I recently came across an infographic that detailed exactly how dangerous the landscape service business really is. Here at Yellowstone Landscape, we’re fortunate to have a leadership team that takes our Culture of Safety very seriously, but the statistics cited in the research indicate that not every company in our business is so focused on protecting their employees. While we’re certainly not perfect, we believe that how well a landscape service contractor cares for their people is a direct reflection of how well they will care for their clients.
Here are a few things pulled from our Safety Program that you can use to start a discussion about safety with your landscape service provider:
Company Vehicles and Equipment
- Do not use a cell phone when operating vehicles or equipment unless it is an emergency. Also, do not engage in other unsafe activities (such as taking notes, reading maps, etc.) when operating vehicles or equipment.
- Use cones, barricades, and other warning devices provided when working in traffic areas. Do not park vehicles or equipment where they are likely to get hit.
- Turn off vehicles and equipment when they are not in use. Take the keys with you. Do not leave equipment unattended.
- Only operate vehicles and equipment after you have been trained.
- Do not allow passengers on any equipment and do not allow unauthorized persons to operate company vehicles or equipment.
- Promptly report any missing or damaged safety devices to your supervisor. Do not operate equipment with missing or defective safety devices until they have been replaced.
- Do not remove or disable guards, shields, or other safety devices unless you have been authorized to do so. Never bypass a safety device.
Employees Attire and Protection
- When appropriate, dress according to your job standards. If you are working in the field, this includes: long pants and long-sleeved shirts, socks, boots or shoes with sturdy, nonslip soles, chemical-protection clothing and footwear when handling chemicals, and a hat for sun protection during the hot summer months.
- Do not wear jewelry, drawstrings, or loose or frayed clothing when operating or working near powered machinery or equipment.
- Wear a safety vest at all times where work zones include traffic.
- Always use the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) — safety glasses, goggles, earplugs, gloves, hard hats, etc. — that has been assigned for the particular task. If your Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) does not fit properly, immediately tell your supervisor so that it can be replaced.
General Safety Best Practices
- Inspect work areas, equipment, and job sites for hazards before starting your work each day. Immediately report any unsafe conditions to your supervisor so that corrections can be made before you start work.
- Think safety at all times. Do not distract coworkers or engage in roughhousing, horseplay, fights, or similar activities that increase the chances of an accident.
- Do not take shortcuts and do not run.
- Always use appropriate fall protection if not working at ground level.
- Lift correctly to avoid sprains, strains, and back injuries. Always lift within your limits and never lift or move an object that weighs 50 pounds or more by yourself. Seek assistance from a coworker for heavy loads.
- Practice good housekeeping at all times. Keep your work area and job sites free of objects and debris that could be tripping hazards. Do not allow oil, water, or other substances to remain on floors so they become slip hazards. Return all tools and equipment to their proper location at the end of the day.
The infographic, courtesy of Bolt Insurance, is available here.
Safety – It’s Everyone’s Responsibility