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Landscape and Horticultural Services
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 Spanish-Language Compliance Assistance Resources, and Spanish-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. (January 2013).
How do I find out about employer responsibilities and workers' rights?
Workers have a right to a safe workplace. The law requires employers to provide their employees with safe and healthful workplaces. The OSHA law also prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for exercising their rights under the law (including the right to raise a health and safety concern or report an injury). For more information see www.whistleblowers.gov or Workers' rights under the OSH Act.
OSHA can help answer questions or concerns from employers and workers. To reach your regional or area OSHA office, go to the OSHA Offices by State webpage or call 1-800-321-OSHA (6742).
Small businesses may contact OSHA's free On-site Consultation services funded by OSHA to help determine whether there are hazards at their worksites. To contact free consultation services, go to OSHA's On-site Consultation webpage or call 1-800-321-OSHA (6742) and press number 4.
Workers may file a complaint to have OSHA inspect their workplace if they believe that their employer is not following OSHA standards or that there are serious hazards. Workers can file a complaint with OSHA by calling 1-800-321-OSHA (6742), online via eComplaint Form, or by printing the complaint form and mailing or faxing it to the local OSHA area office. Complaints that are signed by a worker are more likely to result in an inspection.
If you think your job is unsafe or if you have questions, contact OSHA at 1-800-321-OSHA (6742). Your contact will be kept confidential. We can help. For other valuable worker protection information, such as Workers' Rights, Employer Responsibilities, and other services OSHA offers, visit OSHA's Workers' page.
Highlights
- Tree Care Work: Falls and Falling Object Hazards (PDF | EPUB | MOBI). OSHA Hazard Bulletin (OSHA HB-3731), (2014). Also available in Spanish (PDF) (EPUB | MOBI).
- Profile: Landscape and Horticultural Services (PDF). OSHA. Provides information for SIC Code 078 - Landscaping and Horticultural Services, including Bureau of Labor Statistics, top 10 cited standards, and potential industry hazards.
- Young Workers: Landscaping - Plant Your Feet on Safe Ground! OSHA, (April 2006). Provides the young worker with some safety working tips in the areas of general safety, and recommendations to prevent injury from sun-ultraviolet radiation-heat, pesticides, electrical hazards, noise and injuries to the eye.