Is Your Greenhouse Safe? It Can Be if You Follow These Tips
In any greenhouse operation, safety should be considered through every step and emphasized at every opportunity. Not only do proper safety practices positively impact an operation’s profit margin, but it protects operators from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) fines that could have been easily avoided.
Safety is never a one-and-done process. Regular safety checks should become a part of a routine schedule for every operator. Making sure that everyone who works on and/or visits your greenhouse is aware of safety procedures and any potential hazards is imperative.
Here are some tips and information all greenhouse operators should know.
Risk: Falls from Ladders
Ladders are a necessary part of the business (checking vents, glass repairs, shade adjustments, etc.) and provide the largest opportunity for injury: falls.
Mitigation:
- Train employees on proper use and inspection of ladders, and never use a damaged ladder
- Place ladders on a flat, secure surface
- Do not climb higher than the third rung from the top
- Ensure shoes are free from grease or mud
- Always work facing the ladder
- Do not overreach, and keep torso between rails of ladder
- Carry tools in pocket, attached to belt, or raise and lower with rope
- Avoid aluminum ladders when working by electric
Risk: Greenhouse Machinery Injuries
Most injuries from agricultural machinery are caused by human error. Injuries on machinery can be severe to employee and cause large productivity issues via shut down.
Mitigation:
- Creation and distribution of machine-specific safety manuals and lockout/tagout procedures
- Hiring and training of competent and safety-minded employees
- Safety reminder signage on and/or near equipment
Risk: Hazardous Material
Hazardous materials (pesticides, herbicides, acid, etc.) are generally abundant in the greenhouse environment. A proper strategy to reduce exposure is key.
Mitigation:
- Training should be conducted for every employee handling or working around chemicals deemed as hazardous material
- Every employee should be trained in identifying hazardous symbols on chemical containers (e.g., corrosive, poisonous, flammable materials)
Risk: Slips and Falls
Slips on wet surfaces or tripping over objects can make up a substantial amount of greenhouse injuries.
Mitigation:
- Keep all aisles and walkways free of clutter
- Educate employees to immediately identify, quarantine, and clean up spills
- Perform routine inspections and develop a housekeeping program for the facility
Risk: Heat or Cold Stress/Fatigue
Extremely high or low temperatures can result in heat and cold related illness or fatigue.
Mitigation:
- Make sure all employees are trained in heat/cold stress risks, identification and prevention methods
- Ensure employees have enough water during work and are consuming water after work during high heat periods
- Dress in layers
- Heat or cold conditions may require additional breaks to rest the body from the elements with work stoppage during extreme conditions (some of which can be defined beforehand)
Risk: Greenhouse Construction
Operations are often expanding or renovating existing operations. This can result in a different set of hazards.
Mitigation:
- Work with greenhouse contractors and mark off areas where construction will be taking placeā¢ Inform all employees of the areas to avoid during construction
Risk: Lifting and Carrying
Improper lifting and carrying techniques can result in back injuries and falls.
Mitigation:
- Education of all employees on proper lifting and carrying practices utilized in their jobs.
- Reminder signs throughout work areas reminding employees to consider using equipment to lift and carry objects that are too large
Risk: Greenhouse Fires
Combustible material in a greenhouse (plastic pots, certain shade curtains, insecticides, fungicides, oils, propane, cardboard) can all fuel a fire, resulting in severe damage/injury or death.
Mitigation:
- Ensure adherence to greenhouse maintenance/inspections, which includes review of potential fire hazards (e.g., exposed wires, location of flammable materials, etc.)
- Educate staff on all potential fire hazards, protocol to address, and procedures to take during fire.
Make safety in your operation a priority and preaching it a habit.
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