Mitigating landscaping hazards - protecting workers from common risks

Heat stress

Heat stress is a major concern in landscaping. High temperatures can cause illnesses and fatalities.

Recognizing and treating heat illness symptoms is crucial. Watch for signs like headache, nausea, elevated body temperature and excessive thirst. Cool the worker with ice or water, move them to a cooler area and remove unnecessary clothing. If symptoms escalate to fainting or slurred speech, call 911 immediately.

Heat stress prevention:

• Create a heat plan/program
• Provide training on heat illness
• Modify work schedules to reduce heat exposure
• Designate a break area and provide hydration
• Use PPE like reflective clothing and cooling vests

Pesticides and chemicals

Pesticides and chemicals are essential in landscaping but pose serious risks if misused. Symptoms include nausea, dizziness and skin, eye, or nose irritation. Severe cases can lead to blindness, neurological disorders, cancer and reproductive issues.

Pesticide and chemical precautions:

• Store chemicals properly
• Follow label directions
• Wash exposed skin immediately
• Properly dispose of chemicals
• Use PPE like respirators, goggles and gloves

Tick-related diseases

Ticks can transmit diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Colorado tick fever. Symptoms include flu-like signs and Erythema Migrans (EM) rashes. Tick bites are common in early spring and late summer. Remove ticks promptly, wash the area with soap and water and apply antibiotic ointment.

Tips for ticks:

• Keep areas free of tall grass, weeds and garden debris
• Use insect repellent
• Check clothing and skin for ticks regularly
• Wear PPE like long pants, sleeves, gloves and safety shoes

Wild parsnips

Wild parsnip is an invasive plant found in fields, pastures and roadsides. Its sap contains furanocoumarins, which make skin more sensitive to sunlight, causing painful burns and blisters. Proper identification and management are essential. Use PPE like long sleeves, boots and safety goggles when handling this plant.

Wild parsnip control:

• Mechanical: Wear synthetic, water-resistant gloves. Manual removal is effective in small areas. Mow before flowering in June and throughout the season. Clean equipment thoroughly to prevent seed spread.
• Cultural: Plant healthy, desirable plants to prevent wild parsnip growth.
• Chemical: Use herbicides for large infestations. Consider factors like proximity to water, native vegetation, soil erosion, and herbicide effectiveness.

Source
OSHA: Landscape and Horticultural Services