• What does a landscaper do?
• What are some health and safety issues for landscapers?
• What are some preventive measures for landscapers?
• What are some good general safe work practices?
• Where can I get more information?

What does a landscaper do?

Under the label "landscaper" we are referring to gardeners, greenskeepers, lawn care specialists and horticultural workers. These people work in businesses or homes, indoors or outdoors.

Some of the main duties of a landscaper are to:

• Plan, create and maintain landscaped environments, which may include flowers, plants, trees, lawns, fences, decks, patios or water features.
• Prepare and spray chemical mixtures using various types of equipment.
• Operate powered equipment and hand tools.

What are some health and safety issues for landscapers?

Depending on exact occupation or geographic location, the following are possible risks:

• Exposure to infectious human and animal waste.
• Irritation or allergic reaction from plants, or from insect bites or stings.
• West Nile virus, lyme disease or rocky mountain spotted fever.
• Histoplasmosis from bird droppings.
• Hantavirus from mouse droppings.
• Exposure to pesticides and other toxic chemicals.
• Pain or injury from working in awkward positions, lifting and carrying heavy objects.
• Noise.
• Exposure to extreme temperatures.
• Work with heavy machinery, manual and power tools, and ladders.
• Working near electrical lines.
• Stress.
• Working alone.

What are some preventive measures for landscapers?

• Wash your hands frequently.
• Remove contaminated clothing and footwear to avoid transferring chemicals to your home or other "clean" spaces.
• Wash contaminated items before re-wearing or discarding.
• Read the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each chemical used.
• Keep your limbs covered to avoid insect bites.
• Protect yourself from the sun and from extreme heat or cold.
• Learn safe lifting techniques.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Know how to safely use equipment and tools.

What are some good general safe work practices?

• Practice safe lifting techniques.
• Work safely with equipment, tools, and ladders.
• Follow MSDS recommendations when working with chemicals.
• Use, maintain and store personal protective equipment according to manufacturers' recommendations.
• Stay hydrated to avoid heat stress.
• Follow company safety rules.
• Know how to report a hazard.
• Follow good housekeeping procedures.

Where can I get more information?

General information is available in OSH Answers or through the CCOHS person-to-person Inquiries Service.

Want more information?

Document last updated on July 12, 2004

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