What are some general safety precautions when landscaping?
While there are many tips in these Landscaping documents, the following OSH Answers may also provide additional information
- context Educate and train workers to ensure that they understand all of the job hazards and can handle tools and equipment safely.
- context If you are the worker, report unsafe working conditions or equipment to your supervisor.
- context Rest periodically during strenuous jobs such as digging or sawing: work-rest schedules vary according to temperature conditions, how strenuous the work is, and how acclimatized ("used to") the worker is to the workload.
- context Make sure emergency telephone numbers are clearly posted or readily available.
- context Know the location of the first aid kit and how to use the contents.
- context Identify and destroy harmful or noxious plants such as poison ivy.
- context Protect against insects with insect repellents or protective clothing when needed.
- context Use caution in areas where you may encounter wild animals or unfriendly domestic ones.
- context Carry a 'bee sting' kit if there is a chance of a severe allergic reaction to an insect sting. Alert your supervisor and the employer to make sure co-workers are trained to assist.
- context Do not touch stray or dead animals or birds. Contact an animal control or wildlife agency for removal. In some cases, your local public health authority may need to be contacted.
- context Wear respiratory protection if you must clean up waste, leaves or dust that may contain mouse or bird droppings. Mice can carry the hantavirus which can become airborne with dust and may be inhaled by workers. Bird droppings can carry a microorganism that may cause psittacosis – a flu-like illness.
- context All outdoor workers should be aware of Lyme disease. Determine if ticks that spread the disease are in your area. Get medical assistance if you think you have been bitten by a tick.
- context Outdoor workers should also be aware of West Nile virus. West Nile virus is spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito.
- context Be aware of expected weather conditions for the day, and plan accordingly. Have plans about where to go if severe weather hits. Know where to seek shelter in a thunderstorm (such as fully enclosed metal vehicles, with windows up or a building (not sheds).
- context Learn proper hand washing techniques. Wash your hands thoroughly after working or using pesticides, before eating, using the washroom, or changing tasks (using different tools and/or different locations).
- context Take regular rest breaks. Frequent short pauses are better than longer breaks further apart. In warm weather, take breaks in areas that are cooled, such as inside a vehicle (with the air conditioning running), or in shade where possible. Similarly, in cold weather, take breaks in areas that are warm.
- context When working in the heat and sun, consider working where there is shade, or create shade by setting up a shade tent.
- context Chainsaws
- context Extreme Hot or Cold Temperature Conditions
- context Hantavirus
- context Humidex Rating and Work
- context Ladders
- context Lifting
- context Lyme disease
- context Powered Hand Tools
- context PPE
- context Prevention of Slips, Trips and Falls
- context Psittacosis
- context Shovelling
- context Vibration
- context West Nile Virus
- context Working Alone
- context Working Safely around Stinging Insects