Landscape and horticultural services encompass a wide range of services. Included in this category are companies engaged in landscape design and architecture; soil preparation and grading; irrigation systems; tree, shrub and lawn planting; hardscape construction including: retaining walls, pathways and patios; lawn care and landscape maintenance; arborist services including tree trimming and line clearance.

Many workers in the landscaping and horticulture services industries are Hispanic. OSHA requires that employers conduct all required training of workers in a language and vocabulary workers can understand. OSHA's Hispanic Outreach Module of Compliance Assistance Quick Start, Spanish-Language Compliance Assistance Resources, and Podemos Ayudar (We Can Help) pages identify Spanish-language outreach resources, and detail how employers can work cooperatively with OSHA.

Landscaping and horticulture hazards are addressed in specific standards for the general industry if work is considered maintenance activity and the construction industry if work is considered building activity.

Safety and Health Information Bulletin

Hazards of Operating Unguarded Stone Cutters and Splitters in Landscaping and Other Worksites. (2013, January). A Spanish version is also available.

Standards

This section highlights OSHA standards, Federal Registers (rules, proposed rules, and notices), directives (instructions for compliance officers), standard interpretations (official letters of interpretation of the standards), and national consensus standards related to landscape and horticulture services.

OSHA

Note: Twenty-five states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have OSHA-approved State Plans and have adopted their own standards and enforcement policies. For the most part, these States adopt standards that are identical to Federal OSHA. However, some States have adopted different standards applicable to this topic or may have different enforcement policies.

Frequently Cited Standards

OSHA maintains a listing of the most frequently cited standards for specified 6-digit North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes. Please refer to OSHA's Frequently Cited OSHA Standards page for additional information. For Landscape and Horticultural Services, use NAICS code 561730 in the NAICS search box.

Other Highlighted Standards

General Industry (29 CFR 1910)

• 1910.25, Portable wood ladders
  


• 1910.29, Manually propelled mobile ladder stands and scaffolds (towers)
  


• 1910.30, Other working surfaces [related topic page]
  


• 1910.134, Respiratory protection [related topic page]
  • Appendix A, Fit testing procedures (Mandatory)
  • Appendix B-1, User seal check procedures (Mandatory)
  • Appendix B-2, Respirator cleaning procedures (Mandatory)
  • Appendix C, OSHA respirator medical evaluation questionnaire (Mandatory)
  • Appendix D, Information for employees using respirators when not required under standard (Mandatory)
• 1910.136, Foot protection
  


• 1910.138, Hand protection
  


• 1910.147, The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) [related topic page]
  


• 1910.151, Medical services and first aid [related topic page]
  


• 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks [related topic page]
  


• 1910.243, Guarding of portable powered tools [related topic page]
  


• 1910.268, Telecommunications (e.g., when trimming near communication lines)
  


• 1910.332, Training
  


• 1910.334, Use of equipment
  


• 1910.1030, Bloodborne pathogens [related topic page]

Construction Industry (29 CFR 1926)

• 1926.25, Housekeeping
  


• 1926.50, Medical services and first aid
  


• 1926.51, Sanitation
  


• 1926.100, Head protection
  


• 1926.101, Hearing protection
  


• 1926.102, Eye and face protection
  


• 1926.307, Mechanical power-transmission apparatus
  


• 1926.403, General requirements (Electrical)
  


• 1926.451, General requirements (Scaffolds)
  


• 1926.501, Duty to have fall protection [related topic page]
  


• 1926.600, Equipment
  


• 1926.601, Motor vehicles
  


• 1926.602, Material handling equipment
  


• 1926.604, Site clearing
  


• 1926.651, Specific excavation requirements
  


• 1926.1000, Rollover protective structures (ROPS) for material handling equipment
  


• 1926.1001, Minimum performance criteria for rollover protective structures for designated scrapers, loaders, dozers, graders, and crawler tractors
  


• 1926.1002, Protective frames (roll-over protective structures, known as ROPS) for wheel-type agricultural and industrial tractors used in construction
  


• 1926.1003, Overhead protection for operators of agricultural and industrial tractors
  


• 1926.1060, Training requirements

Federal Registers

• Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution; Electrical Protective Equipment; Final Rule; Stay of Enforcement and Correction. Final Rules 59:33658-33664, (1994, June 30). Corrects the enforcement of some of the requirements contained in the electric power generation standard, language in the preamble explaining the standard, and several additional errors.
  


• Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution; Electrical Protective Equipment. Final Rules 59:4320-4476, (1994, January 31). Addresses the work practices to be used during the operation and maintenance of electric power generation, transmission, and distribution facilities. The standard includes requirements relating to working near energized parts, and line-clearance tree trimming.
  


• Search all available Federal Registers.

Directives

• Enforcement of the Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution Standard. CPL 02-01-038 [CPL 2-1.38], (2003, June 18). Provides information to assist OSHA compliance personnel in performing inspections at electric power generation, transmission, and distribution lines, and equipment and other installations covered by 29 CFR 1910.269.
  


• Enforcement Procedures for the Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens. CPL 02-02-069 [CPL 2-2.69], (2001, November 27). Establishes policies and provides clarifications to ensure uniform inspection procedures are followed when conducting inspections to enforce the Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.
  


• Logging Operations, Inspection Procedures and Interpretive Guidance Including Twelve Previously Stayed Provisions. CPL 02-01-022 [CPL 2-1.22], (1996, September 27). Establishes revised policies and provides clarification to ensure uniform enforcement of the Logging Operations Standard (29 CFR 1910.266). These policies and procedures have been amended in part to clarify enforcement of the previously stayed provisions of the standard. Current policy requires arborists to comply with portions of OSHA's logging standard (29 CFR 1910.266) when performing logging operations, such as felling trees. Proposed citations of employers in SIC 0783 under the logging standard are reviewed by OSHA's National Office.
  [Enforcement Policy Regarding Arborists, SIC 0783 Ornamental Shrub and Tree Services].
  


• Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution; Electrical Protective Equipment; Final Rule. CSP 01-01-028 [STP 2-1.172], (1994, April 15). Describes a federal program change to the regions and state designees.
  


• Electrical Safety-Related Work Practices -- Inspection Procedures and Interpretation Guidelines. STD 01-16-007 [STD 1-16.7], (1991, July 1). Establishes policies and provides interpretive guidelines to ensure uniform enforcement of the standard for Electrical Safety-Related Work Practices, 29 CFR 1910.331 through 29 CFR 1910.335.
  


• Search all available directives.

Standard Interpretations

• Protection of ground-level workers from lowering of aerial lift bucket. (1999, September 23).
  


• Clarification of 1910.269 as applied to line-clearance tree-trimming operations. (1999, April 26).
  


• Occupational noise exposure standard affords protection to landscape service industry employees. (1999, March 19).
  


• Acceptability of western style hard hats. (1998, December 31).
  


• Apparel requirements for line-clearance tree-trimmers. (1998, October 29).
  


• Fall protection anchorage points: guardrail systems and cranes. (1998, June 8).
  


• Interpretation of the First Aid standard. (1996, December 11).
  


• Interpretation of the electric power generation, transmission, and distribution standard. (1996, June 4).
  


• Scope of logging standard - 1910.266. (1996, March 12).
  


• OSHA's new fall protection standards for construction will prohibit use of safety belts with side dee rings as part of a personal fall arrest system. (1995, September 25).
  


• Clarification of electric power generators, transmission and distribution standard. (1994, July 18).
  


• Bloodborne pathogens standard's relationship to employees trained in first aid around electrical lines. (1992, September 4).
  


• Bloodborne pathogen standard's applicability to electric utilities. (1992, July 28).
  


• Landscape employees working in extreme temperatures. (1992, July 14).
  


• The correct testing procedure for tree-trimming saddle belts. (1982, May 7).
  


• Search all available standard interpretations.

National Consensus

Note: These are NOT OSHA regulations. However, they do provide guidance from their originating organizations related to worker protection.

American National Standards Institute (ANSI)

The following voluntary ANSI standards may be applicable to the landscaping and horticultural industry. Compliance with ANSI standards does not ensure compliance with OSHA policy, although the requirements of some ANSI standards have been adopted within OSHA standards. This list is provided for reference use only.

• A10.14, Requirements for Safety belts, Harnesses, Lanyards, Lifelines, and Drop Lines for Constructional and Industrial Use
  


• A14.1, Ladders - Portable Wood - Safety Requirements
  


• A14.2, Ladders - Portable Metal - Safety Requirements
  


• A14.5, Stepladders and Platform Ladders, Aluminum Magnesium, Fiberglass Ladders
  


• A92.2, Vehicle-Mounted Elevating and Rotating Aerial Devices
  


• A300, Tree Care Operations - Tree, Shrub and Other Woody Plant Maintenance - Standard Practices
  


• B30.5, Mobile and Locomotive Truck Cranes
  


• B71.1, Powered Lawn Mowers and Garden Tractors
  


• B71.3, Snow Throwers
  


• B71.4, Commercial Turf Type Equipment
  


• B71.6, Shredders and Grinders
  


• B71.8, Tillers
  


• B175.1, Gasoline Powered Chain Saws, Safety Requirements
  


• B175.2, Blowers
  


• B175.3, Trimmers and Brushcutters
  


• Z41, Protective Footgear Requirements
  


• Z87.1, Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection Devices
  


• Z89.1, Personnel Protection - Protective Headgear for Industrial Workers - Requirements
  


• Z133.1, Arboricultural Operations Safety
  


• Z308.1, Minimum Requirements for Workplace First Aid Kits
  


• Z359.1, Safety Requirements for Personal Fall Arrest Systems, Subsystems, and Components

Industry Segments

Landscape and horticultural services can be separated into three main segments and each area must comply with both the general industry standards (29 CFR 1910) and the construction industry standards (29 CFR 1926) depending upon the activity being performed.

• SIC Code 0781 - Landscape Counseling and Planning (Landscape Design and Consultation)
  


• SIC Code 0782 - Lawn and Garden Services (Landscape Installation and Maintenance)
  


• SIC Code 0783 - Ornamental Shrub and Tree Services (Tree Pruning and Arboriculture)

SIC Code 0781 - Landscape Counseling and Planning. Describes establishments primarily engaged in landscape planning and in performing landscape, architectural and counseling services, including:

• Garden planning
  


• Horticultural advisory or counseling services
  


• Landscape architects
  


• Landscape counseling
  


• Landscape planning

Frequently Cited Standards

OSHA maintains a listing of the most frequently cited standards for specified 6-digit North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes. Please refer to OSHA's Frequently Cited OSHA Standards page for additional information. For Landscape Counseling and Planning, use NAICS code 541320 or 541690 in the NAICS search box.

SIC Code 0782 - Lawn and Garden Services. Describes establishments primarily engaged in performing a variety of lawn and garden services including:

• Bermuda sprigging services
  


• Cemetery upkeep, independent
  


• Garden maintenance
  


• Garden planting
  


• Lawn care
  


• Lawn fertilizing services
  


• Lawn mowing services
  


• Lawn mulching services
  


• Lawn seeding services
  


• Lawn spraying services
  


• Lawn sprigging services
  


• Mowing highway center strips and edges
  


• Seeding highway strips
  


• Sod laying
  


• Turf installation, except artificial

[Establishments primarily engaged in the installation of artificial turf are classified in Construction Industry, Special Trade Contractors, Not Elsewhere Classified. OSHA maintains a listing of the most frequently cited standards for specified 6-digit North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes. Please refer to OSHA's Frequently Cited OSHA Standards page for additional information. For Special Trade Contractors, Not Elsewhere Classified, use NAICS code 238990 in the NAICS search box.]

Frequently Cited Standards

OSHA maintains a listing of the most frequently cited standards for specified 6-digit North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes. Please refer to OSHA's Frequently Cited OSHA Standards page for additional information. For Lawn and Garden Services, use NAICS code 56173 in the NAICS search box.

SIC Code 0783 - Ornamental Shrub and Tree Service. Describes establishments primarily engaged in performing a variety of ornamental shrub and tree services, including:

• Arborist services
  


• Ornamental bush planting, pruning, bracing, spraying, removal
  


• Ornamental tree planting, pruning, bracing, spraying, removal, and
  


• Tree trimming for public utility lines
  


• Trees, ornamental: planting, pruning, bracing, spraying, removal, and
  


• Utility line tree trimming services

[Establishments primarily engaged in forestry services are classified in Major Group 08. Those primarily engaged in performing shrub and tree services for farm crops are classified in Crop Planting, Cultivating, and Protecting. OSHA maintains a listing of the most frequently cited standards for specified 6-digit North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes. Please refer to OSHA's Frequently Cited OSHA Standards page for additional information. For Crop Planting, Cultivating, and Protecting, use NAICS code 115112 in the NAICS search box.]

Frequently Cited Standards

OSHA maintains a listing of the most frequently cited standards for specified 6-digit North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes. Please refer to OSHA's Frequently Cited OSHA Standards page for additional information. For Ornamental Shrub and Tree Services, use NAICS code 56173 in the NAICS search box.

Hazards and Solutions

Landscaping and horticultural service workers are at risk of injury from a wide variety of potential hazards in this industry, including exposure to chemicals, noise, machinery, lifting, construction, and weather related hazards. This page helps identify potential hazards and possible solutions to specific activities within the landscape and horticultural services industry.

Potential Hazards and Possible Solutions (General)

Hazards which are of concern across the entire Landscape and Horticultural Industry include:

• Cuts and Amputations
  


• Electrical
  


• Ergonomics [See Ergonomics Safety and Health Topics Page]
  


• Heat and Cold Stress
  


• Lifting and Awkward Postures
  


• Motor Vehicles [See Motor Vehicle Safety Safety and Health Topics Page]
  


• Noise [See Occupational Noise Exposure Safety and Health Topics Page]
  


• Pesticides and Chemicals
  


• Slips, Trips, and Falls

Potential Hazards and Possible Solutions (For a Specific Activity)

• Soil Preparation and Grading
  


• Irrigation
  


• Hardscape Construction
  


• Planting - Trees, Shrubs, Lawn
  


• Lawn and Landscape Maintenance
  


• Tree Care

Potential Hazards and Possible Solutions (General)

Cuts and Amputations

• Small Business Handbook. OSHA Publication 2209-02R, (2005). Also available as a 588 KB PDF, 56 pages.
  • Hand Tools and Equipment
  • Portable (Power Operated) Tools and Equipment
  • Power-Actuated Tools
    
  
  
• Hand and Power Tools. OSHA Publication 3080, (Revised 2002). Also available as a 171 KB PDF, 32 pages. Includes information on the dangers of hand and power tools and safety precautions.
  


• Chipper Winch Quick Card. OSHA and the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) Alliance, (2008, July). Addresses the potential hazards and safe work practices regarding operating chipper winches.
  


• Safety Tips Sheet No. 4: Reducing the Risk of an Amputation [55 KB PDF^*, 1 page]. OSHA and the PLANET Alliance. A 94 KB PDF^* (Spanish version) is also available.
  


• Hand Tools Training Guide. Electronic Library of Construction Occupational Safety & Health (elcosh). Taken from the "Tailgate Meetings that Work: A Guide to Effective Construction Safety Training" series.
  


• Bright Idea #6 Trailer Lift [110 KB PDF, 2 pages]. Electronic Library of Construction Occupational Safety & Health (elcosh). A trailer mounted hoist can eliminate lifting and pushing of heavy equipment on the jobsite.
  


• Machinery and Vehicle Safety: Hand/Power Tools. National Ag Safety Database (NASD). Provides links to several informative NASD documents covering many aspects of hand/power tool safety. Some of the documents are in Spanish.
  
  
• Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Program. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Concentrates on investigations of fatal occupational injuries. Cause of death and recommendations for accident prevention are usually given. The following worker fatal injury facts were found in landscaping activities while using machinery/tools:
  • Landscaper Crushed Between Backhoe and Truck. New Jersey FACE Report #02-NJ-025, (2002, December 3).
  • Grader Operator Run Over by Rear Tire While Jumpstarting Grader. Michigan FACE Report #01MI056.
  • Landscaper Died of Injuries when He was Catapulted from the Operator's Seat of a Truck-mounted Boom. Colorado FACE Report #96CO080. 
  • Landscaper Dies when Struck by Front End Loader in Massachusetts. Massachusetts FACE Report #96-MA-016-01, (1997, August 29).
  • Landscape Laborer Dies When the Tractor He is Driving Overturns. Colorado FACE Report #95CO094.
  • Landscape Laborer Dies after Being Struck By the Bucket of a Case Skid Steer Loader. Minnesota FACE Report #MN9209, (1992, September 15).
  • Fourteen-Year-Old Youth Pulled Into Operating Wood Chipper - Florida. NIOSH In-house FACE Report #2000-21.
  • Tree Trimmer Dies When Pulled into in a Brush Chipper. California FACE Report #00CA010.
  • Laborer caught in chipper/shredder machine--Maryland. Maryland FACE Report #94MD058.
  • Groundsman Killed by Falling Tree Section During Tree Trimming Work in New Jersey. New Jersey FACE Report #00-NJ-087-01, (2001, May 23).
• For additional information, see OSHA's Hand and Power Tools Safety and Health Topics Page.

Electrical

• Use of ANSI C2-1997 as guidance for protecting employees working near insulated shielded conductors. OSHA Standard Interpretation, (2002, September 26). Clarifies safe working clearances for unqualified persons who work near insulated shielded cables.
  


• Exceptions to minimum approach distances for power generation, transmission, and distribution. OSHA Standard Interpretation, (2000, February 10). Answers a question about minimum approach distance requirements of the Electrical Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution Standard.
  


• Protection of workers operating mechanical equipment near overhead power lines. OSHA Standard Interpretation, (1999, December 7). Provides clarification regarding an unqualified crane operator contractor, who is being guided by a qualified journeyman electrician, working in close proximity to unguarded (7,620 to 500,000) voltage.
  


• Minimum approach distances. OSHA Standard Interpretation, (1996, February 26). Provides an interpretation of the application of the minimum approach distances in 29 CFR 1910.269 and in 29 CFR 1910.333 of the electrical standard as they apply to the service and maintenance of several 69 kilovolt (kV) air, disconnect switches.
  


• Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Program. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Concentrates on investigations of fatal occupational injuries. Cause of death and recommendations for accident prevention are usually given. The following worker fatal injury facts were found in landscaping activities - electrical:
  • Landscaper Electrocuted and Two Workers Seriously Injured When A Felled Tree Landed on an Overhead Power Line. New Jersey FACE Report #01-NJ-117, (2002, October 1).
  • Massachusetts Arborist Electrocuted On Contact With 13,800 Volt Public Utility Power Line. Massachusetts FACE Report #94-MA-003.
  • Tree Trimmer Electrocuted After Contacting an Overhead Power Line. New Jersey FACE Report #96NJ01001, (1996, August 7).
• For additional information, see OSHA's Electrical Safety and Health Topics Page.

Heat and Cold Stress

• Protecting Yourself in the Sun. OSHA Publication 3166, (2003). A 355 KB PDF (English version) and a 42 KB PDF (Spanish version) is also available.
  


• Protecting Workers from the Effects of Heat [55 KB PDF^*, 2 pages]. OSHA Fact Sheet, (2011, April).
  


• Protecting Workers from Heat Stress [2 MB PDF^*, 2 pages]. OSHA Quick Card (OSHA Publication 3154-08-10R v2).
  
  
• Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Program. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Concentrates on investigations of fatal occupational injuries. Cause of death and recommendations for accident prevention are usually given. The following worker fatal injuries fact was found in landscaping activities - heat/cold:
  • Landscape Mowing Assistant Dies from Heat Stroke. Michigan FACE Report #02-MI-75-01.
• Heat-Related Illnesses & Fluid Balance, Outdoor Action Guide. National Ag Safety Database (NASD).
  


• For additional information, see OSHA's Occupational Heat Exposure Safety and Health Topics Page.

Lifting and Awkward Postures

• Safety Tips Fact Sheet No. 2: Reducing the Risk of Lifting Injuries in the Landscape and Horticulture Industries [55 KB PDF^*, 1 page]. OSHA and the PLANET Alliance. A 107 KB PDF^* (Spanish version) is also available.
  


• Backs & Lifting Training Guide. Electronic Library of Construction Safety & Health (elcosh).
  


• How Much Am I Allowed to Lift? Electronic Library of Construction Safety & Health (elcosh). Explains the factors in making a determination about how much is too much when considering lifting.
  


• National Ag Safety Database (NASD). Serves as a central repository for safety and health information on such topics as back safety/lifting, electrical safety, chemicals/pesticides, and personal protective equipment. Included are tailgate training materials, videos, and Spanish-language safety and health materials.
  • Knowing Your Limits Prevents Manual Labor Injuries
  • Back Injury Prevention: Script
• Guidelines for lifts involving trunk-twisting angle of +/- 30 degrees [67 KB PDF, 3 pages]. Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation. Presents diagrams showing postures and weights that are likely to constitute an over exertion situation.
  


• Reduce your risk of back injury - let your equipment do the work [58 KB PDF, 1 page]. Workers' Compensation Board of British Columbia.
  


• For additional information, see OSHA's Ergonomics Safety and Health Topics Page.

Pesticides and Chemicals

• Pesticide Illness & Injury Surveillance. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Workplace Safety and Health Topic. Protects workers by determining the underlying causes of over-exposure to pesticides in the workplace. Surveillance also serves as an early warning system of any harmful effects not detected by manufacturer testing of pesticides.

Slips, Trips, and Falls

• Safety Tips Sheet No. 1: Slip and Trip Injuries [59 KB PDF^*, 1 page]. OSHA and the PLANET Alliance. A 98 KB PDF^* (Spanish version) is also available.
  


• National Ag Safety Database (NASD). Serves as a central repository for safety and health information on such topics as back safety/lifting, electrical safety, chemicals/pesticides, and personal protective equipment. Included are tailgate training materials, videos, and Spanish-language safety and health materials.
  
  • Preventing Injuries from Slips, Trips and Falls
  • Preventing Slips and Trips: Script
  • Ladders, Lifting and Falls
  • Proper Use of Ladders
  • Purchase and Proper Use of Ladders
• Construction. OSHA eTool. Provides information on portable ladder safety for construction workers.
  


• Preventing Falls and Electrocutions During Tree Trimming. US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 92-106, (1992, August). Provides recommendations for prevention of falls and electrocutions following the description of eight incidents including five electrocutions and three fatal falls of tree trimmers.
  


• Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Program. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Concentrates on investigations of fatal occupational injuries. Cause of death and recommendations for accident prevention are usually given. The following worker fatal injury facts were found in landscaping activities, slips/trips/falls:
  • Tree Trimmer Dies After Falling 60 feet from a Tree. New Jersey FACE Report #93-NJ-093-01, (1994, December 23). 
  • Tree Trimmer Electrocuted by a High Voltage Line in California. California FACE Report #93CA00601, (1994, April 5).
  • Office Assistant at Sod Farm Dies When Forklift Slides into Ditch and She is Pinned in. Wisconsin FACE Report #95WI062.
  • Worker Falls 25 Feet to His Death From an Extension Ladder in New Jersey. New Jersey FACE Report #NJ9012, (1991, February 26).
  • Skid-Steer Loader Operator Dies After Backing Loader Off Six-Foot Retaining Wall. Missouri FACE Report #96MO082.
  • Tree Trimmer Killed When a Branch to Which He Was Tied Broke And His Lifeline Failed. New Jersey FACE Report #96 NJ 074-01, (1997, March 27).
  • Tree Trimmer/Climber Dies After Falling 40 Feet With an Uprooted Tree Trunk--Virginia. Virginia FACE Report #9615.
  • Tree Trimmer Dies After Falling With a Fractured Tree. New Jersey FACE Report #95-NJ-016-01, (1995, July 17).
  • Tree Trimmer Dies After Falling 60 Feet From A Tree. New Jersey FACE Report #93-NJ-093-01, (1994, December 23).
• For additional information, see OSHA's Walking/Working Surfaces Safety and Health Topics Page.

Soil Preparation and Grading: Soil preparation is the process of preparing the existing soil material by loosening the sub-grade and mixing in soil conditioners such as topsoil, humus and fertilizer to a quality needed for planting and/or landscaping. Grading is the process of moving soil to the desired elevations and/or designed contours.

Irrigation: The process of installing and maintaining irrigation lines has specific exposures resulting in injuries such as exposure to hazardous materials (e.g., glues, cleaners) and exposure to excavations and trenches.

Hardscape Construction: The construction of retaining walls, hard surface patios, decks and walkways, water features, wood construction, etc. Injuries result from saw operation, lifting, slips and trips, power equipment noise.

Planting - Trees, Shrubs, Lawn: This activity includes such tasks as planting trees, shrubs, and lawn, tree staking, work area housekeeping, and providing safe transport for crew to and from the job site.

Lawn and Landscape Maintenance: This activity includes such tasks as mowing, pruning, fertilizing, general clean-up, blowing, and providing safe transport for crew to and from the job site.

Tree Care: Tree care companies provide services such as pruning, chipping and removal, plant health care, cabling, bracing, transplanting, consulting, fertilization and lightning protection. Many hazards in the tree care industry are potentially fatal. Exposure to overhead power lines, falling branches and tools, and faulty safety equipment are just a few of the dangers.

General References

• Hurricane Preparedness and Response. OSHA. Includes information such as news releases, public service announcements, fact sheets, frequently asked questions, and more.
  


• Target Industry Profiles. OSHA. Horticulture and landscape is one of the seven industries selected as part of the strategic management plan.
  • Profile: Landscape and Horticultural Services. Also available as a 197 KB PDF, 11 pages. Provides information for SIC Code 078 - Landscaping and Horticultural Services, including Bureau of Labor Statistics, top 10 cited standards, and potential industry hazards.

Safety and Health Program

The implementation of a comprehensive safety and health program is an important tool in providing both a safe, and profitable, workplace. Also provided here are employer and employee resources for Spanish speaking workers and youth workers that may be present in this workforce. The following references were selected to assist in developing a safety and health program for the landscape and horticultural industry.

Example Programs

• Sample Safety and Health Program for Small Business. OSHA.
  


• Injury and Illness Prevention Model Program for Employers with Intermittent Employees. California Department of Industrial Relations, (1996, October). A Spanish version is also available.

General Resources

• PLANET/STARS Safe Company Program [9 MB PDF, 4 pages]. Professional Landcare Network (PLANET). Describes a program which is designed for companies in the landcare industry that make a strong commitment to safety and want to help move the entire profession toward safety excellence. Safety Training Achieves Remarkable Success (STARS) members receive assistance in improving their safety programs, documenting and measuring injuries/incidents, and reducing their loss ratios. There is no cost to join the STARS program.
  


• Job Hazard Analysis. OSHA Publication 3071, (Revised 2002). Also available as a 499 KB PDF, 50 pages. Explains what a job hazard analysis is and offers guidelines to help employers conduct their own step-by-step analysis.
  


• Safety and Health Management Systems. OSHA eTool. Indicates four crucial questions you should be asking when it comes to safety and health programs. The detailed answers are found in the four modules of this eTool.
  


• $afety Pays Program. OSHA. Assists employers in estimating the costs of occupational injuries and illnesses and the impact on a company's profitability.
  


• Safety and Health Management Program Guidelines; Issuance of Voluntary Guidelines. OSHA Federal Register Notice 54:3904-3916, (1989, January 26). Provides safety and health program management guidelines are for use by employers to prevent occupational injuries and illnesses.
  
  • Elements of an Effective Safety and Health Program. OSHA Slide Presentation. Summarizes safety and health program guidelines.
• Safety and Health Add Value. OSHA Publication 3180. Also available as a 200 KB PDF, 6 pages. Describes how safety and health add value to your business, your workplace, and your life.
  


• For additional information, see OSHA's Injury and Illness Prevention Programs Safety and Health Topics Page.

Hispanic Worker Resources

• Spanish-Language Compliance Assistance Resources. OSHA.
  


• Hispanic Outreach: Delivering the Safety and Health Message. OSHA. Hispanic Outreach: Making Inroads in Fort Lauderdale. OSHA's Fort Lauderdale Area Office joins in the agency's war on workplace fatalities. Job Safety and Health Quarterly, Volume 13. Mentions creative new ways to reach out to Hispanic and Latino workers including those working in landscaping operations.
  


• OSHA Podemos Ayudar (OSHA Can Help). OSHA's Spanish-language site.
  


• Equipo de Protección Personal (Personal Protective Equipment) [48 KB PDF^*, 2 pages]. OSHA Fact Sheet.
  


• Peligros de operar máquinas cortadoras de piedra sin guardas de seguridad en paisajismo u otros sitios de empleo. OSHA Safety and Health Information Bulletin (SHIB), (2013, January).
  


• Protéjase Contra Los Rayos Dañinos del Sol (Protect Yourself Against the Sun's Harmful Rays). OSHA Publication 3168, (2000). Also available as a 42 KB PDF, 2 pages.
  


• Información Sobre Los Riesgos de Los Productos Químicos (Information on the Risks of Chemical Products) [66 KB PDF, 23 pages]. OSHA Publication 3117, (1989).
  
  
• Programa en Español de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo de OR-OSHA (PESO) (OR-OSHA Occupational Safety & Health Program in Spanish). Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division. Includes ready-to-use bilingual (English/Spanish) tailgate safety training lessons and PowerPoint presentations.
  


• Instituto Nacional para la Seguridad y Salud Ocupacional (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)). Provides a Spanish language web page that includes safety and health information, links to specific Spanish language publications, and links to other Spanish language web pages.
  


• Peligros eléctricos. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Workplace Safety and Health Topic.
  


• Petición De Ayuda Para La Prevención De Electrocuciones Debidas a Tomas De Corriente Y a Conectores Averiados (Preventing Electrocutions Due to Damaged Receptacles and Connectors). National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), (1986, October).
  


• Petición De Ayuda Para La Prevención De Electrocuciones Por Contacto Entre Grúas Y Cables De Alta Tensión (Preventing Electrocutions from Contact Between Cranes and Power Lines). National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), (1985, July).
  


• Petición De Ayuda Para La Prevención De Muertes a Los Trabajadores Que Se Ponen En Contacto Con La Energía Elécrica (Preventing Fatalities of Workers Who Contact Electrical Energy). National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), (1986, December).

Youth Worker Resources

• Young Workers. OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page.
  • Young Worker Summer Job Safety
    • en Español
• YouthRules! US Department of Labor (DOL).
  • Child Labor Fact Sheets
  • News & Resources
  • Young Worker Toolkit
• Teen Construction Safety [346 KB PDF, 2 pages]. Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation (TDI/DWC). Provides a five minute training safety aid.
  


• Youth in Agriculture. OSHA eTool. Describes common hazards and potential safety solutions for youth agricultural workers that also apply to youth in landscaping and horticultural work.

Additional Information

OSHA Consultation

• Small Business. OSHA.
  • On-site Consultation
    • Program Information and Benefits
• OSHA's Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP)

Other Resources

• Hazards of Operating Unguarded Stone Cutters and Splitters in Landscaping and Other Worksites. OSHA Safety and Health Information Bulletin, (2013, January). A Spanish version is also available.
  


• Professional Landcare Network (PLANET). OSHA Alliance Page.
  


• Agreement Alliance between OSHA Omaha Area Office and the Nebraska Golf Course Superintendent Association, the Nebraska Professional Lawn Care Association and the Sports Turf Managers Association. OSHA Alliance Agreement. Helps members and others in the landscaping and lawn care industry, including youth and non English speaking workers, with information, guidance and access to training resources that will help them protect employees' health and safety, particularly in reducing exposure to landscaping and lawn care industry hazards. The Alliance focuses on noise, chemicals, machine guarding, ergonomics, weather related hazards and the use of personal protective equipment.
  


• Quick Cards. OSHA and the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) Alliance, (2008, July).
  • Lyme Disease. Addresses prevention of tick bites and identification of Lyme disease.
  • Chipper Winch. Addresses the potential hazards and safe work practices regarding operating chipper winches.
  • Dump Body. Addresses potential hazards and safe work practices regarding operating truck-mounted hydraulic dump bodies.
• Lyme Disease Fact Sheet. OSHA and the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) Alliance, (2008, June). Addresses issues associated with Lyme disease, including its symptoms and treatment options and tick bite prevention and control.
  


• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). Provides musculoskeletal education to orthopaedic surgeons and others, including training courses, medical and scientific publications and electronic media materials.
  


• Professional Landcare Network (PLANET). Promotes business management skills and the profitability of its members' businesses. Members have direct access to marketing tools, industry-specific business publications, training materials, and safety and human resources consultants.
  • Preventing Repetitive Motion Injuries in Interior Plantscaping [144 KB PDF^*, 2 pages]. OSHA and the PLANET Alliance, (2013, September). Provides general safety information on how interior plantscaping workers can prevent and reduce the severity of repetitive motion injuries.
    
  • Roadside Safety [35 KB PDF^*, 2 pages]. OSHA and the PLANET Alliance. Provides general safety information on how to work next to motor vehicle traffic during landscaping projects, including the use worker safety apparel and temporary traffic safety barriers.
    
  • Interior Plantscaping Ladder Safety Quick Card [162 KB PDF^*, 1 page]. OSHA and the PLANET Alliance, (2010, September). Describes general safety tips to help prevent injuries to those working with small equipment in landscaping
  • Gasoline Powered Cut-off Machines Quick Card [38 KB PDF^*, 1 page]. OSHA and the PLANET Alliance, (2010, August). Describes general safety tips to help prevent injuries to those working with small equipment in landscaping. A 272 KB PDF^*, 1 page (Spanish version) is also available.
  • Personal Protective Equipment for Mixing Chemicals in Lawn Care Quick Card [73 KB PDF^*, 1 page]. OSHA and the PLANET Alliance, (2010, August). Describes general safety tips to help prevent injuries to those working with small equipment in landscaping. A 297 KB PDF^*, 1 page (Spanish version) is also available.
  • Using Small Equipment Safely in Landscaping Quick Card [37 KB PDF^*, 1 page]. OSHA and the PLANET Alliance, (2010, August). Describes general safety tips to help prevent injuries to those working with small equipment in landscaping. A 271 KB PDF^*, 1 page (Spanish version) is also available.
  • Professional Landcare Network Safety Tips Sheet No. 1: Slip and Trip Injuries [59 KB PDF^*, 1 page]. OSHA and the PLANET Alliance. A 92 KB PDF^*, 1 page (Spanish version) is also available.
  • Professional Landcare Network Safety Tips Sheet No. 2: Reducing the Risk of Lifting Injuries in the Landscape and Horticulture Industries [55 KB PDF^*, 1 page]. OSHA and the PLANET Alliance. A 107 KB PDF^*, 1 page (Spanish version) is also available.
  • Professional Landcare Network Safety Tips Sheet No. 3: Driving Defensively to Reduce the Risk of a Motor Vehicle Crash [55 KB PDF^*, 1 page]. OSHA and the PLANET Alliance. A 107 KB PDF^*, 1 page (Spanish version) is also available.
  • Professional Landcare Network Safety Tips Sheet No. 4: Reducing the Risk of an Amputation [55 KB PDF^*, 1 page]. OSHA and the PLANET Alliance. A 96 KB PDF^*, 1 page (Spanish version) is also available.
• National Ag Safety Database (NASD). Serves as a central repository for safety and health information on such topics as back safety/lifting, electrical safety, chemicals/pesticides, and personal protective equipment. Included are tailgate training materials, videos, and Spanish-language safety and health materials.
  


• NIOSH Agricultural Safety and Health Centers. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Represents a major NIOSH effort to protect the health and safety of agricultural workers and their families.

Accessibility Assistance: Contact the OSHA Directorate of Technical Support and Emergency Management at (202) 693-2300 for assistance accessing PDF materials.

^*These files are provided for downloading.