NATIONAL REPORT—Landscaping is a great way to make your property aesthetically pleasing and attract more guests. But while it seems like a great endeavor, landscaping can also pose dangers for your workers, especially since they may be at risk for occupational hazards like harmful chemicals, dangerous equipment, and even heat exhaustion. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1,072 work-related fatalities in the landscaping industry were recorded from 2011 to 2021. Before amping up your property’s scenery, be sure to prioritize your workers’ safety and well-being.
There are many ways to help landscapers stay safe while working. By getting landscape insurance, keeping your equipment well-maintained, and providing protective gear, you can better ensure the welfare of your employees. Below, we take a closer look at some ocular hazards that landscape workers may face and what to look for in protective eyewear.
Landscaping & Eye Injuries
Ocular injuries are pretty common in the landscaping industry. Research published in The American Journal of Emergency Medicine found that a total of 168,845 eye injuries linked to landscaping activities happened between 2010 and 2019. When landscapers mow your hotel’s lawn or trim bushes, bits of dirt and other foreign particles can enter the eyes and cause significant damage, like corneal abrasions. Chemicals found in pesticides can also cause a burning sensation, blurry vision, and ocular toxicity, which can be serious health concerns. Avoid these risks by providing your employees with protective eyewear with these characteristics:
Opt for airtight, anti-fog goggles when working with chemicals. Safety goggles can help protect the eyes of your landscape workers from particles and eye-irritating fumes, allowing them to safely and efficiently work in making your hotel’s open area more inviting. However, some goggles may not be suitable for landscaping work, as there are pairs with vents or holes drilled into them where toxic fumes can enter. With that in mind, opt for airtight goggles designed to keep chemicals and even the smallest debris away from the eyes. Moreover, choose goggles that don’t fog when breathing for maximum visibility and safety. The safety goggles from SolidWork combine all those properties, plus they are lightweight, impact resistant, and meet the US ANSI (American National Standards Institute) Z87 standards for guaranteed protection. It should also be noted that for safety goggles to work properly, they need to be correctly fitted and secure.
Choose polarized sunglasses for working out in the hot sun. Since landscapers work outside during the day, there’s a higher chance they may suffer from a painful condition known as photokeratitis—or sunburn of the eyes—when exposed to UV rays and glare. Opt for polarized sunglasses that reduce and filter harmful horizontal light bouncing off of surfaces, improving visual acuity and comfort. Oakley’s OO9448 Sylas is a viable option equipped with the brand’s patented polarization technology and O Matter frame material for enhanced visibility and durability. Ray-Ban’s New Wayfarer Classic also offers superior glare reduction with its polarized green lenses. These options are great for UV and glare protection during lighter work, such as trimming foliage and surveying, and are generally accessible from most retailers.
Pick a pair with photochromic lenses for changing light conditions. While polarized sunglasses are great for reducing glare, not all polarized lenses can block ultraviolet (UV) rays that can cause cataracts and macular degeneration. In that case, sunglasses with photochromic lenses are a great option to protect your employees from those risks. Not only do they block UV rays all the time, but they also darken or lighten depending on the ambient light so your workers can safely work even as light conditions change. Try the Bloc Titan PH630S Single sunglasses that have anti-UV and photochromic lens technology and are lightweight for a comfortable yet steady fit. However, do take note that these lenses aren’t always available from retailers and tend to be more expensive than your average pair of sunglasses.
Beautiful landscape work can help attract more people to stay in your hotel, but make sure to never compromise the safety of your employees. Follow these tips for picking the correct eyewear so that you can protect your landscapers’ eye health and quality of life.
