Landscape Safety Lee Orr Agriculture Health & Safety Coordinator WVDA
Jan 15, 2016
Landscape Safety
Lee Orr
Agriculture Health & Safety CoordinatorWVDA
Some Common Landscaping Hazards
From OSHA: Cuts and Amputations Electrical Ergonomics Hand Injuries Heat/Cold Stress Lifting Motor Vehicles Noise Pesticides/Chemicals Slips, Trips and Falls
Ergonomics
Motor Vehicles
Slips, Trips and Falls
Soil Preparation and Grading
Primary hazards include: Solutions:
Equipment Accidents Train and certify operators
Slips and trips - uneven terrain Wear boots with traction soles
Vehicle Accidents Train and certify drivers
Cuts and amputations Stay clear of tiller blades
Hearing loss Wear ear protection
Irrigation
Primary hazards include: Solutions:
Glue and primer hazards Wear protective gloves
Amputation Stay clear of trencherblades/Inspect equipment
Electrocution Call for utility locates
Hardscape Construction
Primary hazards include: Solutions:
Cuts and amputations Saw training/Ensure equipment safeguards are in place and functional
Hearing loss Wear hearin protection
Lifting-related injuries Get help lifting/Lift safely/Stretching
Slips and trips Keep job site clean
Struck by Follow SOP's/Wear personal protective equipment
Trenching/Excavation Protective systems/Training
Planting
Primary hazards include: Solutions:
Lifting-related injuries Get help lifting/Lift safely/Stretching
Heat stress Drink enough water/Pay attention to body signals/Rest breaks/Work and rest in
shade when possible
Cuts and hand injuries Wear gloves/Inspect tools and equipment
before use
Slips, trips and falls Keep job site clean
Vehicle accidents Train and certify drivers
Lawn and Landscape Maintenance
Primary hazards include: Solutions:
Cuts and amputations Keep clear of rotating mower and brush-cutting blades
Hand injuries Wear glovesChemical exposure Read and obey MSDS form
information/Implement effective hazard communication program that includes employee training
Eye injury Wear protective goggles when using blowers
Hearing loss Wear ear protection when using power equipment
Ergonomics Maintain comfortable mower settings/Use safe-lifting techniques.
Vehicle accidents Train drivers
Tree Care
Primary hazards include: Solutions:
Struck by Use PPE (eg, hard hat), know drop zone
Cuts and amputations Train safe chainsaw use and wear chaps
Eye damage Wear protective eyewear
Hearing damage Wear ear protection for chipping/chainsaw
Electrocution Comply with OSHA
clearance rules
Slips, trips and falls Use proper tree tie-in
Equipment training
Forklift Tractor Skid-steer Zero-turn mover Stand behind equipment Trenchers Other earthmoving
equipment
Slips, trips and falls
Practice ladder safety HOUSEKEEPING!!!
A clean shop is a safe shop.
Cuts and amputations
Keep all guards in place Replace damaged guards Do not service/clear running equipment or
machinery.
Electrocution
Contact utilities before digging.
Communicate the electrical hazards with employees.
Be aware of overhead power lines.
Eye Injuries
Thousands of people are blinded each year from work-related eye injuries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nearly three out of five workers are injured while failing to wear eye and face protection.
Safety Glasses
If you buy cheap, goofy looking safety glasses, nobody is going to use them.
Spend the extra money. Buy tinted glasses for outdoor use.
I’d hammer in the morning…
The End