Machinery and Vehicular Safety

Landscaping Related Activities

Excavating, grading, and site preparation Transporting stone, sand, and mulch Mowing and cutting Loading, transporting, and unloading Wood chipping and shredding

Hazardous Conditions and Unsafe Acts

Not inspecting, operating, and maintaining machinery according to the manufacturer Operating defective machinery Not reading and following all warning labels Untrained or unauthorized operation Taking unnecessary risks Not taking proper vehicular traffic precautions Operating too close to underground and overhead utilities.
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Potential outcomes
Crushed or struck-by machinery Caught in moving parts Amputations Struck-by flying debris or striking the public with flying debris Struck-by motor vehicles during loading and unloading activities Fires, explosions, and electrocution
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Unsafe Work Practices can be Deadly.

WV FACE Fatal Fact

A worker was trimming trees and dumping brush over a steep bank. He was not wearing his seat belt. The drop-off had no barricade or stop log. He accidentally rolled over the banks edge. He was crushed by his tractor.
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Preventing Machine Hazards

There are thousands of machine-related injuries each year. Proper training can prevent these injuries. Workers should know how to operate a piece of machinery and inspect for problem areas before turning on the power.

Preoperational Considerations
Have you reviewed the owner's manual? Are the Warning decals in place? Are the machine guards properly placed and in good condition? Are air and hydraulic lines in good condition and not leaking? Is the setup a proper setup? Is the work zone free from hazards?
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Personal Protection
Wear personal protective equipment, such as goggles, safety shoes and leather gloves. Long hair should be tucked under to avoid getting caught in machinery. Avoid wearing jewelry.
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Machine Maintenance Safety

Keep machines repaired, lubricated, and adjusted. Clearly mark control switches and valves that control machines. Check machines for emergency stop switches
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While Operating Machines

Stay away from moving parts. Turn power off and remove key before working around or performing maintenance on the machine. Use appropriate lockout and tagout procedures to prevent equipment from being re-energized while work is being performed on or around it.
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No Riders on Equipment
Most equipment does not have an extra seat, but some workers allow riders. Any rider for any reason is a safety hazard. Most importantly a rider could:
Fall from the equipment. Be run over. Become entangled in equipment. Be killed.
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Wood Chippers and Shredders

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Hazards of Wood Chippers

Workers feeding materials into self-feeding chippers or shredders can get caught in chipper knives. A workers limb can be shredded. An unlatched, improperly secured, or damaged hood can be thrown from the chipper or shredder. Fixtures can easily be thrown if they come into contact with the rotating knives.
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Selecting the Work Area

Position the chipper or shredder so that workers do not have to stand on slopes when feeding material into the machine. Keep the area around the chipper or shredder free of tripping hazards. Put up warning signs to keep the public a safe distance from work area. Ensure the dislodging chute is positioned to prevent chips from being blown in any direction.
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Chipper Safety Precautions

Wear a hard hat, sturdy slip-resistant footwear, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves without cuffs, and pants without cuffs. Keep shirtsleeves buttoned and shirts tucked into pants. Read the operators manual and complete training on proper use and safety precautions before using it.
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Chipper Safety Precautions

Do not work alone when using a chipper or shredder. Test all safety and emergency shut-off devices before operating the chipper or shredder. Make sure the material to be chipped is free from stones, metal, and other foreign objects.
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Additional Information
http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_Hurrica ne_Facts/chipper_machine.pdf OSH Answers: Equipment http://www.cete.org/Trainer/WoodChipES. pdf NIOSH FACE Program: California Case Report 00CA01001 | CDC/NIOSH NIOSH FACE Program: In-house Report 2000-21 | CDC/NIOSH
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Riding and Walk Behind Mowers

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Hazards of Mowers
A power lawn mower can result in serious injuries. The blade travels at 100 to 200 miles per hour. This landscapers life will never be the same.
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Hazards of Mowers
Objects can be thrown from the mower at very high rates of speed. Before mowing remove debris from lawn. Keep all guards and safety shields in place.
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General Power Mower Safety

Begin by reading the operators manual. Wear protective, close-fitting clothing. Use hearing protection if indicated by the operators manual. Take mowers out of gear before starting. Read all warning labels. Obey the warning labels!

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Leave Safety Devices Alone!

Never disengage or bypass any safety guard or interlock switch. This mower now has the ability to amputate and throw objects at deadly speeds.

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Prevent Dangerous Fires!

Never fill the gasoline tank if the engine is running. Store gasoline in an approved, properly labeled container. Never store gasoline or any other material in a food container.
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Store Fuel Properly!

Danger

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General Power Mower Safety

Disconnect the spark plug before repairing mower. Turn off motor before removing a foreign object. Provide routine maintenance. Warn humans and pets to stay away from operating mowers.

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Riding Mower Precautions

Turn off the mower before getting off. When mowing on a slope with a riding mower, you should mow down the slope. Be aware of power take offs. Wear a seat belt all of the time when the mower is equipped with ROPS.

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Make Seatbelts a Habit!

This landscaper isnt taking any chances. Using the belt will ensure he remains within the safety zone provided by the roll over protective structure. Seatbelts should be used 100% of the time.
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Walk Behind Mower Precautions

Start push mowers from a firm stance with feet in a safe position. When mowing on a slope with a push mower, you should mow across the slope. In the event of a fall, push the mower away from the body.

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This Worker Had a Close Call

Anything with rotating blades can do damage to your body. Keep all parts of your body away from lawnmower blades.
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Dress for the Task at Hand

Sturdy shoes are a must; steel-toed work boots are advised. Long pants and long sleeve shirts protect from flying debris, grass clippings, and sun. Safety glasses or goggles, especially when mowing near solid objects like gravel driveways. Hearing protection may be necessary.
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Wear the right shoes!

A poor choice of foot wear. Steel toed boots with lugged soles should be worn. The steel toe will help protect your feet. The lugged soles will help prevent slipping.
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Additional Information
http://www.cete.org/Trainer/EquipCutES.pdf http://www.cete.org/Trainer/NoRidersES.pdf http://www.cete.org/Trainer/PowerLwnES.pdf http://www.cete.org/Trainer/RotLwnBrES.pdf http://www.cete.org/Trainer/SmallEngES.pdf OSH Answers: Riding Lawn Mowers http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/library/ageng2/MF2 708.pdf
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TRACTORS and ATTACHMENTS

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Tractor Hazards
A tractor is a useful piece of equipment to landscapers, but misuse can be deadly. A tractor can overturn often crushing the operator. Operators can be entangled in PTO shafts and other rotating parts. People can be struck-by flying objects when using pull behind rotary mower attachments.
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Preventing Overturns
Safe work practices are necessary. Most overturns occur to the side. Select a low gear and match speed to conditions and loads. If a front-end loader is mounted, keep it as low as possible. Always remember, If you are uncomfortable on the slope, its too steep.
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Preventing Overturns
Rear overturns pose a threat as well. It may be possible to back up slopes or drive forward down slopes that are too steep to traverse. Shift to the lowest gear that will be needed before climbing the slope - dont change gears on the slope.

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Preventing Overturns
Look your work area over for ditches, drop-offs and stream banks. Consider marking or barricading bank edges storage areas, and other frequently traveled work zones.

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Rollover Protective Structure

A rollover protective structure (ROPS) will offer significant protection. These roll-bars are designed to withstand the dynamic forces during a rollover. Using the seat belt is necessary to ensure that you remain within the zone of protection provided by the ROPS.
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Tractor Attachments
Knowing the capabilities of the tractor allows for the use of the right attachment for the job. The operators manual will help determine if the attachment is designed for the job.
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Additional Information
http://www.cete.org/Trainer/SafTrcSPES.pdf http://www.cete.org/Trainer/SafStartES.pdf http://www.cete.org/Trainer/RollROPSES.pdf OSH Answers: Tractors NIOSH FACE Program: Colorado Case Report 95CO094 | CDC/NIOSH http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/library/ageng2/MF2 708.pdf
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Heavy Equipment

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Heavy Equipment Dangers

Run-over or struck-by equipment Caught between solid objects and moving equipment Caught between moving parts or elevated components and the ground Falling from machines or overturning equipment Contacting overhead or underground utilities Amputation due to cutting action Entanglement in moving parts Struck-by flying debris and rocks Leading to injury or death
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Causes of Equipment Accidents

Improper set-up and/or use of equipment Not following manufacturers instructions and warning labels Defective equipment Unsafe work practices

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Dump Body Accident

Driver freeing stuck cable without strong positive means of dump body support. Cable is freed Dump body drops Driver is crushed This driver died !
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Heavy Equipment Safety

Inspected, operated and maintained according to the manufacturer. Operated by designated employees. Operated so no hazards are created for other workers. Practice safe excavation techniques.

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Additional Information
NIOSH FACE Program: Massachusetts Case Report 96MA016 | CDC/NIOSH NIOSH FACE Program: Minnesota Case Report 92MN009 | CDC/NIOSH NIOSH FACE Program: New Jersey Case Report 02NJ025 | CDC/NIOSH

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Excavation Safety Facts

Each year as many as 400 workers die and another 4000 are injured from cave-ins. Most deaths are in trenches 5-14 ft deep. Cave-ins cause deaths by; Suffocation, Crushing, Loss of Circulation and Falling Objects. One cubic foot of soil can weigh up to 140lbs One cubic yard can weigh 3000 lbs.

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Excavation Hazards
Cave-ins (the greatest hazard) Fires, Explosions, Electrocutions and Engulfments due to utility hits Struck by falling objects Falls into excavation Equipment rollovers Hazardous atmospheres
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Injury and Death

Excavating is one of the most hazardous construction operations Most accidents occur in trenches 5-15 feet deep There is usually no warning before a cave-in

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Excavation Safety
Never enter a vertical sided trench unless it is less then 5 feet deep and determined to be safe. Never enter a trench deeper then 5 feet unless a protective system is used. Sloping, shoring, and shielding are examples of protective systems. Sloping may be the easiest for landscapers.
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Excavation Safety-sloping

This is the acceptable slope for any kind of soil. Excavations should be sloped as close as possible to this configuration.

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Excavation Safety
Make sure a ladder is within 25 feet of your work zone when deeper then 4 feet. Make sure excavated dirt and rocks are kept back at least 2 feet from the edge. Take precautions to ensure tools, materials, and equipment wont roll or fall in. Test the air in areas suspect to atmospheric hazards.
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Excavation Safety
Work defensively, keep track of overhead hazards which could fall in on you. Never work under suspended loads. Never work under equipment or equipment components. Stay out of the equipments swing radius and blind spots.

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Additional Information
http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_Hurricane _Facts/trench_excavation_fs.pdf http://www.cete.org/Trainer/TrenchExES.pdf

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Defensive Machine Operation

Practice defensive operation at all times. This means that you must understand:
The machines capacity and stability limitations Operating techniques and procedures The task at hand That using good judgment and professional skill is always needed The manufacturers recommended operator safety instructions and warning labels!
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Read and Follow all Warnings

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Defensive Machine Operation

Before leaving a machine, operator must secure it by setting parking brake, placing transmission in park, placing each moving part to the ground, and discharging stored energy. Equipment must be operated so no hazards are created for other workers

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Inspections are Important

Should be done at the beginning of each day. Report problems to your supervisor. Defects that affect safe operation must be corrected. Defective machines can kill !
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What Do You Inspect ?

Manufacturers will have pre-start inspection lists. Start at the same point each time and work your way around.

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Operate Equipment According to the Manufacturer

Following the manufacturers instructions is important. OSHA requires it ! A copy must be kept with the equipment.

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Protective Structures for Operators

Protective structures are cabs, FOPS, and ROPS. Most equipment has one of the above systems. Protects operators from rollovers and falling objects. Must be used with the seat belt!
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Required Seatbelt Use

ROPS, FOPS or overhead guards means you must wear your seat belt. Each year many workers are killed by rollovers without belt use. Theres no time to jump or hang on !
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Additional Information
http://www.cete.org/Trainer/RollROPSES. pdf

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Visibility and Safety

All vehicle and machine glass must be kept clean. Free from scratches. Broken, missing or cracked glass must be replaced. Visibility and safety go hand in hand !
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Fire Prevention
Each piece of equipment must have its own extinguisher. Each extinguisher must be fully charged. Extinguishers should be inspected at the beginning of each shift.
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Ground Crew Safety

Never place yourself in the direct path of moving equipment or equipment that may move unintentionally. Realize that equipment has blind spots. Work defensively around equipment.

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Ground Crew Safety

Approach equipment only after making eye contact and signaling the operator, wait for their approval. Never place yourself within the swing radius or path of moving components. (especially under) Never stand directly between wheels or on tracks when talking to the operator.
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Make sure they know you are there before approaching an operator.

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A very dangerous place to be.

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This worker is taking no chances.

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Worker in dangerous blind spot

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Moving parts and flying debris

Factory guards in place at all times. Guards must protect worker from moving parts. Guards must protect the worker from flying debris.

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Most importantly, working safely around heavy equipment requires good judgment. Dont takes risks like this worker is doing.

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Chocking and Blocking

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Equipment Shifting Dangers

Serious injuries can happen when a vehicle or piece of equipment moves while it is being worked on. Chocking and blocking prevent movement and prevent injuries. Chocking the vehicle or equipment keeps it from rolling forward or backward. Blocking the vehicle or equipment keeps it from falling on workers under it.
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Chocking
When unhooking towed equipment, make sure the tires on the equipment have been chocked. Do not rely on the equipments brakes. The rear-most axle should be the one that is chocked. Tires may need to be chocked in both the front and the rear on some equipment.
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Blocking
When working on equipment, never rely only on jacks or hoists to support the equipment. The equipment should be blocked. Use jacks or hoists only to raise the equipment. Jack-stands are considered blocking.

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Loading and Unloading of Equipment

Loading and unloading equipment safely takes an effort. Many workers have been killed before the job starts. What are the hazards? What can we do?

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Equipment Unloading Accident

Operator unloading dozer without wearing a seat belt Dozer begins to slide off trailer Operator tries to jump Operator is crushed by dozer !
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This is NOT How You Should Transport a Riding Mower!

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TRAFFIC CONTROL

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Traffic control
This single cone is not enough traffic control. Barricades should be erected to detour the passage vehicles from hazardous areas. If there are questions about which signs should be used, refer to the State Traffic Control Manual for guidance.
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Traffic Control
Flag persons should be properly dressed
Bright orange, yellow, or yellow green vest (reflective at night) Hard hat Flag (18 X 18) or STOP / SLOW sign
Always stand on the berm next to the traffic you are controlling or in the barricaded lane. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES stand in the lane being used by traffic.
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Most Importantly, working near traffic requires approved highvisibility clothing.

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Additional Information
http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_Hurrica ne_Facts/work_xone_traffic_safety.pdf http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_Hurrica ne_Facts/work_zone_safety.pdf

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