The landscaping industry is flourishing in the US, mostly because these businesses have a low starting cost. In fact, you can start a landscaping business for under $2000. It’s not surprising that small business owners rule 72% of the landscaping industry.
In order to maximize profits, small landscaping companies often ignore the need to adopt safety measures. But skimping on the safety measures that reduce injuries can end up costing more in bodily injury claims and the medical and legal costs that go with them. You might even have decided that you can do without insurance. By trying to save a buck, both small landscaping business owners and your employees are at risk.
90% of landscaping tasks require that you and your employees spend a long stretches of time outdoors. Landscaping workers face harsh outdoor conditions, which could lead to heat stroke. Workers suffering due to harsh weather conditions need immediate attention to reduce the chances of life-threatening conditions.
Landscaping workers should be provided with proper summer and winter insulated clothing. Furthermore, the workers should not be allowed to work in extreme weather conditions for a prolonged time. Breaks during work sessions can also reduce the effects of environmental stress.
There is a high chance of injury when landscaping, including amputation. In fact, over the past 6 years, more than 12,000 people lost a body part while mowing their lawns. Landscaping equipment is be dangerous if not handled correctly. Professional landscaping equipment is more likely to injure workers without safety gear.
Lacerations and amputations due to sharp equipment and are one of the most recurring injuries in the landscaping business. These injuries can be minimized by providing training and safety gear to the landscaping workers. These items are a must for a landscaping worker:
Landscaping workers face severe conditions at the landscaping sites. It is shocking to think that 200 landscaping workers die every year in the landscaping sites. The three leading causes of fatality are:
The safety of the workers should be the prime concern of all landscaping companies. Rising casualties at the landscaping sites can be controlled by providing safety training and gear to all the workers. Furthermore, an enhanced communication system can also be developed for quick reporting of injuries.
A landscaping business owner knows that each time they send a crew on a job, there is danger attached. On the drive, the van can crash — do you have commercial auto insurance? At the site, your equipment could fail leading to damage to your customer’s property — do you have equipment breakdown insurance coverage? In light of the high risk of injury, does your business owners policy include employer’s liability insurance? If you’re unsure about which small business policy is best for your landscaping business, your questions can be answered by experienced insurance agents at Small Business Liability. Get advice from this reputable insurance company to avoid being led up the garden path.
ASK JOHN FOR THE BEST INSURANCE QUOTE YOU’LL GET ALL DAY!