Safety Procedures

Safety & Equipment

No deadline or client expectation is worth an injury. You work outdoors in varying weather, terrain, and traffic conditions — every day presents hazards. Know these procedures, follow them without exception, and hold your crew to the same standard.

Safety First Policy

If a task cannot be performed safely, do not perform it. Follow all safety protocols without shortcuts. Report unsafe conditions to your crew leader immediately. Exercise Stop Work Authority when safety is compromised. Attend every required safety training session and weekly toolbox talk. Wear appropriate PPE for every task. Report all incidents, near misses, and injuries regardless of severity. Watch your coworkers — safety is a team responsibility.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE requirements are task-specific, and damaged or worn gear must be replaced immediately. Safety glasses or goggles are required when operating any power equipment — mowers, trimmers, edgers, blowers. Hearing protection (earplugs or earmuffs) is mandatory for equipment exceeding 85 dB, which includes most commercial mowers, blowers, and chainsaws. Use cut-resistant gloves for blade work and chemical-resistant gloves for cleaning chemical and de-icer handling. Steel-toed boots are required at all job sites with no exceptions. High-visibility vests go on near roadways, driveways, or in low-light conditions. Long pants are mandatory during field operations. Sun protection means a wide-brim hat, UV-rated sunglasses, and SPF 30+ sunscreen. Use an N95 mask or respirator for granular chemical application, dust-generating tasks, or heavy pollen conditions.

Heat Illness Prevention

Follow these protocols from May through September, or whenever temperatures exceed 80°F. Drink at least 8 oz of water every 20 minutes — do not wait until you feel thirsty. Take a 10-minute shaded rest break every hour when the heat index exceeds 90°F. Start work early (6:00–7:00 AM) during extreme heat to avoid peak afternoon temperatures. Use the buddy system and monitor coworkers for confusion, dizziness, nausea, or cessation of sweating. Above 103°F, reduce exertion and increase rest to every 30 minutes. Above 115°F, suspend all outdoor work. New and returning workers follow a 7-day acclimatization schedule. If someone shows signs of heat stroke (altered mental state, hot dry skin, collapse), call 911 immediately, move them to shade, and cool with water.

Sun Protection & UV Safety

Apply SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen to all exposed skin before starting work and reapply every 2 hours or after heavy sweating. Wear UV-protective sunglasses and a wide-brim hat or neck shade. Choose lightweight, light-colored, long-sleeve shirts when possible. Take breaks and eat lunch in the shade. UV exposure peaks between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM — plan accordingly.

Insect, Tick & Wildlife Safety

Apply EPA-registered insect repellent (DEET or picaridin) before starting work. Wear long pants tucked into socks and light-colored clothing so you can spot ticks. Do a full-body tick check after working in tall grass, wooded areas, or brush. Learn to identify venomous snakes in your service area and never approach or handle them. Before mowing or trimming, scan for ground-nesting wasps, yellow jackets, and fire ant mounds. If you have a known sting allergy, carry your EpiPen and make sure your crew leader knows. Remove ticks promptly with fine-tipped tweezers, clean the site, and report to your supervisor. Log all animal encounters — aggressive dogs, wildlife — in the daily report.

Chemical Handling Safety

Read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for every product before you use it. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and respiratory protection when mixing or applying. Never eat, drink, or smoke while handling chemicals. Mix only in well-ventilated areas — never in enclosed spaces or vehicles. Use calibrated sprayers for proper application rates; over-application wastes product and damages turf. Store chemicals in original labeled containers in a locked, ventilated area. Clean up spills immediately with appropriate absorbent materials and report to your supervisor. Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly after handling any chemical. Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222 — this number should be posted in every service vehicle.

Stop Work Authority

Every employee — regardless of title or experience — has the authority and obligation to stop work when unsafe conditions exist. You will never face disciplinary action for using it. Stop work for immediate danger to any person, equipment malfunction or mechanical failure, sudden weather changes (lightning, high winds, hail, tornado warnings), missing or damaged safety equipment, a coworker performing work unsafely, unexpected hazards (buried utilities, unstable ground, chemical spills, aggressive animals), or any time you feel unwell, fatigued, or impaired.

Checklists

Daily Safety Checklist

  • Weather forecast reviewed — heat index, wind speed, lightning risk assessed
  • All required PPE inspected, in good condition, and worn properly
  • Sunscreen and insect repellent applied
  • Water cooler stocked with adequate supply for entire crew
  • First aid kit inspected and fully stocked in service vehicle
  • Tools and equipment inspected for damage, wear, or defects
  • Job site hazards identified and communicated to crew (slopes, obstacles, traffic, irrigation heads)
  • Chemical products verified, SDS sheets accessible in vehicle
  • Emergency contacts confirmed and communication devices tested
  • Crew members briefed on day's work plan and specific hazards