“If you don’t have the required knowledge or experience, don’t do it yourself.” That is the advice Sean Hooper gives to homeowners when it comes to maintaining their own yards. Sean is a Health and Safety Training Consultant with the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA).

“For example, planting some shrubs along the front of their house may be something a homeowner is comfortable doing themselves. However, climbing a tree to prune it is something they should not attempt on their own unless they have specialized training, especially if there are any powerlines in the area,” says Sean.

Sean wants homeowners to understand the risks involved in doing landscape and arboriculture work and how they can protect themselves. He also wants them to understand the importance of selecting the right contractor when hiring someone to do the work.

“When hiring a landscape or arboriculture contractor to do work on your property, you should provide information to the contractor about any hazards you know about, such as powerlines, gas lines, cable lines, etc.,” says Sean. “And the contractor should provide you with information about how they are going to get the job done safely.”

Selecting the right contractor and what questions to ask

A homeowner can be liable if a worker they have hired gets hurt while working on their property. “Many homeowners are not aware of this,” says Kristin Hoffman, a Health and Safety Consultant with Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS). “This is one of the reasons that it is so important to hire the right contractor,” she says, echoing Sean.

Start by asking contractors for a copy of their Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) coverage certificate. This ensures that their workers are covered by WSIB insurance if an injury occurs. “If a contractor is not covered by WSIB insurance, the homeowner may be liable for any injuries they cause while working on the property,” says Kristin.

When deciding on who to hire to cut back a tree, trim hedges, or landscape a patio, homeowners have to consider more than the quote if they want the work to go smoothly. Both Kristin and Sean recommend asking these key questions.

1. How long have you been in business? Can you provide references?
2. Can you provide a written contract that outlines the scope of work?
3. Can you show me a copy of your WSIB coverage certificate?
4. Do you have any other work-related insurance that covers repair costs if property damage occurs?
5. Who is the supervisor who will be working at my house? What is their contact information?
6. Do you have a health and safety policy and program and have your workers completed a workplace orientation?
7. Are your workers competent to perform the work? Can you provide proof of their training (e.g., certified arborist, working at heights)?
8. Can you provide a written plan outlining the steps you will take to complete the work safely and the tools/equipment you will use?

As a homeowner, if you do not get adequate answers to these questions, it could be difficult to demonstrate that you did your due diligence in hiring a competent contractor if something goes wrong.

Working near power lines

Power lines are very common in residential areas, both overhead and underground. If a homeowner has trees or shrubs that are growing close to overhead powerlines, they will need to be pruned, but not by the homeowner.

“Never attempt to trim trees or hedges where there are power lines nearby,” says Sean. “Contact your local distribution company. They are legally responsible for pruning trees around their power lines. They will send certified utility arborists to do the job safely.”

Whether you or someone you have hired is working up high or on your roof, remember that power can jump from the line to you or your tools if you get too close. Always keep ladders and tools at least three metres away from powerlines.

“Properly plan your planting so that trees and shrubs will remain a safe distance away from powerlines as they grow,” says Kristin. “And if you are digging, prepare by contacting Ontario One Call to get the utility locates for your property. Doing so could prevent significant damage.”

Find out more

• Check out WSPS' Landscaper and Arborist Safety Centre for compliance information and free resources.
• Hiring a Contractor: Homeowner’s Responsibilities from IHSA outlines your legal responsibilities when you hire contractors to work at your home.
• Use Workplace Safety Tailgate Talks for the Landscape Industry from Landscape Ontario and WSPS to learn more about the hazards you may encounter and how to protect yourself.

The information in this article is accurate as of its publication date.