Landscaping is a physically demanding job that requires your team to work with sharp tools, heavy machinery, and potentially hazardous chemicals. As a result, it’s essential to prioritize safety to protect your team and your business. But, what can you when assuring safety amongst your landscaping team is your first priority?
Provide Proper Training for the Landscaping Crew
Providing proper training is the foundation of assuring safety amongst your landscaping team. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), lack of proper training is one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities.
By providing your team with comprehensive training on the use of equipment, tools, and chemicals, you can reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. Plus, The Liberty Company offers unique safety trainings and educational tools for your team as a value-added service tied to your insurance coverage.
Encourage the Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is another essential component of assuring safety amongst your landscaping team. As you might imagine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that using PPE can prevent injuries and illnesses caused by exposure to hazardous chemicals, flying debris, and other workplace hazards.
As an employer, it’s your responsibility to provide PPE, such as gloves, safety glasses, and hard hats, and encourage your team to use it at all times. When you take charge of safety, you can build a safety culture amongst your team that much faster.
Conduct Regular Safety Inspections of Your Landscaping Crew
Regular safety inspections are critical to maintaining a safe workplace. By conducting regular inspections, you can identify potential hazards and take steps to address them before they cause an accident or injury. Word from the Bureau of Labor Statistics is that the rate of nonfatal injuries and illnesses in the landscaping industry was 4.5 cases per 100 full-time workers in 2020. How can you cut back on those incidents, avoid workers’ comp claims, and keep your team at work
Remember, a regular safety inspection is not a “gotcha” scenario. It’s merely a moment to check in and make sure everyone is actually safe at work—and learning what you can do to make things better.
Establish Safety Protocols Throughout Your Business
Establishing safety protocols is another essential component of assuring safety amongst your landscaping team. Safety protocols should cover everything from equipment maintenance to emergency procedures. Post these rules prominently in the facility. Make this a part of employee onboarding. Never let your team forget how to manage their personal and group safety.
Make sure your team knows:
- What to do in case of an accident or emergency
- How to use their safety gear
- Completes routine safety trainings
- Reports any issues with equipment right away
Contact Liberty San Francisco Bay Area for Help With Safety Training and Workers’ Comp Coverage
Of course, assuring safety amongst your landscaping team requires providing proper training, encouraging the use of PPE, conducting regular safety inspections, and establishing safety protocols. But, you also need powerful insurance coverage for your landscaping business. If you need help finding the right insurance coverage for your landscaping business, contact Liberty San Francisco Bay Area today. Our team of experienced professionals can seek out new quotes, review your current coverage, and answer your questions at any time.