LANDSCAPE ONTARIO – WORKPLACE SAFETY TAILGATE TALKS
© 2026, WSPS.CA 1
INTRODUCTION
The Workplace Safety Tailgate Talks for Landscape Industries
guidebook is designed to speak to all workers in the landscape
industry; highlighting common hazards in the workplace; and
outlining ways to prevent these hazards from becoming injuries,
illnesses or even fatalities. There is a wide range of services offered
within the landscape industry and can be defined in 10 sectors:
construction, grounds maintenance, lawn care, designers, interior,
lighting, irrigation, snow removal, nursery and retail garden centres.
This guide is best used to support the role of the supervisor by
providing the tools and information to ensure workers work safely,
and to ensure compliance with the Occupational Health and
Safety Act (OHSA). The information provided in this guide will
enhance your company's health and safety training program.
Complying with the Occupational Health & Safety Act
(OHSA)
The OHSA establishes laws for dealing with workplace hazards.
The OHSA sets out the rights and duties of all parties in the
workplace. Its main purpose is to protect workers against health
and safety hazards on the job. The Ministry of Labour, Immigration,
Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) enforces the laws set
in the OHSA and determines if compliance has not been met
according to the established law. Keep in mind there are specific
requirements for the landscape industry under the OHSA and
specific regulations when working on other job sites or confronted
with specific hazards, such as industrial or construction sites,
confined spaces, WHMIS, etc. Always refer to the OHSA e-Laws
and the regulatory requirements or the MLITSD website.
Due diligence is very important to practice – under the law
everyone is accountable for the safety of themselves, others and
their working environment. If you and/or a fellow worker are
found negligent in the event of an incident causing an injury or
a fatality, all parties may be formally prosecuted by the MLITSD
for their contributions to the circumstances of the incident. The
best defense to prove due diligence is to document all training
and work practices, report all hazards and take all necessary
precautions to ensure the safety of everyone and the workplace.
