Reasons to stress everyday safety to crews

Things can go wrong at a moment’s notice in the landscaping world. Sharp pruning shears, revving chainsaws, big trucks and heavy machinery can add up to disaster if workers aren’t taking the proper precautions.

“We work in an environment where just about everything can go wrong if you are not paying attention,” says Andy Sykes, owner of Garrett Churchill in the greater Philadelphia area.

But while those types of injuries can be devastating, smaller injuries are a threat every day, even if they aren’t life-threatening. “It’s not the hedge trimmer or the chainsaw because when people are around those things, they’re already thinking, ‘This could harm me easily,’” says Rudy Larsen, owner of Lawn Butler in West Centerville, Utah.

Back injuries, pulled muscles and sprained ankles are common, so Lawn Butler encourages employees to ask for help instead of doing everything alone. “I just think it’s a He-Man culture. ‘I can lift it and I don’t need any help,’” Larsen says. So he strives for a company culture where asking for help is applauded and encouraged.

Read the full story from the February issue here.