Cuts and Amputations Electrical Ergonomics Heat and Cold Stress Lifting and Awkward Postures Motor Vehicles Noise Pesticides and Chemicals Slips, Trips, and Falls

Soil Preparation and Grading Irrigation Hardscape Construction

Planting - Trees, Shrubs, Lawn Lawn and Landscape Maintenance Tree Care

• Professional Landcare Network Safety Tips Sheet No. 4: Reducing the Risk of an Amputation. OSHA-Professional Landcare Network Alliance, 55 KB PDF, 1 page. A 94 KB PDF (Spanish version) is also available.
• Hand Tool Training Guide. Electronic Library of Construction Occupational Safety and Health (eLCOSH). Taken from the "Tailgate Meetings that Work: A Guide to Effective Construction Safety Training" series.
• Transporting equipment from trailers to worksites. Electronic Library of Construction Occupational Safety and Health (eLCOSH). A trailer mounted hoist can eliminate lifting and pushing of heavy equipment on the jobsite.
• Small Business Handbook. OSHA Publication 2209-02R, (2005). Also available as a 260 KB PDF, 56 pages.
  • Hand Tools and Equipment
  • Portable (Power Operated) Tools and Equipment
  • Power-Actuated Tools
• Hand and Power Tools. OSHA Publication 3080, (2002). Also available as a 174 KB PDF, 32 pages. Includes information on the dangers of hand and power tools and safety precautions.
• Machinery Safety: Hand/Power Tools. National Ag Safety Database (NASD). Provides links to several informative NASD documents covering many aspects of hand/power tool safety. Some of the documents are in Spanish.
• NIOSH FACE Program. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Program. Concentrates on investigations of fatal occupational injuries. Cause of death and recommendations for accident prevention are usually given. The following worker fatal injury facts were found in landscaping activities while using machinery/tools:
  • Landscaper Crushed Between Backhoe and Truck. New Jersey FACE  Investigation #02-NJ-025, (2002, December 3).
  • Grader Operator Run Over by Rear Tire While Jumpstarting Grader. Michigan FACE Investigation #01MI056, (2001, July 30).
  • Landscaper Died of Injuries when He was Catapulted from the Operator's Seat of a Truck-mounted Boom. Colorado FACE Investigation #96CO080. 
  • Landscaper Dies when Struck by Front End Loader in Massachusetts. Massachusetts FACE Investigation #96-MA-016-01, (1996, April 4).
  • Landscape Laborer Dies When the Tractor He is Driving Overturns. Colorado FACE Investigation #95CO094, (1995, November 6).
  • Landscape Laborer Dies after Being Struck By the Bucket of a Case Skid Steer Loader. Minnesota FACE Investigation #MN9209, (1992, September 15).
  • Fourteen-Year-Old Youth Pulled Into Operating Wood Chipper - Florida. Florida FACE Investigation #2000-21, (2000, July).
  • Tree Trimmer Dies When Pulled into in a Brush Chipper. California FACE Investigation #00CA010, (2000, July).
  • Laborer Caught in Chipper/Shredder Machine--Maryland. Maryland FACE Investigation #94MD058, (1994).
  • Groundsman Killed by Falling Tree Section During Tree Trimming Work in New Jersey. New Jersey FACE Investigation #00-NJ-087-01, (2001, May 23).
• For additional information, see OSHA's Hand and Power Tools Safety and Health Topics Page.

• NIOSH FACE Program. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Program. Concentrates on investigations of fatal occupational injuries. Cause of death and recommendations for accident prevention are usually given. The following worker fatal injury facts were found in landscaping activities - electrical:
  • Landscaper Electrocuted and Two Workers Seriously Injured When A Felled Tree Landed on an Overhead Power Line. New Jersey FACE Investigation #01-NJ-117, (2004, October 1).
  • Massachusetts Arborist Electrocuted On Contact With 13,800 Volt Public Utility Powerline. Massachusetts FACE Investigation #94-MA-003, (1993, October).
  • Tree Trimmer Electrocuted After Contacting an Overhead Power Line. New Jersey FACE Investigation #96NJ01001, (1996, August 7).
• Use of ANSI C2-1997 as guidance for protecting employees working near insulated shielded conductors. OSHA Standard Interpretation, (2002, September 26). Clarifies safe working clearances for unqualified persons who work near insulated shielded cables.
• Exceptions to minimum approach distances for power generation, transmission, and distribution. OSHA Standard Interpretation, (2000, February 10). Answers a question about minimum approach distance requirements of the Electrical Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution Standard.
• Protection of workers operating mechanical equipment near overhead power lines. OSHA Standard Interpretation, (1999, December 7). Provides clarification regarding an unqualified crane operator contractor, who is being guided by a qualified journeyman electrician, working in close proximity to unguarded (7,620 to 500,000) voltage.
• Minimum approach distances. OSHA Standard Interpretation, (1996, February 2). Provides an interpretation of the application of the minimum approach distances in 29 CFR 1910.269 and in 29 CFR 1910.333 of the electrical standard as they apply to the service and maintenance of several 69 kilovolt (kV) air, disconnect switches.
• For additional information, see OSHA's Electrical Safety and Health Topics Page.

• Protecting Workers in Hot Environments. OSHA Fact Sheet 95-16, (1995, January).
• Protecting Yourself in the Sun. OSHA Publication 3166, (2000), 38 KB PDF, 2 pages. A 42 KB PDF (Spanish version) is also available.
• Outdoor Action Guide to Heat-Related Illnesses Fluid Balance. National Ag Safety Database (NASD).
• The Heat Equation. OSHA Publication 3154, (1998), 23 KB PDF, 2 pages. A 73 KB PDF (Spanish version) is also available.
• The Cold Stress Equation. OSHA Publication 3156, (1999), 22 KB PDF, 4 pages. A 22 KB PDF (Spanish version) is also available.
• Protecting Workers in Cold Environments. OSHA Fact Sheet 98-55, (1998, December 22).
• NIOSH FACE Program. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Program. Concentrates on investigations of fatal occupational injuries. Cause of death and recommendations for accident prevention are usually given. The following worker fatal injuries fact was found in landscaping activities - heat/cold:
  • Landscape Mowing Assistant Dies from Heat Stroke. Michigan FACE Investigation #02-MI-75-01, (2002, May 30).
• For additional information, see OSHA's Heat Stress Safety and Health Topics Page.

• Professional Landcare Network Safety Tips Fact Sheet No. 2: Reducing the Risk of Lifting Injuries in the Landscape and Horticulture Industries. OSHA-Professional Landcare Network Alliance, 56 KB PDF, 1 page. A 106 KB PDF (Spanish version) is also available.
• Backs and Lifting Training Guide. Electronic Library of Construction Safety and Health (eLCOSH).
• How much am I allowed to lift? Electronic Library of Construction Safety and Health (eLCOSH). Explains the factors in making a determination about how much is too much when considering lifting.
• Guidelines for Lifts involving Trunk-twisting angle of +/- 30 degrees. Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation, 67 KB PDF, 3 pages. Presents diagrams showing postures and weights that are likely to constitute an over exertion situation.
• Agricultural Ergonomics. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Explains principles and gives several examples to limit worker awkward posture and stress.
• National Ag Safety Database (NASD). Serves as a central repository for safety and health information on such topics as back safety/lifting, electrical safety, chemicals/pesticides, and personal protective equipment. Included are tailgate training materials, videos, and Spanish-language safety and health materials.
  • Knowing Your Limits Prevents Manual Labor Injuries
  • Back Injury Prevention
• Reduce your Risk of Back Injury: Let your Equipment do the Work. Workers' Compensation Board of British Columbia, 1 KB PDF, 1 page.
• For additional information, see OSHA's Ergonomics Safety and Health Topics Page.

• Pesticide Illness and Injury Surveillance. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), (2001, December). Protects workers by determining the underlying causes of over-exposure to pesticides in the workplace. Surveillance also serves as an early warning system of any harmful effects not detected by manufacturer testing of pesticides.

• Professional Landcare Network Safety Tips Sheet No. 1: Slip and Trip Injuries. OSHA-Professional Landcare Network Alliance, 60 KB PDF, 1 page. A 98 KB PDF (Spanish version) is also available.
• National Ag Safety Database (NASD). Serves as a central repository for safety and health information on such topics as back safety/lifting, electrical safety, chemicals/pesticides, and personal protective equipment. Included are tailgate training materials, videos, and Spanish-language safety and health materials.
  • Preventing Injuries from Slips, Trips and Falls
  • Preventing Slips and Trips
  • Ladders, Lifting and Falls
  • Proper Use and Selection of Ladders
  • Purchase and Proper Use of Ladders
• Construction. OSHA eTool. Provides information on portable ladder safety for construction workers.
• Preventing Falls and Electrocutions During Tree Trimming. US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 92-106, (1992, August). Provides recommendations for prevention of falls and electrocutions following the description of eight incidents including five electrocutions and three fatal falls of tree trimmers.
• NIOSH FACE Program. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Program. Concentrates on investigations of fatal occupational injuries. Cause of death and recommendations for accident prevention are usually given. The following worker fatal injury facts were found in landscaping activities, slips/trips/falls:
  • Tree Trimmer Dies After Falling 60 feet from a Tree. New Jersey FACE Investigation #93-NJ-093-01, (1993, October 15). 
  • Tree Trimmer Electrocuted by a High Voltage Line in California. California FACE Investigation #93CA00601, (1994, April 5).
  • Office Assistant at Sod Farm Dies When Forklift Slides into Ditch and She is Pinned in. Wisconsin FACE Investigation #95WI062, (1995, August 11).
  • Worker Falls 25 Feet to His Death From an Extension Ladder in New Jersey. New Jersey FACE Investigation #NJ9012, (1991, February 26).
  • Skid-Steer Loader Operator Dies After Backing Loader Off Six-Foot Retaining Wall. Missouri FACE Investigation #96MO082, (1996, September 20).
  • Tree Trimmer Killed When a Branch to Which He Was Tied Broke And His Lifeline Failed. New Jersey FACE Investigation #96 NJ 074-01, (1997, March 27).
  • Tree Trimmer/Climber Dies After Falling 40 Feet With an Uprooted Tree Trunk--Virginia. Virginia FACE Investigation #9615, (1996, July).
  • Tree Trimmer Dies After Falling With a Fractured Tree. New Jersey FACE Investigation #95-NJ-016-01, (1995, July 17).
  • Tree Trimmer Dies After Falling 60 Feet From A Tree. New Jersey FACE Investigation #93-NJ-093-01, (1994, December 23).
• For additional information, see OSHA's Walking/Working Surfaces Safety and Health Topics Page.

Primary hazards include:	Solutions:
Equipment Accidents	Train and certify operators.
Slips and trips - uneven terrain	Wear boots with traction soles.
Vehicle Accidents Hauling Equipment	Train and certify drivers.
Cuts and amputations	Stay clear of tiller blades.
Hearing loss	Wear ear protection.

Primary hazards include:	Solutions:
Glue and primer hazards	Wear protective gloves.
Amputation	Stay clear of trencher blades/Inspect equipment.
Electrocution	Call for utility locates.

Primary hazards include:	Solutions:
Cuts and amputations	Saw training/Ensure equipment safeguards are in place and functional.
Hearing loss	Wear ear protection.
Lifting-related injuries	Get help lifting/Lift safely/Stretching.
Slips and trips	Keep job site clean.
Struck by	Follow SOP's/Wear personal protective equipment.
Trenching/Excavation	Use protective systems/Train. (see related topic page)

Primary hazards include:	Solutions:
Lifting-related injuries	Get help lifting/Lift safely/Stretch.
Heat stress	Drink enough water/Pay attention to body signals/Rest breaks/Work and rest in shade when possible.
Cuts and hand injuries	Wear gloves/Inspect tools and equipment before use.
Slips, trips and falls	Keep job site clean.
Vehicle accidents	Train and certify drivers.

Primary hazards include:	Solutions:
Cuts and amputations	Keep clear of rotating mower and brush-cutting blades.
Hand injuries	Wear gloves.
Chemical exposure	Read and obey Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) form information/Implement effective hazard communication program that includes employee training.
Eye injury	Wear protective goggles when using blowers.
Hearing loss	Wear ear protection when using power equipment.
Ergonomics	Maintain comfortable mower settings/Use safe-lifting techniques.
Vehicle accidents	Train drivers.

Primary hazards include:	Solutions:
Struck by	Use PPE (eg, hard hat)/know drop zone.
Cuts and amputations	Train safe chainsaw use and wear chaps.
Eye damage	Wear safety goggles.
Ear damage	Wear ear protection for chipping/chainsaw.
Electrocution	Comply with the 10-foot power line clearance rule (10 feet + 4 inches for every 10kV over 50 kV). Note: Other Minimum Approach Distances (MADs) may be applicable for trained employees as provided by 29 CFR 1910.269.
Slips, trips and falls	Use property tree tie-in.

• Profile: Landscape and Horticultural Services. OSHA. Also available as a 1 MB PDF, 10 pages. Provides information for SIC Code 078 - Landscaping and Horticultural Services, including Bureau of Labor Statistics, top 10 cited standards, and potential industry hazards.
• Targeted Industry Profile Page. OSHA. Horticulture and landscape is one of the seven industries selected as part of the strategic management plan.