Landscaping and tree care work are among the most hazardous occupations in the U.S. (1,2). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), workers in this industry are five times more likely to die on the job and twice as likely to be injured compared to workers in all other occupations (3). From 2003 to 2008, an average of 190 deaths occurred each year among commercial landscaping and grounds maintenance workers, accounting for 3.4% of total occupational fatalities in the U.S., (4). Many of these deaths resulted from falls from ladders, being struck by objects such as falling trees and limbs, or from overturned mowers or tractors; Spanish speaking workers had the highest rate of fatalities.
About the Project
Researchers at East Carolina University have been contracted by CDC, NIOSH to develop and conduct group usability testing on a series of short, drafted occupational safety and health (OSH) topic presentations, or “Toolbox Talks” (TBTs) among landscaping and tree care workers.
In general, TBTs are quick, informal safety and health presentations and/or conversations that occur between a supervisor and worker, usually at the start of their day. TBT’s are beneficial and can help employees better understand how to stay safe while on-the-job, as well as giving workers an opportunity to offer suggestions on how the company can improve safety.
By analyzing input from landscaping and tree workers on proposed TBTs, we can develop effective OSH educational TBTs and resources for this industry.
To learn more or to find out how to participate in this project, please contact the Principal Investigator, Dr. Greg Kearney at (252) 744-4039 or KearneyG@ecu.edu
References
- Alexander BM, Wurzelbacher SJ, Zeiler RJ, Naber SJ. Lessons learned from Ohio workers’ compensation claims to mitigate hazards in the landscaping services industry. Am J Ind Med. 2021 Aug;64(8):699-713. doi: 10.1002/ajim.23261. Epub 2021 Jun PMID: 340769002. Statista, (April 8, 2021). U.S. Landscaping and groundskeeping workers, 2020.
- https://www.statista.com/statistics/1087487/number-landscaping-groundskeeping-workers-united-states/#statisticContainer
- Bureau of Labor Statistics. 2009. Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2008: 37-3011 Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers. http://www.bls.gov/oes/2008/may/oes373011.htm.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Work-related fatalities associated with tree care operations -United States, 1992-2007. MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, April 24, 2009 Vol. 58, No. 15, pp 389-393.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Fatal injuries among grounds maintenance workers -United States, 2003-2008. MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, May 6, 2011 Vol. 60, No. 17, pp 542-546.