Lawn Pesticides Stats and Facts

FACTS

  1. Skin Exposure: Workers applying lawn pesticides without gloves or protective gear may suffer chemical burns, rashes, or skin irritation.
  2. Respiratory Hazards: Landscapers using sprayers or working downwind of treatments may inhale pesticide mists, leading to coughing, headaches, or difficulty breathing.
  3. Childcare or School Grounds Exposure: Groundskeepers applying pesticides near schools or daycare facilities risk exposing children and themselves to unsafe residues.
  4. Cross-Contamination: Failing to wash hands or change clothes after pesticide application can transfer chemicals to breakrooms, vehicles, or home environments.
  5. Eye Contact: Splash-back during mixing or equipment failure can cause direct pesticide exposure to the eyes, resulting in serious injury or vision loss.
  6. Equipment Malfunction: Broken nozzles, leaking tanks, or unsealed containers can cause spills or unintended spraying, increasing exposure risk during routine work.

STATS

  • In 2024, OSHA recorded 5,190 workplace fatalities, with landscaping and agriculture accounting for ~150 cases (3%). Pesticide-related fatalities are rare (<1%), but secondary injuries (e.g., falls due to disorientation) highlight the need for PPE and safe application practices.
  • In 2024, PPE violations (29 CFR 1910.132) ranked 6th in outdoor industries (1,876 citations), including inadequate respirators or gloves during pesticide application. Hazard Communication violations (29 CFR 1910.1200) ranked 2nd (3,200 citations), often due to improper training on pesticide risks.
  • A 2022 EPA report noted that 15% of pesticide applications in landscaping resulted in off-target drift, with 25% of incidents causing worker or environmental exposure due to inadequate PPE or poor application techniques.
  • WorkSafeBC reported 25–30 annual fatalities in outdoor occupations in British Columbia (2020–2023), with pesticide-related incidents rare but contributing to secondary injuries like falls (15%). PPE and training are critical for mitigation.
  • CCOHS 2023 data showed that workplaces enforcing chemical-resistant PPE and respirators reduced pesticide-related injuries by 20%, particularly during lawn spraying tasks.
  • In 2024, Ontario introduced fines up to $500,000 for repeat OHS violations, including PPE non-compliance, impacting landscaping firms failing to provide proper safety gear for pesticide applicators.