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Landscaping and gardening work can involve encountering many hazards and risks from a number of differing activities in diverse locations. In this spotlight feature, we have tried to look at just some of the considerations that should be made when undertaking landscaping and gardening work activities.

Gardening and landscaping equipment and tools, especially having powered blades, can be dangerous. Landscaping tools and equipment should be fit for purpose, compliant with current safety standards (C E approval) and manufactured for professional use, rather than DIY. Many professional machines will require regular maintenance and upkeep inspections.

Equipment should have appropriate built in safety features, such as guards in place, automatic braking mechanisms etc. and manufacturers’ usage instructions should be closely followed, including the requirement for wearing any Personal Protective Equipment.

Petrol or diesel-powered machinery, requires additional consideration of where and how the equipment is used and stored, as well as where fuel is kept, and how the re-fuelling process is undertaken. Any electrical equipment, similarly should be constructed for professional or trade use, and maintained in good condition, with regular safety checks being carried out.

Machinery such as lawnmowers, brush cutters and strimmers will vibrate whilst in use, and are also noisy as a result. Vibration characteristics should be assessed along with an assessment of the sound levels that the machines generate.

Restrictions in duration of use or protection of hearing may be required following assessment of the associated risks.

Simple body worn monitors are available which can provide detail of real-time exposure to harmful vibration. Precautions must be in place to prevent damage to employees hearing, or vibration exposure developing conditions such as ‘vibration white finger’ where sensation can be lost in the fingers or pain and disablement can occur.

Weed-killers, pesticides and other chemicals can be harmful. Always follow the manufacturers’ instruction and safety information.

Coshh assessments (risk assessments for chemical use) should provide recommendations for safe use, handling, transportation and storage of substances.

Manual handling is undertaken in many aspects of landscape work. Lifting and carrying activities should be mechanised where possible, and properly planned, especially where there are changes in direction and elevation to be negotiated. Inclement weather will further affect landscaping work adversely, which may then require the provision of good quality protective clothing and footwear. Exposure to sunlight should also be considered, and appropriate arrangements made to minimise, or protect against exposure whilst working outdoors whilst it is sunny.

If you require any support with health and safety in landscaping then contact us!

Roger Broadbent, Consultant