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FACTS
- Uneven Terrain: Landscapers often work on natural, uneven surfaces, increasing the risk of trips and falls.
- Wet or Slippery Surfaces: Irrigation, rain, or morning dew can create slick conditions, leading to slips.
- Obstacles and Debris: Tools, equipment, and natural debris like branches can obstruct pathways, causing tripping hazards.
- Loose Gravel or Mulch: These materials can shift underfoot, reducing stability and increasing fall risks.
- Inclined Surfaces: Working on slopes or hillsides can affect balance and footing, leading to potential falls.
- Poor Lighting: Early morning or late evening work may occur in low-light conditions, making hazards less visible.
- Inadequate Footwear: Wearing improper shoes can reduce traction and support, increasing the likelihood of slips and trips.
STATS
- In the USA in 2022, the construction industry, which includes landscaping, accounted for nearly 1 in 5 workplace deaths, with 38.4% due to falls, slips, and trips.
- In 2020, there were 43,435 workplace fall-related claims, resulting in 62 fatalities, highlighting the significance of fall hazards in work environments in Canada.
- In the USA falls on the same level accounted for 18.2% of the most disabling workplace injuries in 2020, emphasizing the importance of walking surface awareness.
- In 2019, over 6,500 reported cases of workplace injuries occurred in the landscaping sector, with the majority caused by slips, trips, falls, and equipment accidents in Canada.
- In British Columbia, landscaping and lawn maintenance companies reported an average of 300 claims and 11,800 lost workdays annually over a recent five-year period, with more than a quarter of the injuries involving young workers.