Keeping the outdoor areas of your business looking tidy and well-maintained is a year-round task, although you probably are going to spend more time on it during the spring as the grass, trees, and bushes are all growing faster. It’s important to keep your workers safe when doing gardening and landscaping tasks during this busy season, especially when working at height, using power tools and other heavy equipment, and working outdoors. Here are some tips for keeping your employees safe and healthy when doing landscaping work this spring.
Power Tool Hazards
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When doing garden work onsite, your employees may have to make use of power tools such as hedge trimmers, lawnmowers, leaf blowers, chainsaws and strimmers. These can be very dangerous if proper health and safety measures are not taken. Before any employee uses power tools, conduct a risk assessment to identify and take steps to reduce any hazards. Inspect all tools thoroughly before use – look for loose or damaged parts, frayed power cords, dull blades, or any other signs of damage. Ensure employees are trained on the proper use of the specific power tools they will be using, and ensure suitable PPE is provided and used appropriately.
Preventing Hand-Arm Vibration Injuries
It’s also important to manage the risk of hand-arm vibration, which can be caused by prolonged use of vibrating tools. Prolonged exposure to hand-arm vibration can cause nerve, muscle and joint damage, circulatory problems, or even a serious condition known as Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS). To minimise this risk, aim to reduce trigger times wherever possible. This can be achieved by purchasing lower-vibration output tools, rotating tasks between workers, and encouraging employees to take regular breaks or switch to other tasks that don’t involve vibration. Monitoring exposure and keeping records can also help to manage long-term risk.
Proper PPE Equipment
Using face shields or safety goggles can protect workers from plant matter, sharp pieces of wood and debris from hitting them in the face and eyes. Heavy-duty gloves can help avoid injuries from spiky brambles, thistles and nettles, and reduce the risk of cuts from yard work that can lead to infection. Make sure a team member is trained in first aid and available to assist should an accident occur. Always ensure that a first aid kit is fully stocked and readily available at work.
Chemical Hazards
If you are using chemicals when landscaping, e.g. weedkillers, fertilisers or pesticides, check the COSHH/MSDS sheet for full details of recommended use, storage and disposal. All workers using said substances should be trained in their safe use and be provided with suitable PPE. If your equipment is powered by petrol or other liquid fuels, e.g. lawn mowers or strimmers, ensure fuel is kept in a suitable container and stored safely to avoid the risk of fires.
Working at Height
Team members may have to do some work on a ladder or other support while landscaping, especially when trimming trees or tall bushes. Ensure workers are fully trained and supervised when working on ladders, cherry pickers, scissor lifts or other work at height.
Training and Supervision
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It’s possible that employees may be working away from the main building or out of sight and hearing of coworkers, which could lead to accidents or injuries that may need immediate medical attention. Follow the rules for lone working and ensure work is supervised where required, especially for newer or junior members of staff.
Weather and Environmental Considerations
The weather and other environmental conditions can affect health and safety risks when doing landscaping jobs. Uneven ground or wet conditions may prevent you from using some tools or machinery. Most power tools cannot be used in the rain safely, or even after a recent rainstorm – refer to the operating instructions. When working outside, ensure all team members have access to a shaded area for breaks, access to water and appropriate PPE for use in hot weather to avoid the risk of dehydration and overheating. Workers should consider using a high-factor sunscreen if working out in the sun for long periods.
Other Environmental Risks
Workers could also be exposed to hazards from flora and fauna when doing gardening or landscaping tasks, from a skin reaction to poisonous plants such as giant hogweed to bites and stings from insects or even animals. A risk assessment should be performed to assess the potential for injury caused by plants, insects and animals, and appropriate measures should be put in place to minimise that risk. If workers encounter anything that could be hazardous, they should report it immediately.
This is just a list of suggested health and safety hazards that workers might encounter when doing landscaping and gardening work. When doing your own risk assessment for these activities, consider the risks specific to your workplace or environment that may not be mentioned here. Always be proactive when it comes to health and safety at work – do risk assessments before undertaking gardening or landscaping tasks, encourage team members to promptly report any issues or concerns, and promote a safety-first culture in all areas. If you would like more information or help regarding landscaping and gardening health and safety, get in touch with us here at Optimum Safety or call os at 01522 527544.
