June is National Safety Month, so we wanted to share some safety tips to help turf professionals like you get the job done and go home safe every day.
Safety is Serious
The landscaping and groundskeeping industry, as defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), consistently ranks among the most hazardous employment sectors in the United States. Each year, there are around 10,000 to 12,000 injuries related to machinery, chemicals, falls, and other causes. In addition to injuries, the BLS reported 1,072 fatalities from 2011-2021.
Some Practical Safety Tips
Those facts are upsetting and may be surprising, but there are plenty of tips and practices you can follow to keep you and your crews safe.
Cover up. Thousands of workers are blinded every year because they don’t wear protective eyewear when it’s needed. When you’re dealing with chemicals, don’t forget your eye protection.
Limber up. You’ll be making a lot of repetitive movements on the job, and stretching before and after your shift can help reduce your risk of injury.
Stay aware of your surroundings. Whether there are trip hazards in an area or you’re mowing right next to a busy roadway, be attentive. Caution always pays off.
Keep the weather in check. Heat and exposure-related illnesses are common during the summer. It’s a good idea to wear sun sleeves, hats, and sunscreen. Stay hydrated, too.
Make sure you wear personal protective equipment (PPE). We mentioned safety glasses earlier, but chemical-resistant gloves and high-visibility vests are important, too. At ATS, we offer those products along with ear muffs to protect your hearing and spill kits for fast, safe chemical cleanup.
Make Safety a Year-Round Priority
It’s great to have a month of awareness, but remember that safety isn’t seasonal, and hazards don’t take time off. If you need to stock up on PPE, each of our walk-in locations has plenty of options. So, the next time you come in to place or pick up an order, ask the sales rep behind the counter about PPE and any questions you have about staying safe on the job.
