LANDSCAPE ONTARIO – WORKPLACE SAFETY TAILGATE TALKS
© 2026, WSPS.CA 83
PLANTING
Personal Protective Equipment
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What is the most difficult part of planting?
What are some of the ways the task can be made safer?
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Planting can result in injury if not properly approached –
back injuries due to poor lifting, eye injuries due to branches
and hand injuries when staking.
Prevention Points
Whether it is physical strain, insects or plants, or just staying out
in the sun too long, precautions should be taken when planting.
Consider these prevention points:
Review the General Health & Safety Best Practices section on
page 11 before performing any task.
Check all tools are in good working condition before starting
the project (e.g. sharp shovels, etc.).
Use correct lifting techniques. Avoid twisting at the waist.
For transporting larger loads of plants, use a lifting
device to help you carry the load such as a tree cart,
dolly or wheelbarrow.
Consider knee pads when kneeling for long periods of time.
Avoid planting during the hottest hours of the day to avoid
heat stress.
To avoid pains, strains, and aches, rotate tasks and take
frequent breaks to move your body from static posture.
