Landscape Management, May 2018
In addition to the monthly meetings select staff members attend an annual meeting about digging safety put on by Dig Safe a nonprofit clearinghouse that notifies participating utility companies of contractors plans to dig 811 is the phone number contractors can call before planning to dig Other safety initiatives include supplying each crew member with proper personal protective equipment including gloves ear plugs a reflective safety vest and two pairs of safety glasses clear and tinted Curbys also provides crews with coolers filled with water especially during hot summer months We want them to know what to watch for with heat strokes and for them to slow down and take a break if they start feeling something Craig says We tell them how to dress for the weather and that they need to hydrate the day before For landscape companies hoping to improve their safety records Craigs advice is to consistently communicate with crews about safety You cant just say Heres a handout read this and try to be safe he says You have to meet with the guys You have to show them Sarah Webb 42 LANDSCAPEMANAGEMENT NET May 2018 Common workers comp claims When it comes to workers compensation there are three claim types that occur most frequently according to Drew Garcia landscape division leader for Rancho Mesa Insurance Services He shares those here along with steps landscape companies can take to prevent them Hand wrist and finger lacerations WHy its Happening Workers take their gloves off because theyre getting in the way of the task at hand such as pruning HoW to prevent it Find a glove thats form fitting provides protection and still allows the dexterity for workers to do their jobs correctly A solution may be providing different gloves for different types of work Low back injuries WHy its Happening Strains occur from pulling or lifting The two most common times for injuries are early in the morning and right after lunch when the body isnt warmed up Garcia says HoW to prevent it Implement a simple mobility stretch program in the mornings before crews begin their physically intense work for the day Knee ankle injuries WHy its Happening Workers slip or fall on wet turf or uneven surfaces HoW to prevent it Garcia has seen companies create solutions such as avoiding slope work in the morning because of dew or designating a specific slope team that is aware of the hazards For installation jobs he says its important to identify hazards like uneven ground with a thorough walkthrough before the workday begins Marisa Palmieri COVER STORY
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