EQUIPMENT
OPE +: What works communication wise ? Stern warnings and reprimands , or is it about information or storytelling about proper habits ? Steel : I would definitely go with the latter . Tailgate training right at the site before workers unload the equipment , that often works best . I recommend taking a couple minutes in the morning to do a quick briefing on the exposures or hazards the workers will encounter - flying debris , noise exposure , sun , chemicals , etc .
The crew manager or supervisor is the key to handling their safety briefings and any incidents that might arise . You don ’ t want to reprimand a worker in front of everybody , don ’ t single out somebody in front of all the other crew members . That doesn ’ t usually go over very well . Just address situations as soon as possible in private .
It ’ s the responsibility of the crew manager to make sure workers use the right PPE and maintain it properly . Once they get out to the job site and they realize they don ’ t have ear plugs , it ’ s too late then and it ’ s a possibility the workers are going to spend the day working without protection .
OPE +: How about clothing ? I see many landscape crews with bad apparel habits . Steel : Workers need to protect skin from a variety of potential dangers . It ’ s easy to just think about flying debris , but skin exposed to the damaging rays of the sun is a problem too . And that includes long pants , not shorts .
Wear the proper type of headgear ; you don ’ t want to be wearing a baseball cap . Workers need something that covers more of the head and screens the neck and ears . Skin cancer can be a serious problem over time .
You also want to make sure that the clothing will breathe and won ’ t hold a lot of heat in . Heat exhaustion and stroke is a serious situation .
OPE +: How does insurance impact this topic , and can insurance companies help with safety ? Steel : A company ’ s insurance will become a lot more expensive if incidents and accidents rise . I ’ ve known of insurance companies that help landscape firms with training ; all you have to do is ask . Insurance companies can be a big benefit and many companies don ’ t realize they might have somebody in safety who could come out and help with training . Plus , it can be good PR for the insurance company .
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