The Importance of Safety Equipment in Landscaping
Landscaping might seem like a harmless job, but accidents can happen at any time. Whether it's a small injury or a major incident, it's important to be prepared for any situation. This is why having the proper safety equipment is crucial. In this blog post, we'll discuss the importance of safety equipment in landscaping based on a true story shared by landscaping professional, John Pajak on Kid Contractor Podcast episode #312.
In 2016, John had a brand new lawnmower with a Kohler engine. While doing leaf cleanup, leaves started piling up on top of the horizontally mounted muffler. This led to a fire breaking out, but fortunately, John had recently purchased new fire extinguishers and was able to put out the fire before it caused any serious damage. John realized the importance of having the right safety equipment readily available and easily accessible.
This incident is just one example of the need for lawn care professionals to have basic safety equipment such as fire extinguishers on hand. It also emphasizes the importance of knowing where the equipment is stored and being able to access it quickly. John was able to calmly and effectively handle the situation because he knew exactly where the fire extinguisher was located.
Additionally, John mentions the importance of having eyewash readily available at all times while working. Whether it’s chemicals or debris, getting stuff in your eyes can be very dangerous, and having eyewash easily accessible can prevent a minor incident from turning into a major one. (Watch our iconic “Gas in thy eye” video below!)
In conclusion, the importance of safety equipment in landscaping cannot be overstated. A small investment in equipment like fire extinguishers, eyewash, and even a tourniquet can prevent major accidents and potentially save lives. It's crucial for landscaping professionals to not only have the right equipment but to also know where it is stored and how to use it. By prioritizing safety, landscaping professionals can ensure a safe working environment. A safe working environment is ultimately the most important thing on any job.
For the full conversation with John Pajak, listen to the Kid Contractor Podcast episode here!
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