As reported by the Central Penn Business Journal, OSHA has cited SNS Lawn & Landscape Services Inc., doing business as The Grounds Guys, for a total of eight safety violations after two of its employees were injured last summer.
In one instance, an employee lost control of a mower he was operating on a wet slope. He suffered a double toe amputation. Three months earlier, another rollover incident sent an employee to the hospital with serious injuries.
OSHA said that the failure to use the mowers’ ROPS system and seatbelts was the primary issue. Additionally, OSHA said the company did not use the proper guards on the mower, nor did it prepare a written workplace hazard assessment.
As the mowing season draws closer, let this serve as a reminder of how fast a mowing accident can happen. Let this also serve as a reminder of how devastating the consequences can be. In the quest for productivity and profitability, no company, crew or individually can sacrifice safety. A safety culture starts from the top-down. Take steps now, during spring training, to cement a culture of safety in your company.
