LANDSCAPE ONTARIO – WORKPLACE SAFETY TAILGATE TALKS
32 © 2026, WSPS.CA
DIGGING
Personal Protective Equipment
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What do you foresee being the most common type of injury
related to digging?
!
Generally, digging contributes to back injuries, which are the
number one cause factor of lost time injuries in the landscape
industry. Paying atention to the proper use of a shovel and
digging techniques may prevent or eliminate personal injury
and loss of work time.
Prevention Points
Consider these prevention points:
Review the General Health & Safety Best Practices section
on page 11 before performing any task.
Prior to digging, locate any underground utilities and other
potential hazards.
Inspect all shovels prior to using. Replace shovels in need
of repair.
Make sure spade shovel edges are sharp.
Always select the correct shovel and size of shovel for the
task at hand and worker.
Consider taking smaller loads when working with wet
heavier soil.
Consider job rotation to eliminate excessive strains on the back
and take frequent breaks to relief muscle fatigue and stress.
