New Alliance Formed for Cape Cod Landscape Workers

OSHA has formed an alliance with the Cape Cod Landscape Association (CCLA) to provide safety and health training for employees in the landscaping industry on Cape Cod and the South Coast. The alliance focuses on hazards associated with landscaping work, including falls, amputations, struck-by injuries and chemical hazards.

The alliance will develop and present training and education programs on these topics, particularly for young and minority employees. This will include presentation of OSHA's 10-hour basic construction safety course.

OSHA and CCLA will share best practices and effective approaches for safe work practices, conduct outreach activities and encourage participation by CCLA members and worksites in OSHA's cooperative programs. CCLA is a non-profit trade association serving the needs of about 125 people and businesses working in and involved with the Green Industry on Cape Cod and in southeastern Massachusetts.

"Knowledge is the most valuable tool an employee can bring to a job," said Brenda Gordon, OSHA's area director for southeastern Massachusetts. "A solid awareness of safe work practices, plus the ability to identify and prevent work-related hazards, will minimize injuries and illnesses and increase employees' opportunity to return home well and whole at the end of each work day."