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Q: I have new employees starting this spring and I need them to hit the ground running. How can I make sure they know how to do their job safely?
It can be a real challenge to get new employees up to speed at the same time you’re gearing up for the busiest time of the year. Language barriers can present a further complication.
Safety Checklists for New Landscape Employees was developed with these challenges in mind, and it’s available for you to download at no cost.
Checklists included:
• General Safety Precautions
• Equipment Safety
• Lawnmower Safety
• Pesticide Safety
These checklists can be used to introduce new landscape workers to safe work practices. They ensure that job training includes safety instruction.
How to use this information
• Before new employees start their first assignment, supervisors should discuss the items covered in the these checklists.
• Safe use of equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) should be demonstrated as the supervisor reviews the checklists.
• Pictures associated with each item reinforce the safety message for employees and provide clarity for non-English speaking employees.
• After each topic is discussed, the supervisor, and employee or employees sign the sheet and it can be filed, documenting the training.
OSHA approved
These checklists are based on the book Safety for Hispanic Landscape Workers (Bauske et. al. UGA CAES Ext. Bul. 1334) which has been approved by OSHA for use in safety training.
Free downloads
Both the checklist document and the book are available as free downloads, designed to help companies reduce incidents, stay in compliance and create a culture of safety.
Ellen Bauske has served as the program coordinator for the UGA Center for Urban Agriculture for ten years. She holds a M.S. and a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois in Plant Pathology and a Bachelor’s degree from Cornell College. Prior to joining the Center for Urban Agriculture she helped create AWIS Weather Services and served as Executive Vice President and Director of Marketing of that company for seven years. Dr. Bauske has had the great pleasure of working in plant breeding, biological control, IPM and Extension. She currently coordinates urban programs in water issues, safety training, local food, and arboriculture.
