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OSHA Promotes Landscape Worker Safety
 A new Web page from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides useful information and guidance geared to fostering a safer work environment for employees in the landscape and horticultural services industry.
Included in this category are companies engaged in landscape design and architecture; soil preparation and grading; irrigation systems; tree, shrub and lawn planting; hardscape construction including retaining walls, decks and pathways and patios; lawn care and landscape maintenance; and arborist services such as tree trimming and line clearance.
The page is a product of an OSHA Alliance with the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET).
The new Web page provides access to information on developing and implementing comprehensive safety and health programs, and has links to sites that identify general potential hazards for landscaping and horticultural service workers as well as hazards and controls for specific activities.
For example, OSHA says that injuries in hardscape construction commonly result from saw operation, lifting, slips and trips and power equipment noise.
Following are solutions for some primary hazards for hardscape construction workers:
- Cuts, lacerations and amputations can be prevented by training workers how to safely operate power equipment, such as saws, and ensuring that equipment safeguards are in place and functional.
- Workers can protect themselves against hearing loss from power equipment noise by wearing the appropriate hearing protection. Training on the proper use of hearing protection may be necessary, as well as determining if a hearing conservation program is needed.
- Lifting-related injuries can be minimized by training workers to get help in lifting from other workers, following safe lifting practices or using a mechanical lifting device, such as a forklift.
- Keeping the job site clean can help reduce slips, trips and falls.
Resources for Spanish speaking workers and youths who are working in the industry are provided, and there are links to an extensive amount of additional information on health and safety topics.
To visit OSHA's page on safety and health topics for landscape and horticultural services, click here.
For more information on construction safety, e-mail George Middleton at NAHB, or call him at 800-368-5242 x8590.
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