Spring is just around the corner, and that means Georgians may be doing some spring cleaning. Landscaping can be one task that takes on especially high priority this time of year.
If you work in landscaping, now would be a good time to spring clean your safety routines, as well. Both commercial and residential landscaping comes with serious risks to worker safety, and knowing what these risks are can help you avoid them — as well as a serious work-related accident.
Machine-related hazards
Landscapers, like construction workers, often rely on machinery to perform their job. These machines can be extremely sharp, heavy, powerful and dangerous. As this article describes, landscaping tools and machinery can lead to:
- Severe cuts
- Electrical burns
- Amputation
- Falls from heights
- Muscle pain and soreness from weight and awkward positioning
- Hearing damage from noise
- Nerve damage from vibration
- Respiratory problems
To avoid injury, landscapers should be diligent about wearing protective gear. They should also carefully inspect tools and machines before use to ensure they are intact and working properly.
Environmental hazards
Landscaping exposes workers to natural elements. And while we may not be able to change these elements, we can take steps to shield workers from harmful exposure to:
- Sun
- Excessive heat
- Toxic fumes
- Poisonous plants
- Falling trees
- Dust
- Extreme weather
- Animal bites or attacks
To avoid accidents involving natural elements, workers should again have proper protective gear. They should also keep an eye on weather conditions and take frequent breaks when conditions put considerable strain on a person.
Unfortunately, occupational injuries can still occur, even when workers take precautions. When this happens, it is important that they understand their options in terms of compensation for missed work and medical expenses. Financial remedies, including workers’ compensation, can make it easier for injured workers to recover from an accident.
Landscaping is an important element of property maintenance. It keeps areas attractive and safe. However, there are risks to the workers who perform this work. Taking these risks seriously and understanding how to mitigate them can help everyone stay safer.
