Workplace Hazards in Landscaping

This fact sheet is for secondary school students undertaking work experience programs, and for their host employers. It can be used as a tool to assist with task planning, and to develop appropriate induction, training and supervision to minimise any risk to students while they are at work. Students must be given instruction, and must be supervised at all times. Consideration must always be given to hazards when allocating tasks. If any risk exists, students must N ! undertake the activity.

Hazard
Machinery including graders, back hoes, bob cats, mowers, post hole diggers, chainsaws, powered hand tools!

Possible Harmful Effects

"mputation, crushing, cuts #earing loss following prolonged exposure to excessive machinery noise!

Possible Employer Action to Prevent Injury / Illness

$nsure only trained operators carry out the work %eep safe distances between the work and other people workers and members of the public! &rovide appropriate personal protective e'uipment &&$! including hearing protection )o not use electrical e'uipment near water or in wet weather $nsure electrical e'uipment and leads are regularly inspected, tested and tagged *ock out and tag faulty e'uipment+ e.g. )",-$. / )0 ,0T 12$ "ssess terrain and re'uired tasks &rovide appropriate training .emove fall and tripping ha4ards e.g. holes not filled in, electrical leads left on the ground! 1se the least ha4ardous product for each 8ob &rovide safety information on labels and through Material 2afety )ata 2heets M2)2! &rovide appropriate &&$ *abel all containers &rovide chemical disposal bags or bins &rovide shade where practicable &rovide appropriate headgear, &&$ and sunscreen &rovide regular rest breaks &rovide shade where practicable .e/schedule work if extreme weather conditions present risk &rovide water in hot weather &rovide appropriate &&$ &rovide mechanical aids 1se team lifting $stablish work place policy &rovide staff briefings or training

Preventative Action Students Can Take

Students must N ! operate hazardous machinery Machinery operations such as earth moving, post hole digging! may be observed from a safe distance

$lectricity including electrical extension leads to hand held e'uipment used out of doors ( such as drills, nail guns!

$lectric shock, electrocution

3e aware of any potential for electrical e'uipment or leads to make contact with water Immediately report any electrical fault in e'uipment or leads including extension leads!

2lips, trips and falls working on uneven surfaces, slippery or loose ground, embankments! #a4ardous substances and dangerous goods including pesticides, herbicides, petrol for vehicles, chainsaws and mowers!

3roken bones, sprains and strains

5ear appropriate footwear boots or sturdy shoes! )o not undertake any work at height, or near an edge from which you might fall 7ollow safe handling procedures 5ear &&$ including gloves, mask, overalls! where provided )ispense and mix chemicals in well/ventilated areas Make sure chemicals are not decanted into unlabeled containers 9lean up spills immediately and dispose of waste material safely! 5ear appropriate clothing to minimise 1: radiation exposure 1se &&$ and sunscreen 3e aware of weather conditions ( rest and seek assistance if you feel that heat or cold may be affecting you 5ear clothing appropriate to the conditions Take regular rest breaks in shade 7ollow instructions and training 2eek help when you think a team lift is re'uired .eport any concerns immediately

2kin contact or accidental swallowing of chemicals e.g. from a splash! can result in nausea, allergic reaction and6or poisoning 7umes can cause headache, nausea, di44iness, vomiting

1: radiation

2unburn, skin cancer

#eat and cold

7atigue, heat stress in hot and6or humid conditions. )iminished concentration can result in in8uries if safety measures are not followed

Manual handling bending, reaching, pulling, lifting! 2exual harassment, work place bullying

Musculoskeletal disorders, including sprains and strains $motional stress, fear and anxiety, physical illness