Safety Tips for Landscaping Jobs

Landscaping’s a tough physical job that involves working with dangerous equipment and chemicals, lifting heavy weights, and working outside in the elements.

Employers have a duty to protect the health and safety of their employees. The number one concern is to ensure that no harm comes to staff, but it also makes good business sense.

Workplace accidents can leave a business operator facing charges for negligence or compensation claims. A poor accident record can also result in rising premiums for WorkCover or private insurance.

Here are a few safety tips for landscaping jobs.

 

10 tips for a safer landscaping job

1. Safety checklist

Before you start a job, identify the hazards and draw up a safety checklist. Depending on the size of your business, it might make sense to appoint one of your staff members as a work health and safety (WHS) officer. WHS training courses are available.

2. Respiratory infections

Working with potting mix, mulches, composts and even soil may expose landscapers to micro-organisms that can cause serious respiratory diseases including legionella. If the material is very dry, wet it first to reduce the dust. Always wear a respirator and gloves, and wash your hands with soap and water before eating or drinking.

3. Exposure

Given that landscape gardeners work outside, sun exposure, heat exhaustion and hypothermia are all risks in extreme conditions. On very hot days, try to avoid heavy work in the hottest part of the day. Plan the working day so that you are in the shade as much as possible. Wear long-sleeved light clothing, a broad brimmed hat and ASA rated sunglasses, apply sunscreen regularly and drink plenty of fluids.

Hypothermia is usually the result of long exposure on cold, wet, windy days. The first symptom is uncontrollable shivering, which can be followed by drowsiness, confusion and slurred speech.  Be alert and call a halt to work well before then.

4. Pesticides

Some herbicides, fungicides and insecticides can cause severe illness or even death. Always read the safety information before using for the first time. If you’re mixing or spraying pesticides, wear gloves, safety goggles, a mask and other protective equipment. Only spray on still days. If you have to spray on a windy day, stay upwind of the sprayer.

5. Ladder falls

If you have to climb a ladder – or send someone else up – make sure the base is level and stable. Ideally secure the ladder to something so it can’t slip, and use a ladder strap to secure the top

If you’re lopping or pruning tall trees, hiring a boom lift (cherry picker) will save time and stress – and potentially a life. They have great outreach and you can rotate the basket to provide access to difficult spaces.

6. Back injuries

Workers are most at risk when they’re lifting from the ground or working at an awkward angle. Avoid twisting your back when lifting or lowering heavy objects. Bend your knees rather than your back, and use a trolley or wheelbarrow to shift heavy stuff.

Some back injuries occur as a result of repetitive actions over many years. Remember to straighten and stretch periodically, and encourage your workers to follow your lead.

If you’re moving a lot of soil, mulch or other materials, hiring a small excavator or mini loader will speed up the job and reduce fatigue. They can manoeuvre in tight spaces and a handy range of attachments is available, including post hole diggers and jackhammers for breaking up concrete.

7. Eye and ear injuries

There is always a risk when you’re working with noisy mowers, brush cutters or chainsaws throwing out chips and stones. Workers should wear safety goggles and ear plugs. Some may resist – show you’re serious about worker health and safety by making safety gear a condition of employment.

8. Electrocution

If you are putting in foundations for fences, walls or sheds, Dial Before You Dig in your state to find out where the electrical cables are. If they’re overhead, be careful with heavy machinery or felling trees.

9. Insect bites and allergies

Wasp and bee stings and ant bites can cause serious reactions in some people, especially after repeated exposure. Heavy duty gloves and safety boots reduce the risk. Check with staff for any allergies and medications such as epipens. Ensure your team knows what to do in the event of an emergency.

10. Chainsaw injuries

A chainsaw is a potentially lethal tool, especially when used in combination with a ladder. Make sure your staff are trained in how to use one safely. TAFE colleges offer short courses covering how to dismantle, clean and assemble a chainsaw, sharpening and adjusting the chain, safely felling trees, cutting tree limbs and logs and establishing a safe working zone.

Talk to the team at your nearest Kennards Hire branch about labour-saving equipment for your next big job. They’ll be happy to give you’re a quick demo on how to use the equipment effectively and safely.