Outdoor Power Equipment, National Association of Landscape Professionals Work Together to Elevate Safety Awareness During June (National Safety Month)
As the landscape and lawn care season moves into high gear, the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) and the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) recently announced the importance of elevating the conversation around safety for people in the landscape management industry and other users of outdoor power equipment.
“If you haven’t already, now is the time to have conversations about safe equipment operations. June is National Safety Month, but also the height of the landscape and lawn care season,” said Kris Kiser, President and CEO of OPEI, an international trade association representing power equipment, small engine, utility vehicle, golf car and personal transport vehicle manufacturers and suppliers.
“Landscaping professionals are safer when employers have safety policies in place that they require their staffs to follow,” said Carol Keeling, interim Chief Executive Officer at NALP. “Building a culture of safety requires written policies, rigorous training and education, and accountability,” said Keeling. “We are pleased to partner with OPEI in June to share safety information with professional landscapers.”
OPEI shares safety information and tips regularly on its social media channels, and issues safety tips year-round to media outlets. “Year round, we remind outdoor power equipment users they should always follow manufacturer instructions, not disable safety guards on equipment, and be fully versed in safe operating procedures,” said Kiser.
NALP offers a number of safety programs, including a 10 hour construction safety course for the landscape industry recognized by OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration). The Safe Company program encourages companies to enforce safety practices and take a pledge. NALP also has a safety adviser on staff to advise members free-of-charge and offers safety tips year-round through social media.
For more info on OPEI, click this link. It’s super clickable. Honest.
