Charlie Vickers, owner of Landscape Design Solutions in Plain City, Ohio, believes in a strong safety foundation as well. He recently attended the 10-hour OSHA Construction Safety Course for the Landscape Industry to learn more about specific industry topics and equipment. “The safety of our guys is really important to us,” he says. “I don’t want to see my guys ever get hurt or do anything to put them in a position to hurt themselves or hurt the company or put a homeowner in any kind of potential danger. The more we do these [safety trainings], the more engaged they are. They come to me, they see something that is unsafe or close calls, and they bring them to me before I even see them now.”
GOOD FOR BUSINESS The safety education factor is a high priority for landscape pros, but there are also peripheral benefits to attending the 10-hour OSHA Construction Safety Course for the Landscape Industry that can bolster business and keep a company in good standing. Staying educated on up-to-date safety standards not only helps mitigate risks, but also can be the difference between a successful or struggling organization. “Injury and illness incidents are first and foremost
preventable,” Steel points out. “When they do occur, insurance rates often rise; replacement workers may be required; equipment and machinery may be damaged; worker confidence may be shaken; OSHA citations may be issued; monetary fines may be assessed, and workers and/or family members may suffer permanent impairment.”
Failing to bring your organization into compliance with
safety standards and regulations could lead to fines, even if it’s a small infraction. “I feel like these courses are just invaluable to small con-
tractors because everybody thinks that OSHA’s not going to find them, they’re too small of a company or whatever, and then they find themselves in a situation that could put them out of business,” Kindergan says. “Landscapers must become aware of, and better under- stand, all local, state and federal standards and regulations that the industry must comply with,” Steel says. “As they say, ‘Ignorance of the law is no excuse!’” The course gives actionable take-home information that crews can implement immediately. In addition to the in-per- son training, there are handouts to bring back for further training and visual reminders. Everyone who completes the training course earns 10 CEU credits toward landscape industry recertification and a completion wallet card. It’s great for the team, but also for the bidding process. Proof of safety training is a selling point that helps give clients peace of mind that your crew is well-versed in safety best practices. It can also help to lower insurance premiums, potentially expanding the ROI into new business opportunities and cost savings on insurance.
AN EFFECTIVE, INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE The course is taught by OSHA-trained instructors who have completed OSHA training courses and are qualified to answer questions. Classes are capped at 40 attendees to allow for one-on-one interaction and conversations. The 10-hour OSHA Construction Safety Course for the Landscape Industry covers material from the Construction Safety Course, plus additional landscape-specific material.
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