Landscape Safety: Who Is Responsible?

As a property manager you need to understand the risks associated with hiring individuals versus a company to do your landscape maintenance.

If the person works directly for you, who is responsible for the safety training and supplying of safety gear.  How does the safety gear change in relation to the jobs they are asked to perform?

Does workman’s compensation pay if the training or safety gear is not what was required?

Landscaping is a dangerous profession. Heat stress, power tools, sharp implements, and repetitive work can all lead to painful and sometimes debilitating workplace injuries.

In the landscaping industry, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. It is always better to try and prevent an injury before it occurs, according to Denver-based Eley Law Firm, which specializes in worker’s compensation.

The law firm recently released the following safety tips for landscapers:

• While at work, landscapers should always wear high-visibility colors. In addition, long pants, sturdy shoes, gloves, and ear and eye protection are a must for any landscaper. Dress for the weather and avoid any loose clothing or jewelry that could get caught in equipment.

• Keep tools sharp: A dull blade is far more dangerous than a sharp one because the user has to exert a lot more force to get the job done. Keeping hand tools in good working order can also help protect landscapers from repetitive-stress injuries.

• Know your machine: A lot of power tools, like tillers, blowers, mowers, and trenchers, can cause severe injuries if they malfunction or are used incorrectly. Workers are required to read the safety manual before using a new tool for the first time.

• Be careful with repairs: Before attempting to fix or clear a jam from a power tool or mower, make sure that the power supply is turned off and all the blades have stopped moving. Too many landscapers experience tragic amputations from the spinning blades in lawnmowers and other tools.

At Greens Keeper Landscape we want you to know how to take care of your property and protect yourself at the same time.  If you don’t want the headache of landscape maintenance we take care of your landscape for you. 

It doesn’t matter to us whether you want lush lawns, desert landscaping or some type of landscaping in between, we can help.  To find out how give us a call at 623-848-8277.

Presented by:
Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance, LLC
623-848-8277
http://www.commerciallandscapecare.com
greenskeeperllc@cox.net