Landscape Safety
Landscape safety isn't just about reading a manual or directions that came with the equipment. Landscape safety is having the power to prevent you and others from getting hurt.
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It is very important to be aware of landscape safety precautions. Being careless could [really - omit] cost you an arm or a leg. Practicing proper safety techniques and being
cautious, not only saves you or others from potential harm, but you could also become more successful in your landscaping career by following certain safety procedures. When cautious, you are able to pay more attention to your work, in which will result in a better job done.
On November, 6, 1995, (Colorado FACE Investigation) a 45 year old landscaper died from having a tractor roll over him, skid marks showed that he was backing up at excessive speed for that particular terrain, which was also on a slope. Not only was his negligence a result of his death, but the tractor was not equipped with a roll over protection system. The employer also should have provided some sort of training in order for the employee to better comprehend on how to use the machine. There also should have been more job site surveys, to identify hazards, and come up with solutions to avoid getting employees into danger. Another incident happened on May, 2, 2003, (Oregon Health & Science University, 2003) where a 23 year old landscaper had fallen into to a landscaping pond and drowned to death. There should have been grab lines, life preserves and other safety devices to prevent a drowning.
There are countless death reports of landscapers dying and losing their limbs due to the carelessness of their employers, or even the worker's own negligence. Without having some sort of training, without having safety equipment, without being aware, you can lose your life, your business and damage other's lives as well. New workers and young workers need to be aware of the hazards; they also need to be trained on how to use any type of machinery. Between the years of 2003 and 2006, (eLCOSH., 2008) an average of 197 workers died each year, 197 is too high of a number, landscaping employers would not just be buying safety gear to protect themselves from future lawsuit but they could be saving a life.
In 2004, the Occupational Safety legislation in Ontario (Landscaping & Grounds keeping, 2009) states that the employers and supervisors are accountable for every accident. Also, when injured at work a police officer will visit and interview each employee that was injured. In 2003, Bill C-45 (Canadian Center for Occupational Health & Safety, 2004) was introduced; it states that if an employer fails to protect their employees and public safety, they are now criminally liable. In short not only is there an injured worked but your business can suffer and injury itself. Jay Murray, (Landscaping & Grounds keeping, 2009) president and chief safety advisor of Landscape Safety.com said “A serious injury could ruin a business and cost tens of thousands of dollars in fines, not to mention the guilt you would feel over a debilitating injury or fatality for which you as an employer or supervisor were deemed responsible.”.
To conclude, safety is almost vital for a company to succeed. Being safe improves the landscaping industry simply because there are less injured workers but there would be a job better done. New workers and young workers should be trained thoroughly to avoid any mishaps. Job surveys should be done regularly in order to have the number of hazards to a minimum. Landscape safety is not just reading a manual or directions that equipment or product came with, landscape safety is having the power to prevent from others, as well as yourself from getting hurt.
--Thanks for the help guys!
Sarah
