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Top safety tips for landscapers
Landscape contractors face a number of challenges when it comes to keeping their
employees safe. These challenges may include risks like hot weather, power equipment,
heavy lifting, and repetitive work. Employers should take a proactive approach by
providing proper equipment, pre-season and regular training, and safety talks, especially
for new hires. Some measures that improve safety awareness on job sites include:
General safety
•
Instruct employees to report chronic health conditions to their
supervisor/employer (allergies, heart problems, asthma, diabetes, etc.).
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Report all incidents, including near misses, immediately to supervisors.
SECURA work comp policyholders should call Nurse Hotline at 888-333-3334
for assistance with minor injuries.
•
Enforce a zero-tolerance policy for working under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
•
Wear protective equipment for job-specific tasks, such as boots, gloves, safety
glasses, hearing protection, high visibility vest, head protection, and respirators.
•
Be aware of heat exhaustion and take preventive measures for sun protection,
including SPF lotion, water, and protective clothing.
•
Follow proper lifting techniques. Bend at the knees, place hands under the
object, and push up with knees to lift. Get help if an object is too heavy.
•
Identify dangerous plants, animals, and surroundings, and maintain a safe working distance.
Lawn mower/equipment safety
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Provide training on various equipment per manufacturers’ specifications.
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Fuel and start equipment on level ground. Let equipment cool before refueling – remove the cap slowly and never over-fill the tank.
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To avoid smoke inside a trailer, place the exhaust system facing out.
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Do not operate equipment during severe weather conditions, including windstorms and thunderstorms.
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Walk through the job site prior to mowing to remove stones, bottles, pine cones, sticks, and objects that can create a hazard. Be aware
of standing water.
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Keep hands and feet away from blades and moving parts.
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Never pull a push mower backward or operate a riding mower in reverse. Mow from the bottom to the top of a hill.
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Only use a riding mower on a slope less than 15 degrees. Mow up and down slopes, turning around on level ground.
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Ensure that the motor is off and the spark plug wire is disconnected before changing blades or performing repairs.
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Use two hands to hold equipment, wrapping thumbs and index fingers around the grip.
•
Operate weed eaters close to the ground.
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Top safety tips for landscapers
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Pesticide safety
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Review Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and keep them readily available. Make sure all pesticides are labeled. Follow mixing
instructions and be aware of recommended medical assistance.
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Designate trained employees to handle pesticide applications.
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Do not smoke, drink, or eat while working with pesticides, and know the location of decontamination sites.
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Place pesticides in rear section of truck and make sure containers are secured and in good condition.
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Clean up spills immediately (control, contain, clean).
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Wash hands after working with pesticides, and wash soiled clothing separately from other clothing.
Please refer to SECURA’s Prevention Connection website for additional written resources and on-demand training videos.
The information and recommendations contained in this material have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. However, SECURA accepts no
legal responsibility for the accuracy, sufficiency, or completeness of such information. Additional safety and health procedures may be required under
particular circumstances.
RMF 0012 1505
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