Safety training & resources for landscape and lawn care pros

Posted on:Aug 22, 2023

As a fleet manager, you’re the team’s coach, referee and medic. You help train crewmembers to use mowers and equipment to achieve the best quality cut safely. You blow the whistle when a mower needs a tune-up or mechanical attention to ensure routine maintenance is managed and machines are operating at optimum capacity. And, you step in to problem-solve when issues arise. 

Fleet managers play an integral role at professional landscape companies, and that often includes executing safety training programs for crews. But you don’t have to re-create the safety training playbook. There is a wealth of resources available from industry associations like the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) and manufacturing partners like Grasshopper. 

You can borrow these training videos, repurpose safety sheets and implement plug-and-play safety training programs into your lawn care business.

Ultimate Fleet Prep Checklist

Post this handy checklist in the shop and use it as a pre-season primer to prepare equipment for the rigors of commercial mowing. Refer to the sheet regularly as a maintenance point reminder so you are sure to take care of tasks like sharpening blades, changing oil, inspecting spark plugs and filters, greasing zerks and checking mower deck balance so it is level to produce a high-quality cut.

NALP Safe Company Program

The Safe Company Program guides you toward building a safety culture to reduce injuries. The program comes with a manual and toolkit of training resources, and it encourages establishing a safety committee and conducting regular safety meetings. You’ll document, measure and investigate every accident and enroll to win a safety award for your hard work. The program is free to all NALP members. 

State OSHA-Approved Workplace Safety Plans

These OSHA State Plans are designed to help protect workers, prevent workplace injuries and establish safety protocols. You can find plans for your state here.

Free OSHA On-Site Safety Consultation

For no cost, you can book a confidential safety consultation to identify potential workplace hazards and set safety goals. State agencies and universities provide the assessments, and they can help you implement recommendations. The consultation program is separate from OSHA enforcement, so you can have peace of mind that your consultation and safety-related efforts will not be under scrutiny. It’s all about prevention.

OSHA Recordkeeping Forms

These downloadable OSHA forms are designed to help you record work-related injuries and illnesses. The agency also provides information related to what must be recorded and where to post forms. 

Heat Awareness Training

Aside from training crewmembers how to properly operate mowers and equipment, staying safe in the field also includes understanding how to work in the heat. NALP put together this helpful video to help you understand heat stress hazards and methods for limiting the impact. 

Safe + Sound Resources

The second week of August is National Safe + Sound Week to recognize successful workplace health and safety programs. Resources also offer guidance for keeping your workers safe. By participating in the week, OSHA can help you get a safety program started, improve an existing one and earn rewards for participating. 

10-Hour OSHA Landscape Industry Construction Course

The online course—a partnership between OSHA and NALP—includes jobsite safety information, team safety training and information related to workers’ rights, employer responsibilities and preventing workplace hazards. 

Mower Operation and Safety

Grasshopper offers this how-to video you can share with your team during a tailgate safety meeting. Learn how to properly operate your mower—and use it as a refresher or onboarding tool when training new employees.

Equipped for Success—Your Fleet Management Resource

Beyond commercial-grade equipment for professional lawn care operators, Grasshopper offers the fleet management support and resources you need for safety training and beyond. 

Interested in more mowing tips from the pros at Grasshopper? Check out our library of how-to videos, or sign up for our newsletter. Thinking about a new mower? Our team can help you choose the best model for your needs.