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| Landscaping Safety | |
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There are many hazards in Landscaping that can be avoided by taking a few simple safety measures. Please continue reading to learn more. Background In the United States, the green industries rank high in work-related fatalities. Many accidents involve some type of machinery or equipment. Most accidents are predictable and preventable. Illnesses and health problems can also occur easily — green industry work involves exposure to weather and natural hazards and dangerous chemicals. Workers in the green industries must learn and practice safe working habits. Accidents Cost Time and Money Accidents cause injuries and, sometimes, even death. They involve intangible losses. You will lose time while you recover. Medical and therapy bills will add up. Worst of all, you might not be able to work as you did before the accident. Safety is too expensive not to be taken seriously. Accident costs reduce the profit margin. In the worst cases, accidents cost lives.Why Risk Your Health? A bee sting is unpleasant at least, and it can be fatal. Pesticides and caustic chemicals can cause long-term, serious health problems. Dust and mold can cause chronic lung problems. The hot summer sun can cause sunstroke and heat exhaustion, and winter can cause frostbite. How can you avoid those health risks? icultural Safety Program, 590 Woody Hayes Drive, Columbus, OH 43210Safety Is Everyone’s Responsibility It is up to workers in the green industries to use safe working practices. All workers can contribute to each other’s safety. Remember — machinery operators aren’t the only ones who get hurt in accidents. General Tips for a Safe Working Environment • A good safety program starts with a safety status assessment. • Make safety everyone's concern. This includes family, workers, visitors, and you. • Be aware of what you are doing and your surroundings. Most injuries happen during routine, everyday tasks. • Sometimes you cannot handle a task alone. If you can’t, ask for help. • Take short rest breaks. Don't over-exert yourself — don’t get so tired you get careless. • Get plenty of sleep. • Stay away from equipment if you are angry. Wait a little while until you cool down. • Train new equipment operators before they work on their own. • Read the operator's manuals for all equipment. • Wear the proper personal protection equipment (PPE) for everyday tasks and for specific jobs. You may need protective footwear with ankle support. You may also need close-fitting clothing. Review These Important Points • There are many work-related accidents in landscape and horticultural services. • Safety is everyone's responsibility. • Safety is too expensive to learn by accident. Accidents have many major costs. • You can make the working environment safer by following a few simple safety measures. -Ohio State University |
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