falls for landscape and lawn maintenance workers. When the work area is not kept clean, the risk of slips, trips, and falls increases.

WHAT’S THE DANGER

Slips, trips, and falls are especially dangerous for landscape workers because of the risk of falling with a tool in hand.

Although many slip, trip, and fall injuries are relatively minor (for example, sprained ankles and wrists), they are very costly in terms of time lost from work because they occur so frequently.

Common hazards include the following:

• Uneven or slippery surfaces
• Forgotten tools
• Debris
• Exiting vehicles or equipment
• Loading and unloading equipment and materials

Incident example

• A worker slipped on wet grass and fell against the blade of his pruner, seriously lacerating his arm.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

Initial Slip, Fall, and Trip Safety Check

• Wear well-fitting non-slip footwear.
• Look down before you get out of your vehicle, and use a three-point system for climbing on and off equipment.
• Check worksites for uneven and slippery ground, ponds and puddles, and trenches or embankments.
• Clean up debris.
• Plan for safe unloading of equipment and materials. Keep truck beds tidy.

On the Job

• Don’t carry more than you can safely handle.
• Be sure you can see where you are going when carrying large items.
• Slow down and move deliberately over slippery or uneven ground.
• Take extra care in bad weather.

Finish the Job

• Clean mud and debris from equipment such as riding mowers.
• Clean mud and debris from boots.
• Clean and put away all tools and equipment in safe storage locations.

Responsibilities of Employers

• Train workers about the hazards that can cause slips, trips, and falls, including uneven or slippery surfaces, forgotten tools, debris, equipment, and getting on and off vehicles.
• Train workers in how to clean up debris and navigate safely on uneven ground.
• Remind workers of the need for non-slip footwear.
• Provide adequate supervision after training.

Workers

• Follow safe work procedures.
• Wear non-slip footwear.
• Identify and report any slip, trip, and fall hazards.

FINAL WORD

Wearing proper non-slip footwear suited for particular landscaper task is the guiding principle before a landscaper starts the job at hand.