Title: Identify safety concerns related to the horticulture industry.
Course: Horticulture Science (18052-I) > Section: Gaining an Overview of the Horticulture Industry

Identification should include

- safety standards established by federal, state, and local laws/codes
- recognition of classroom, lab, greenhouse, etc., evacuation routes
- recognition of fire extinguisher location(s)
- PPE
- safety hazards associated with the horticulture industry to include
  - biological
  - chemical
  - physical
  - ergonomic
- basic first aid treatment procedures for cuts, punctures, burns, etc.
- location of first aid stations
- potential hazards
  - cuts, abrasions, and amputations
  - hand and power tools
  - electrical
  - ergonomics
  - heat and cold stress
  - lifting and awkward postures
  - motor vehicle safety
  - pesticides and chemicals
  - slips, trips, and falls
  - soil preparation
  - irrigation
  - hardscape construction
  - planting trees, shrubs, lawn
  - lawn and landscape maintenance
  - tree care
- knowledge of insurance, liability, and workman’s compensation
- knowledge of allergies or sensitivities to plants, soil, soil components, substrates, substrate components, insects, supplies, etc.

Process/Skill Questions:

- What tools used in the horticulture industry can cause burns?
- What precautions should be taken to avoid burns?
- What PPE is required when working in the greenhouse?
- What ergonomic hazards may horticulture workers encounter?
- How can a florist be exposed to pesticide residues through the daily handling of large numbers of flowers?\
- What are maximum residue limits (MRL), and how does it differ for floral crops and crops harvested for consumption?
- What are some environmental and occupational safety challenges experienced in the horticulture industry?
- What types of PPE should be used by greenhouse and field crop workers in horticulture and floriculture occupations?

Teacher Resources:

- Landscape and Horticultural Services Hazards and Solutions
- NIH Pesticide Exposure
- Team Flower Education – Protecting against Pesticide Exposure