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Outdoor landscaping

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Published by SALUS

Toolbox Talk: Landscaping Safety

Date: [DATE] Duration: [DURATION] minutes Presenter: [PRESENTER NAME] Location: [LOCATION]

Objective

The objective of this toolbox talk is to provide workers with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify and mitigate hazards associated with landscaping work, ensuring a safe and healthy work environment.

Introduction

Landscaping involves a variety of tasks that can expose workers to several hazards. It's crucial to understand these risks and follow safety procedures to prevent accidents and injuries. This toolbox talk will cover common hazards, control measures, and safe work practices specific to landscaping operations.

Presenter Note: Engage the audience by asking if anyone has personal experience related to the topic.

Key Points

  • Equipment Safety: Always inspect equipment before use and ensure it is in good working condition [1].
  • Utility Awareness: Be aware of underground and overhead utilities before digging or operating machinery [2].
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Use appropriate PPE, including eye protection, gloves, and sturdy footwear [3].
  • Slips, Trips, and Falls: Maintain a clean and organized work area to prevent slips, trips, and falls [4].
  • Weather Conditions: Be aware of weather conditions and adjust work practices accordingly [5].

Hazard Identification

Landscaping work presents several potential hazards:

  • Struck-by Hazards: Falling trees, branches, or equipment can cause serious injuries or fatalities. Ensure proper communication and clear work zones [6].
  • Electrical Hazards: Contact with overhead or underground power lines can result in electrocution. Maintain safe distances from power lines and call before you dig 5, 10.
  • Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs): Repetitive motions, awkward postures, and heavy lifting can lead to MSDs. Use proper lifting techniques and take frequent breaks.

Presenter Note: Encourage participants to share any additional hazards they've encountered.

Control Measures

Apply the hierarchy of controls to minimize risks:

  • Elimination: Remove the hazard if possible. For example, use a different tool or method to avoid a hazardous task.
  • Substitution: Replace a hazardous substance or tool with a safer alternative.
  • Engineering Controls: Use machine guards, safety interlocks, or other physical barriers to protect workers [3].
  • Administrative Controls: Implement safe work procedures, training programs, and job rotation to reduce exposure to hazards [4].
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Use appropriate PPE, such as safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection, as a last line of defense [3].

Safe Work Procedures

  1. Pre-Work Inspection: Inspect all equipment and tools before use to ensure they are in good working condition [1].
  2. Utility Location: Call before you dig to locate underground utilities and avoid striking them [2].
  3. Safe Lifting: Use proper lifting techniques when handling heavy objects to prevent back injuries.
  4. Equipment Operation: Operate equipment according to the manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines [1].
  5. Work Zone Safety: Establish clear work zones and use barricades or warning signs to keep unauthorized personnel out [7].

Presenter Note: If possible, demonstrate the safe work procedure or use visual aids.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

  • Eye Protection: Wear safety glasses or face shields to protect against flying debris and chemical splashes [3].
  • Hand Protection: Use gloves to protect against cuts, abrasions, and chemical exposure [8].
  • Foot Protection: Wear sturdy, slip-resistant footwear to protect against foot injuries [3].

[Emphasize the importance of proper PPE use and maintenance]

Real-World Example or Case Study

[Provide a detailed description of a relevant real-world scenario or case study]

[Discuss what went wrong or right, and the lessons learned]

Presenter Note: Ask participants if they can relate this example to their own experiences.

Group Discussion

Discuss the following questions:

  1. What are the most common hazards you encounter in your landscaping work?
  2. What can we do to improve safety on our job sites?
  3. How can we better communicate potential hazards to each other?

Presenter Note: Encourage active participation and facilitate the discussion.

Emergency Procedures

[Outline the steps to take in case of an emergency related to the topic]

  1. In case of an accident, immediately provide first aid and call for medical assistance.
  2. Report all incidents and near misses to your supervisor.
  3. Follow established emergency procedures for fire, chemical spills, or other hazardous situations.
  4. Know the location of emergency equipment, such as first aid kits and fire extinguishers.

Questions and Answers

[Encourage participants to ask questions]

[Provide answers to common questions related to the topic]

  • Q: What should I do if I suspect a utility line is nearby?

A: Stop work immediately and contact the utility company to locate and mark the line [2].

  • Q: How often should I inspect my equipment?

A: Inspect equipment before each use to ensure it is in good working condition [1].

  • Q: What type of gloves should I wear when handling chemicals?

A: Wear chemical-resistant gloves that are appropriate for the specific chemicals you are using [8].

Summary

[Recap the main points covered in the toolbox talk]

  • Always inspect equipment before use [1].
  • Be aware of underground and overhead utilities [2].
  • Use appropriate PPE [3].
  • Follow safe work procedures.

Action Items

[List specific actions participants should take following this toolbox talk]

  1. Review and understand the company's safety policies and procedures.
  2. Participate in regular safety training sessions.
  3. Report any hazards or unsafe conditions to your supervisor.

Remember: Safety is everyone's responsibility!

Report all hazards, near-misses, and incidents to your supervisor immediately.

Safety powered by SALUS

8 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] Kobelco SK235SR-2, SK235SRLC-2 Operation Manual

Page 45

Open source document

Source excerpt

## X. WORKING AROUND UTILITIES If it is suspected that utility lines such as, gas, water, phone or electrical power are in the work area, contact the local utility authority for line location BEFORE beginning work in the area. Use extreme caution around electrical power lines. Keep a sufficient distance away from electrical lines during operation. See chart below for minimum distances. <!-- image --> ## Y. SET LIMITS TO WORKING AREA Set limits around the working area to avoid collision, injury or death. Check for obstacles and personnel while swinging. Use a flagman to guide the operator whenever necessary. <!-- image --> ## Z. CAUTION FOR WORK IN URBAN AREAS It is dangerous to allow other personnel to enter into the working area. Make the working area off-limits to other people by providing barricades. Provide a flagman in working areas with heavy traffic to avoid accidents. ## AA. WORK WITH SUFFICIENT LIGHTING When working in dark places, turn on the work lamp. And if required, provide additional lighting facilities to assure good visibility. Stop working when it is impossible to ensure the visual field due to fog, snow or rain. ## BB. SLIPPERY OPERATION SURFACE Use caution when operating machine on boards or steel plates. Boards and steel plates become very slippery when wet. Pay special attention when working on inclined areas. Provide a device to prevent skidding and operate with extra care. Piled up tree leaves or branches also may causes skidding. ## CC. STRENGTHEN SOFT GROUND When working on a soft ground or marshy area, the machine may sink. Be aware that frozen ground becomes soft with the increase of ambient temperature. Use logs or lumber positioned in the opposite direction of the track to prevent the machine from sinking. １

[2] Kobelco SK235SR-2, SK235SRLC-2 Operation Manual

Page 43

Open source document

Source excerpt

## R. WORKING AROUND UNDER GROUND UTILITY LINES During operation it is likely that you will be working around or near buried utility lines which may include, but are not limited to: - -Electrical Power Line - -Gas Line - -Water Line - -Communication Line: Telephone or Cable Television Before begining any trenching, drilling or other construction work it is your responsibility to be aware of all such utility lines buried in the area of your project and to avoid them. ALWAYS have all local utility companies mark the location of their lines. Check with local authorities for laws, regulations and/or strict penalties requiring you to locate and avoid existing utilities. ## S. RESTRICTED WORK AREAS In work sites with limited height and swing / traveling areas such as tunnels, bridges, around electrical power lines, other utilities, or inside structures. Use extreme caution on work sites with limited height and swing/traveling areas such as tunnels, bridges, around electrical power lines, other utilities or inside structure. Keep the machine and its attachment a safe distance to prevent injury, death or damage on equipment or structure. Use a flagman to guide the operators. ## T. DO NOT WORK UNDER PRECIPICE / OVERHANG Do not dig under the precipice. It may cause falling rocks or loosening of the precipice resulting in injury, death or machine damage. <!-- image --> <!-- image --> <!-- image --> １

[3] Kobelco SK235SR-2, SK235SRLC-2 Operation Manual

Page 42

Open source document

Source excerpt

## ［ 1. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ］ ## O. OPERATING ON INCLINES OR SLOPES - ・ Operation of this machine on an incline or slope may cause the machine to become unstable or unbalanced. Work up and down inclines or slopes, do not across. Do not swing or turn machine around on a slope. Build a level area for the machine to operate. Operate controls carefully to prevent sudden movements which may cause the machine to slide or rollover. - ・ When the engine was stalled, put down the bucket on the ground and return every lever to the neutral position, then start the engine again. - ・ Even if the swing operation is stopped on a slope, the machine might swing by the machine s own weight. ' - Operate the machine carefully when you operate the machine on a slope. - Place the bucket to the ground when you park the machine by necessity on a slope. ## P. FROZEN &amp; SNOW COVERED WORK SITES Use extreme caution when operating the machine on frozen or snow covered work sites. Operate all controls slowly and cautiously to prevent sudden movements such as start/stop/turn, that may cause the machine to unexpectedly shift, slide or move. Even on the slightest slope, when snow is present or work area is frozen can allow a machine to unexpectedly move. Snow on shoulders or snow drifts can be much deeper than expected. The machine can easily become buried under such conditions. Use extreme caution while operating the machine around or in snow. Be careful for frozen ground that becomes soft along with the increase of ambient temperature. ## Q. SWING / TRAVEL FUNCTION Make sure the swing and travel area of machine is clear of all persons and obstacles before operating swing/travel controls. Sound horn before operating swing/travel machine. If necessary, have a flagman signal operator during operation to prevent injury to persons or damage to obstacles and equipment. <!-- image --> <!-- image -->

[4] Rules for the Administration of the Oregon Safe Employment Act (General Occupational Safety and Health, Division 2, OSHA Oregon)

Page 1481

Open source document

Source excerpt

Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division AO 7-2008 Division 2 - (viii) Driving into materials easily penetrated shall be avoided unless such materials are backed by a substance that will prevent the pin or fastener from passing completely through and creating a flying-missile hazard on the other side. (ix) - (A) Fasteners shall not be driven directly into materials such as brick or concrete closer than 3 inches from the unsupported edge or corner, or into steel surfaces closer than one-half inch from the unsupported edge or corner, unless a special guard, fixture, or jig is used. (Exception: Low-velocity tools may drive no closer than 2 inches from an edge in concrete or one-fourth inch in steel.) - (B) When fastening other materials, such as a 2- by 4-inch wood section to a concrete surface, it is permissible to drive a fastener of no greater than 7/32-inch shank diameter not closer than 2 inches from the unsupported edge or corner of the work surface. - (x) Fasteners shall not be driven through existing holes unless a positive guide is used to secure accurate alignment. - (xi) No fastener shall be driven into a spalled area caused by an unsatisfactory fastening. - (xii) Tools shall not be used in an explosive or flammable atmosphere. - (xiii) All tools shall be used with the correct shield, guard, or attachment recommended by the manufacturer. - (xiv) Any tool found not in properly working order shall be immediately removed from service. The tool shall be inspected at regular intervals and shall be repaired in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. - (e) Power lawnmowers. - (1) General requirements. - (i) Power lawnmowers of the walk-behind, riding-rotary, and reel power lawnmowers shall be guarded in accordance with the machine guarding requirements in 29 CFR 1910.212, General requirements for all machines.

[5] Rules for the Administration of the Oregon Safe Employment Act (General Occupational Safety and Health, Division 2, OSHA Oregon)

Page 1863

Open source document

Source excerpt

Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division Oregon Administrative Rules AO 2-2017 Division 2 - (a) Walking and working surfaces of sprayers and related equipment must be covered with slip-resistant material. If slipping hazards cannot be eliminated, slip-resistant footwear or handrails and stair rails meeting the requirements of Division 2/D may be used instead of slip-resistant material. - (b) Equipment on which employees stand to spray while the vehicle is in motion must be equipped with guardrails around the working area. The guardrail must be constructed in accordance with Division 2/D. - (4) Stump cutters. - (a) Stump cutters must be equipped with enclosures or guards to protect employees. - (b) Each employee in the immediate area of stump grinding operations including the stump cutter operator) must wear personal protective equipment as required by Division 2/I. - (5) Gas powered saws. Gas powered saw operations must meet the requirements of [redacted phone] Chain Saws, Division 7; and the following: - (a) Each power saw weighing more than 6.8 kilograms (15 pounds, service weight) that is used in trees must be supported by a separate line, except when work is performed from an aerial lift and except during topping or removing operations where no supporting limb will be available. - (b) Each power saw must be equipped with a control that will return the saw to idling speed when released. - (c) Each power saw must be equipped with a clutch and must be so adjusted that the clutch will not engage the chain drive at idling speed. - (d) A power saw must be started on the ground or where it is otherwise firmly supported. Drop starting of saws over 6.8 kilograms (15 pounds), other than chain saws, is permitted outside of the bucket of an aerial lift only if the area below the lift is clear of personnel. Drop starting chain saws is prohibited. - (e) A power saw engine may be started and operated only when all employees other than the operator are clear of the sa…

[6] Rules for the Administration of the Oregon Safe Employment Act (General Occupational Safety and Health, Division 2, OSHA Oregon)

Page 1593

Open source document

Source excerpt

Division 2 Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division - (d) Chippers with a mechanical infeed system must have a quick stop reversing device on the infeed. The quick stop reversing device control lever must be across the top and along each side of the hopper, as close to the feed end of the hopper as practicable within easy reach of the operator. ## Worker Apparel - (e) Employees in the immediate area of an operating chipper must wear personal protective equipment as required by Subdivision I of this Division. - (f) Workers feeding chippers must not wear loose clothing, gauntlet-type gloves, rings or watches. ## Work Practices - (g) Prevent accidental restart of equipment shut down for adjustment or repair as required by Division 2/J, 1910.147, Lockout/Tagout. - (h) Guard exposed adjacent blades when replacing chipper blades. - (i) Close and secure all access panels before operating the chipper. - (j) The chipper operator must have a coworker in the immediate vicinity when feeding chipper. - (k) Do not feed foreign objects into chipper. - (l) Feed chippers from the side of the centerline. The operator must immediately turn away from the feed table as brush is drawn into the rotor. Feed chippers from curbside whenever practical. - (m) Feed and discharge chutes must be in place to prevent contact with rotating blades during chipper operation. - (n) Chipper operators must be familiar with the manufacturer's operating instructions, maintenance and safe work practices. - (o) When trailer chippers are detached from trucks they must be chocked or otherwise secured. - (p) Before towing chipper, cross safety chains under the tongue of the chipper and attach them to the towing vehicle. ## (7) Limbing and bucking.

[7] Kobelco SK235SR-2, SK235SRLC-2 Operation Manual

Page 47

Open source document

Source excerpt

## 1.6 INSPECTION &amp; MAINTENANCE SAFETY ## A. READ CAREFULLY OPERATING/MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES Incorrect maintenance may cause not only damages on the machine, but also injury. Read and fully understand the maintenance procedures and safety precautions described in the operation and maintenance manual before performing any maintenance in this machine. ## B. CONFIRM UNDERSTANDING OF HAND SIGNALS AND COMMUNICATION USED ON JOB SITE Have a meeting before starting work on the job site. Confirm all workers understand all hand signals, flag signals and other means of communication used on the job site to avoid any accidents or injuries. ## C. ORGANIZE AND CLEAN UP WORKING AREA Organize and clean up the working area. Remove any obstacles and also remove any grease, oil, paint, broken pieces, etc., from the working area to avoid injury. ## D. "TAG-OUT" MACHINE Before performing any inspection or maintenance procedures to the machine, fill out and post to the operator's controls a "DO NOT OPERATE" tag to warn persons not to start the machine. Also inform the supervisor and all operators that the machine is under inspection or maintenance and they will be informed when the machine is ready for normal operation. <!-- image --> ## E. TOOLS &amp; EQUIPMENT Use the proper tools and equipment for the task at hand. Know the proper use of the tools and equipment before starting any inspection or maintenance procedures. ## F. PRESSURIZED FLUIDS &amp; LUBRICANTS Always release pressure from hydraulic reservoir, engine coolant, fuel system and all systems containing pressure before removing any caps or components. Be cautious of hot fluids and gasses from systems on machines that have just been stopped. Allow sufficient time for systems to cool before performing any inspection or maintenance procedures. ## G. AVOID HOT SURFACES &amp; AREAS Immediately after the machine is operated, the temperature and pressure of the engine coolant, engine oil and hydraulic oil are ver…

[8] Kobelco SK235SR-2, SK235SRLC-2 Operation Manual

Page 44

Open source document

Source excerpt

## U. CHECK THAT NO PERSON IS UNDER THE BUCKET There is a possibility of accident resulting in injury or death and the damage of machine due to the fall of sand/earth and the direct contact with bucket when the bucket and attachment pass through over the worker and the driver's seat of dump truck. Do not pass the bucket through over person for safety. ## V. GROUND STABILITY Make sure the condition of the work site is stable and capable of supporting the machine weight during operation. Do not operate attachment too close to the machine. Operation of the machine on shoulders or filled areas could cause the machine to become unstable presenting a work hazard. Position the crawler at right angle to shoulder and the travel motors to the rear of the machine, allowing for quick reversal, should the work area become unstable. ## W. LIFTING <!-- image --> <!-- image --> <!-- image --> Before operating the machine, make sure the job-site of machine is clear of all persons and obstacles. And park the machine on the hard and level ground. If the machine is equipped with the level gauge, confirm the inclination of the machine with the level gauge. Do not use the tooth of bucket for lifting load. Lift the load with a special lifting device such as hook. <!-- image --> The machine for Australia equips the level gauge as standard equipment. <!-- image --> <!-- image -->

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