Landscaping Equipment Safety
Whether you’re starting a small business or simply looking to spruce up your yard, getting the right landscaping equipment is an essential part of all yard and property management, from chainsaws to trimmers and more. However, as helpful as they are, these tools can also be dangerous. There are blades, fumes, and chains to deal with, so you’ll want to take proper safety precautions when using them.
FMI Equipment has provided some essential safety information and tips below, because we’re dedicated to ensuring the safety and health of you and your employees. Stop by our location in Spokane Valley, Washington, and we’ll be happy to address all your questions and concerns.
Know OSHA Laws
Firstly, if your goal is to start your own landscaping business with your own team of workers, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) laws. These can be long and tedious, but everyone working under your care deserves to feel secure and safe at their workplace.
OSHA policies include providing proper training for your employees and protective gear. This applies to you as well if you’re joining them in the field! For more information, visit the OSHA website, or contact their offices.
Read Your Manuals
All landscape equipment users should review their owner’s manuals before using them. This is where you’ll find information on safe operation for a particular piece of equipment and model. While most safety tips apply to landscaping equipment in general, it’s good to know when there are more specific concerns you can learn and teach your fellow workers. This is going to be particularly important with some of the bigger equipment you may use.
Stay Sharp
One of the easiest ways to avoid a serious accident is to simply stay alert and focused while working. Much of today’s landscaping equipment features safety mechanisms to reduce the dangers that come from a faulty product, like kickback reduction in chainsaws. However, these tools are only safe if you’re operating them properly. While most people probably won’t purposefully misuse their equipment, it’s easy to get distracted and make mistakes.
Stay alert, not only to your task at hand, but also to your surroundings. Always operate equipment while sober; this includes knowing whether your prescription medications may make operating heavy machinery difficult. Know where other people in the area are and where potential hazards might be, like debris or electrical wiring. Simply remaining alert and aware can greatly reduce your risk of injury.
Wear The Right Gear
Even if you’re not obligated to adhere to OSHA requirements, you’ll want to be wearing the right protective gear. This can be increasingly more important the more often you use this equipment. This starts with the clothes you wear. For some, it’s worth investing in specialized clothing, particularly if you’re working with pesticides and chemicals on a regular basis.
At the very least, you’ll want to be wearing durable clothing that you don’t mind getting a little dirty. You’ll also need thick gloves, ear protection, protective eyewear, and head protection if necessary. For the professionals, you’ll want to think about investing in some job site and road safety equipment, in the event you should need them.
Take Care Of Your Body
Finally, make sure you’re paying attention to your body’s signals and taking care of it. Working outside can present different kinds of hazards. When it’s hot out, you’ll need to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen. You’ll want to wear layers when it’s colder out and have a warm place to retreat to if necessary. You’ll also want a first-aid kit nearby. Pay attention to your body’s signs that you might need to take a break, like eye strain, excessive sweating and muscle pain.
When you take the proper steps to protect yourself and your workers, you can have a successful, safe, and satisfying experience that leads to a beautiful yard. If you’re still building up your landscaping equipment stash, then stop by FMI Equipment and we’ll show you the products we have available now, like chainsaws and trimmers. We welcome all patrons from Spokane and Spokane Valley, Washington, as well as Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.