ALCA, OSHA Unite to Promote Industry Safety

The Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have teamed up to promote the health and safety of workers in large and small landscape businesses.

“This alliance is an example of how we are striving to reduce injuries in specific industries where the injury and illness rates are too high,” explained OSHA Administrator John Henshaw. “Landscaping is one of seven industries in which we’re focusing considerable resources to drastically reduce those rates. Together, OSHA and ALCA can make a positive difference for the lives of thousands of landscape workers and the businesses that employ them.”

The ALCA-OSHA alliance unites the two organizations’ efforts to provide workers in the green industry, concentrating mostly on youths and non-English speaking workers, with education and direction that will help them enjoy safer work environments. Specifically, the alliance will center its efforts on the reduction of injuries and illnesses related to manual material handling, amputations, motor vehicle crashes, and slip-and-trip injuries.

ALCA is eager to work with OSHA in this capacity, commented Debra Holder, the green industry association’s CEO. “The alliance will help to further our joint objective of improving safety in the landscape industry through enhanced communication about safety issues, development of safety programs, and an ongoing dialogue and commitment to work together.”

ALCA and OSHA will create and present safety-focused training programs for the industry’s diverse workforce, using appropriate language, media and delivery methods. Also, individuals who are bilingual and have knowledge of the landscaping industry will be identified and trained to teach the courses.

Also, both organizations will participate in forums and speak or appear at various conferences, such as the Landscape Industry Conference and Green Industry Expo.

The author is assistant editor-Internet of Lawn & Landscape magazine and can be reached at aanderson@lawnandlandscape.com.