WSH Guidelines on Landscape and Horticulture Management
In This Free Course, You Will Learn How To
- Overview of key activities and the importance of safety and efficiency in grounds maintenance.
- Techniques for maintaining clean spaces and proper housekeeping practices.
- Safe use of tools and machinery for turf management and working at heights.
- Safe practices for tree care, pruning, and working at heights.
- Identifying hazards, risk assessment, and emergency response procedures.
- Safe operation of equipment and compliance with safety legislation.
- Safe handling and disposal of chemicals, and managing environmental hazards.
- Safe transportation and handling of materials, and managing roadside work zones.
This course provides a comprehensive overview of workplace safety practices in horticulture management. It begins by introducing the core principles of safety, emphasizing the importance of integrating safety protocols into every task. Workers will learn how to recognize potential hazards and apply preventative measures, whether performing simple housekeeping tasks or more complex horticultural operations.
A key focus of the course is horticulture management, where participants are trained on the safe use of both hand tools and motorized equipment. The course covers the protocols for working at heights, especially when maintaining greenery on building structures. Safety measures for using ladders and scaffolds are discussed to ensure workers perform tasks safely and avoid accidents.
The training also includes detailed guidance on turf management, specifically grass cutting. Participants will learn to use a variety of equipment, including push-behind mowers and remote-controlled mowers, while maintaining safe practices in different environments. This includes cutting grass in open spaces, restricted areas, and on steep slopes, ensuring workers can adapt to various terrains.
Tree management is another critical area covered in the course. Workers are taught how to perform pre-work checks, assess risks, and identify potential hazards. The safe use of chainsaws, hand tools, and pruning techniques are explained, along with best practices for working at height. The course also includes guidance on handling large tree loads, planting, and transplanting trees, as well as rigging and securing trees for transportation.
In addition to practical skills, the course addresses essential legislative requirements. Participants will learn how to conduct risk assessments, implement risk control measures, and comply with safety regulations. The importance of emergency response, first aid, and incident reporting is also covered to prepare workers for any situation that may arise on the job.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a significant focus of the course. Workers will gain a thorough understanding of the protective gear required for various tasks, including safety footwear, headgear, eye protection, and fall protection. This ensures they are adequately equipped to handle potential hazards in the workplace.
The course also addresses other workplace hazards, such as heat stress, noise, and confined spaces. It covers how to manage these risks, along with specific safety concerns for working roadside or handling hazardous chemicals. By the end of the course, participants will be well-prepared to safely manage horticultural tasks and comply with safety regulations, ensuring a safe work environment for everyone.
Module 1: Introduction to Grounds Maintenance
- Overview of key work activities in grounds maintenance.
- Importance of safety and efficiency in operations.
Module 2: General Cleansing and Housekeeping
- Techniques for cleansing open spaces, garden sheds, and playgrounds.
- Toilet and water body maintenance.
- Housekeeping principles for maintaining clean and organized environments.
Module 3: Horticulture and Turf Management
- Use of hand tools, motorized tools, and machinery.
- Safe practices for working at heights on building greenery.
- Grass-cutting techniques using bush cutters, mowers, and remote-controlled equipment.
- Establishing safety zones during turf management tasks.
Module 4: Tree Management
- Pre-work checks, risk assessment, and weather considerations.
- Pruning methods using hand tools and chainsaws.
- Safe working practices for tree planting, transplanting, and accessing heights.
- Communication and coordination for tree management tasks.
Module 5: Risk Management and Emergency Response
- Identifying, evaluating, and controlling workplace hazards.
- Risk assessment processes and record-keeping.
- First aid, emergency response planning, and incident reporting.
Module 6: Legislative and Equipment Safety
- Operating cranes, excavators, and mobile elevated work platforms safely.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, including attire and fall protection.
- Legislative compliance for equipment usage.
Module 7: Chemical and Environmental Safety
- Safe storage, handling, and disposal of chemicals.
- Protection against chemical hazards and ensuring worker training.
- Managing environmental hazards such as heat stress, soil-borne microorganisms, and noise exposure.
Module 8: Loading, Transportation, and Roadside Work
- Safely transporting workers, equipment, and materials.
- Managing roadside work zones along expressways.
- Loading and transporting trees, branches, and waste materials efficiently.
