Summer Safety for Landscape Workers - The Edge from the National Association of Landscape Professionals

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Summer Safety for Landscape Workers

Do you have a summer safety plan in place? From increased driving to hot temperatures, summer can pose many risks for landscape professionals. June is National Safety Month, so we wanted to make sure we put a special emphasis on your safety and provided all the tools and resources you will need this season to keep your employees safe.

Heat Safety

Don’t let heat takes it toll on your team! Federal OSHA lists grounds maintenance and landscaping services as two of the six industries most affected by heat-related illness. In 2014, more than 2,600 workers across industries experienced heat illness and 18 died on the job from heat stroke and related causes, according to the agency.

Tips:

  • Know that workers become overheated based on two factors: internal heat generated by physical labor and external heat in the environment.
  • Create a written program outlining steps for protecting workers from heat illness and sun exposure that could cause cancer
  • Drink water every 15 minutes, even if you are not thirsty.
  • Take frequent breaks in shade or air conditioning, if possible.
  • Wear lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, pants, and a loose hat with at least a 4-inch brim and a drape to cover the back of your neck. This will keep you cooler and help protect your face, ears and neck from sun exposure.
  • Learn the signs of heat illness (see Key Points above) and what to do in an emergency. Monitor yourself as well as fellow workers for signs of heat-related illness, and remind co-workers to replenish fluids.

Find heat safety resources in English and SpanishĀ here.

Driving Safety

With an increased job load, your crew is on the road more.Ā A motor-vehicle crash takes place in the United States every five seconds, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Many of these incidents occur when employees are traveling as part of their jobs.

Tips:

  • Make sure your company has a driver-safety program that includes training specific to operating trucks with trailers.
  • Avoid impaired driving, whether by alcohol, lack of sleep or drugs, including over the counter and prescription medication
  • Properly maintain vehicles and trailers based on manufacturer-recommended preventive maintenance schedules.
  • Check driving records as part of your recruiting process and screen out those with poor records. Review current employeesā€™ records periodically and clearly define the number of violations an employee can have before losing the privilege of driving while on the clock.
  • Demonstrate to employees the proper way to drive while towing a trailer. Also, demonstrate how to back up a trailer.

Find more safety resources including 52 safety tailgate training’s for the year, included in our Safe Company Program.