In the landscaping business, many jobs take more than one day to complete. Before you leave for the day, it is important to secure the site to prevent tampering, theft and injury to passersby. Use the following guidelines to ensure the job site is ready to go for the next day.
Job Site Security
- Lock any security gates.
- Fill in any holes or cover them up with plywood.
- Use temporary fencing whenever possible to discourage trespassers.
- Post highly visible signs alerting others to stay off the property.
- Make use of any lighting that will make the area more visible at night.
Equipment Safety
- Put away tools that could be easily stolen—stow them in locked containers or lock them in the cab of a piece of equipment.
- Lock up and immobilize bigger equipment, such as lawnmowers, backhoes, excavators and tractors, and make sure to lower any attachments to the ground.
- Be sure to remove the key before leaving.
- Park motorized equipment in low-traffic areas for added security.
- Keep fuel and other chemicals locked up in a well-ventilated area to prevent tampering.
- Keep any personal protective equipment (PPE) locked up or in your vehicle overnight to prevent theft. You will not be able to work without PPE!
Slip, Trip and Fall Hazards
- Keep all walkways clear of debris, such as mulch, dirt and gravel.
- Make sure any shrubs, trees, bushes or plants remain upright to avoid tripping hazards.
- This will also prevent these items from damage.
- Secure all stackable materials and protect them from the elements to prevent them from falling over and creating a hazard.
- Mark any raised edges or borders with highly visible tape or paint.
- In the winter, remove any standing water in high-traffic areas to prevent ice from forming.
- Take down and lock up ladders.
If you have any ideas to help improve the safety and security of job sites, let your supervisor know.