Landscaping is one of the most physically demanding jobs in Arizona, so it’s not surprising that it can lead to injuries. Even workers who have years of experience can have accidents. These are the most common landscaping injuries and tips on how to prevent them.

Common landscaping injuries

Landscapers can suffer injuries from slip-and-fall accidents and miss time from work. An accident can happen on the ground or in an elevated situation such as on a ladder or roof. In the most minor situation, workers can suffer bruises or lacerations, but more serious injuries like broken bones or traumatic brain injury can occur.

Workers can suffer injuries when using equipment such as hedge trimmers, lawnmowers and more. They can range in severity and could leave a landscaper dealing with serious lacerations that could become infected or require stitches or staples. Some workers suffer amputations in accidents involving equipment that may require them to receive workers’ compensation.

Landscaping work also carries the risk of burns. Workers often handle various substances that are toxic and can cause chemical burns. Electrical burns can also happen if a worker suffers from low-voltage shock while using machinery.

Extreme temperatures can cause illness and shock to landscapers. This can happen in the summer and winter and lead to heat exhaustion or hypothermia.

Preventive measures

Landscaping injuries can be prevented when proper protocols are in place and when employers ensure that workers have sufficient training. Workers must know how to properly use landscaping equipment. Areas should be clear of obstacles and clutter that could lead to slips, trips and falls, and workers should take regular rest breaks when working in extreme temperatures.

Landscapers can also avoid injuries involved in exposure to chemicals by wearing safety equipment such as face masks, goggles and gloves. Wearing the proper clothing and removing jewelry may help prevent accidents involving equipment and machinery. When workers are fully alert at all times, they can avoid accidents as well.

Employers have a duty to keep their workers safe. The landscaping industry is no exception to that rule.