The landscaping industry across 4 states is taking a huge step in combating fatalities in the Southeast. From 2012 to 2016, 64 people employed in the industry in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi died as a result of workplace injuries. In Florida alone, the death toll has tripled since 2012.

Landscaping Fatalities_41817-01 In order to demolish the issue, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration, industry associations and employers are banded together to sponsor a one-hour Safety Stand-Down in the month of April to educate workers about industry hazards which most commonly cause injury or death. The events were held at worksites throughout the region on either April 17 or 18, from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. EDT

At the Safety Stand-Downs, employers stopped work voluntarily and conduct safety training on injury prevention with workers at risk of falls, being crushed, hit by objects,  and electrical hazards.Warning Gas Line Flag-01

Simple steps can be made such as roping off hazardous areas with Caution or Danger tapes.  Using underground warning tapes can reduce the risk of digging up electrical, gas and water lines.  These Presco products are affordable and vastly available across the US.  To located a dealer click here.

 

“We are confident that, with the proper knowledge, workers can avoid unnecessary injuries or worse, and return home at the end of each work day. Failing to develop, implement and maintain an effective safety and health program puts workers at risk of being injured on the job,” said Kurt Petermeyer, OSHA’s regional administrator for the Southeast.

The Associated General Contractors of Georgia Inc., OSHA and employers in Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Mississippi organized the effort.

Through its Alliance Program, OSHA works with groups committed to worker safety and health to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries, and illnesses. Training materials are available in English and Spanish here. For more information, contact Billie Kizer, assistant regional administrator for enforcement programs at (678) 237-0400, or your local OSHA Area Office.

Cited source, https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=NEWS_RELEASES&p_id=33813