Identify safety concerns related to the landscaping industry.

Identification should include

  • explaining safety standards, regulations, and laws established by federal, state, and local laws/codes
  • explaining PPE requirements
  • describing safety hazard categories
    • biological
    • chemical
    • physical
    • ergonomic
    • electrical
  • recognizing examples of potential hazards
    • cuts, abrasions, and amputations
    • heat and cold stress, dangerous weather conditions, and poor air quality
    • lifting and awkward postures
    • slips, trips, and falls
    • pinch and nip points
    • allergies or sensitivities to plants, soil and its components, substrates and their components, insects, animals, supplies
  • describing safety practices while
    • operating motor vehicles
    • using hand and power tools
    • using pesticides and chemicals
    • preparing soil
    • irrigating
    • constructing hardscapes
    • planting trees, shrubs, and grasses
    • performing lawn and landscape maintenance
  • knowing the location of first aid kits
  • demonstrating basic first aid treatment procedures (for cuts, punctures, burns, and various injuries)
  • demonstrating knowledge of insurance, liability, and workers’ compensation
  • explaining compliance with the EPA Agricultural Worker Protection Standard (WPS) Links to an external site..

Teacher Resources:

Process/Skill Questions:

  • What types of tools, machinery and equipment do workers in the landscaping industry use that can cause burns?
  • What precautions should be taken to avoid burns?
  • What types of PPE are required when working in the landscaping industry?
  • What potential zoonotic exposure risks exist in the landscaping industry?
  • What is the Agricultural WPS and how is it related to landscaping employees?