These practices work best if you can follow them every day. Even in mild weather, long hours working in sunlight can cause skin damage which can build up over time and put you at risk of skin cancer. Using a high SPF sun cream throughout the day, wearing a hat and choosing clothing that covers your arms and legs are all simple, effective ways to avoid sunburn.
In hot weather, staying hydrated is key to avoiding discomfort and the more serious effects of heatstroke.
Whether working in soaring temperatures or the chilly winter months, pace yourself; take breaks and ensure you are drinking enough fluids and consuming enough calories to maintain your energy levels. If you can adjust your schedule to avoid working during the hottest times of the day, do so.
7. Safe handling of chemicals
Chemicals are becoming less of a fixture for landscapers, but there may be occasions where you need to use them.
It can seem an unnecessary use of precious time, but when using garden chemicals it's a good idea to always read the label before you begin. Even if you'll only be using a product briefly, make sure that your nose and mouth are covered, and wear gloves and safety glasses to protect your skin and eyes from accidental splashes.
8. Acknowledge tiredness to prevent mistakes
Working in the landscaping sector is a physically demanding job that often involves long hours, particularly during the summer months. Operating any kind of machinery when tired is more likely to lead to injury, as we are all prone to making mistakes when we are in need of a break.
Taking regular rest breaks, staying hydrated and ensuring you have enough to eat can alleviate tiredness. If you find that you have tried these tactics and you're still feeling worn out, perhaps switch the task requiring machinery for another manual task, and return to it later when you are feeling more alert.
Operating machinery: the key safety considerations
We’ve covered general safety tips – now it’s time to look more specifically at operating machinery with your wellbeing in mind. Again, these are unlikely to be new to you, but complacency can filter in with experience; refreshing your knowledge of the basics could make all the difference to your health.
Keep user manuals handy
Even if you have had a particular machine or vehicle for years, keep its manual in a place where you can access it easily if something comes up that you need to check. Consulting the manual is always going to be more effective than guessing if you are unsure.
Blades are safer when sharpened
Keeping the blades of your landscaping tools and machinery clean and sharp will help you avoid having to apply excessive force during use, which can lead to slips and cuts. Sharper blades also provide a better quality cut, improving the finish of your work.
Turning machinery on and off safely
Before turning on a machine, spend time giving it a look over to check for any obvious damage or deterioration, particularly if you haven't used it for some time.
If you need protective equipment to operate it safely, ensure you have that with you before turning on the machine. When you have finished the task, make sure that you disengage blades if possible, and always power all the way down before dismounting from the vehicle or putting down the machine. Store machines safely, away from damp and exposed spaces.
Mowing safely with a ride-on
Ride-on mowers are integral to many landscaping businesses. But they are a large piece of machinery with the potential to cause accidents, so care should be taken when operating one. Most accidents can easily be avoided by maintaining a steady pace, not underestimating an incline and referring to the user manual to ensure you’re working within operating guidelines.
Many ride-on mowers now incorporate ergonomic design: if you’re interested in purchasing a new mower, check for an ergonomic seat and controls – your back will thank you later!
Our OEMs ride-on mowers are typically designed with noise reduction in mind, as are our 4-stroke engines, though you should wear ear defenders when using a mower as an extra layer of protection. Protecting your eyes from flying debris such as small stones or blades of grass while cutting is also good practice.
A simple, but important tip: always apply the parking brake to the ride-on when stationary, even when the engine is off.
Safe working with brushcutters