If you're into landscaping - whether professionally or at home - this is a busy time of year. Just be careful out there. Landscaping and gardening can be dangerous. In 2002, there were 70 fatalities in America's ornamental shrub and tree services industry and 637 fatalities in the industry from 1992-2002. That's an average of 58 deaths a year. Here's how to nip those hazards in the bud.

Landscaping Hazards

Cuts, falls, back injuries and chemical exposures are just a few of the hazards landscapers face. Four types of accidents accounted for the most fatalities:

- Struck by an object (a tree)
- Fall to a lower level (from a tree)
- Contact with electricity (when a limb hits a power line)
- Struck by a vehicle or collision between two vehicles.

3 Sets of Precautions

Here are precautions to take when engaging in three kinds of dangerous landscaping work:

1. Tree Trimming

- Comply with power line clearance regulations (in general, 10 feet plus four inches for every 10kV over 50kV)
- Assume all nearby power lines are energized. Avoid contact until the utility company has verified that the line has been de-energized
- Inspect trees for possible hazards, such as broken or cracked limbs
- Get chainsaw safety training and wear chaps
- Always wear appropriate fall protection when working above ground
- Wear PPE, including hardhats, safety goggles and ear protection.
- Do not carry tools while climbing
- Do not climb trees during wet or icy weather.

2. Riding Lawn Mowers

- Wear eye, hearing and foot protection
- Clear the work area of any debris (sticks, stones etc.) that might be thrown by the blades
- Mow straight up and down slopes rather than sideways
- Keep safety devices and guards in place
- Do not remove grass catcher or unclog the chute while the motor is running.

3. Handling Pesticides

- Don't use pesticides unless you are trained
- Follow all instructions on labels
- Recognize signs of poisoning and correct first aid procedures
- Wash hands before eating and drinking
- Don't work alone when handling these chemicals
- Don't use your mouth to blow out clogged spray nozzles
- Don't spray pesticides in windy conditions.

Conclusion

In addition to these precautions, make sure you and your workers have appropriate training that addresses the other potential hazards associated with outdoor work, such as heat stress and traffic control. Happy and safe landscaping, everyone.

5 Ways Kids Can Play Safe

by Catherine Jones

May 6 to 13 is National Safe Kids Week. Here are five things parents can do
to help keep their kids injury-free while playing outdoors:

1. Playground Slides: Teach your child to go down the slide sitting down and
facing forward, not headfirst.

2. Electrical Hazards: Warn your kids to keep clear of overhead power lines
when they fly kites or model airplanes, or when climbing trees.

3. Mowing Lawns: Don't let children under 12 operate walk-behind or ride-on
lawnmowers. Let them help with yard work by raking the grass or removing
rocks and other objects before you mow.

4. Biking: Your child will be less resistant to wearing a bicycle helmet if:

a. He sees that you always wear a helmet when riding; and
b. She gets to help select the helmet.

5. Trampolines: If you have a trampoline in your yard, enforce these three
rules:

a. No one on the trampoline without adult supervision;
b. One person at a time on the trampoline; and

c. No flips or somersaults.

____________________________________________________________________________

Mountain Climbing Camming Anchor Recalled

Mountain Climbing Camming Anchor Recalled

As if mountain climbing wasn't dangerous enough, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced a voluntary recall of the Camming Anchor manufactured by Colorado Custom Hardware, due to a fall hazard.

Camming anchors, also known as "Alien Cams" are used to stop climbers in the event of a fall. The anchor is inserted into a rock crevice and it grips the side of the crack. The manufacturer has received one report of an anchor cable failing to support a climber.

The recalled product, which was sold nationwide and through web retainers from November 2004 to December 2005, has production dates (1104 to 1205) found on the bottom of the handle puller. Consumers are advised to stop using the devices and to contact the manufacturer for further instructions at 1.800.776.9185.

View this recall online at https://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml06/06141.html

Story Tools:  Email This Post  Print This Post Top