Guest Columnist: Nov. 2000, A Call To Action

In today’s era of instant litigation and multimillion-dollar settlements for even a slight mishap, there is no manufacturer in the green industry – or in any industry for that matter – who will not claim that it considers safety. However, many consumers do not hold manufacturers responsible for proving their safety claims.

The last time you purchased a piece of power equipment did you determine if that product met basic safety standards. Did you consider operator safety? Did the label attest to specific safety standards?

If you’re like most people, your answer is "No." Often, consumers and commercial equipment users make similar assumptions – that products must meet basic industry standards. Let me give you some real-life examples of where this is not the case:

• One company advertised a blade tip speed of 19,000 feet per minute on its latest commercial mower. It neglected to advertise that the equipment couldn’t pass a thrown-objects test, and it disregarded the increased noise level created by the blade speed.
• Another company claimed its machine could operate at a speed of 15 mph, but it didn’t pass a brake test.
• A third company elected not to install an operator presence system that automatically shuts down the equipment when the operator leaves the seat or lets go of controls. The result: Operators faced unnecessary dangers when they got off the machine.
• A manufacturer claimed its machine was great for mowing severe slopes, but it couldn’t verify whether or not it passed a stability standard to prevent rollover.

These examples uncover the safety issues commercial equipment users face. Fire prevention, cut and shear protection, bystander entanglement and pinch points also translate into potential risks that users assume manufacturers have already considered. Because of this liability, safety must be a part of operator training.

Also, machines should meet basic safety standards, such as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) safety specifications for commercial turf care equipment.

During the development process at John Deere, product safety committees in each factory assess a variety of safety factors during production. Also, a product safety department provides expertise and a review.

So, why should companies conform to a set of safety standards? The answer is straightforward: customer and bystander safety. Meeting ANSI standards is how manufacturers demonstrate a commitment to safety.

ANSI standards serve as a minimum responsibility for each manufacturer to meet or exceed basic safety requirements. Customers should demand these requirements.

However, cost defers some manufacturers from designing with safety in mind. Some ignore the standards to allow for cheaper equipment prices. What can customers do to protect themselves and their operators?

There is a great deal that can and must be done. First, customers should become knowledgeable about equipment safety standards. Review the ANSI standards – you don’t need to be an engineer to understand them. Manufacturers that provide a review help customers appreciate the value of maintaining safety features and reduce the temptation for companies to remove or sidestep regulations. Industry publications also can play a critical role by providing safety, training and maintenance reminders.

Third, customers purchasing new equipment should move price to No. 2 on their priority list and put safety at the top of the list. Ask dealers to describe the equipment’s safety features. Ask whether or not the piece of equipment has been tested and, more importantly, if it meets ANSI standards. Ask whether or not safety is built in or is an optional add-on, and reject equipment that doesn’t provide a safety-first working environment.

Fourth, I encourage current equipment owners to perform safety checks on all equipment. Check to see if it’s best to add operator presence systems if needed. Ensure that shields and guards are in place. Check with the equipment’s manufacturer to determine if basic safety tests were performed.

Determine if the equipment is ergonomically designed to provide a comfortable and efficient operator station. Equipment that unnecessarily tires or strains users places both operators and bystanders at unnecessary risk.

Finally, support associations and trade groups for manufacturers and commercial professionals, and urge them to take a strong stand on equipment safety.

As our equipment says: "Safety – Live With It." The safety of customers is all too important.