Title: Describe safety concerns associated with the floral industry.
Course: Floral Design I (18056-I) > Section: Exploring the Importance of the Floral Industry

Description should include

  - biological (e.g., cuts, abrasions, amputations, heat and cold stress, allergies or sensitivities to flowers, plants, and supplies)
  - chemical (e.g., flower preservatives, scents, pesticides, weed killers, fertilizers, cleaning solutions)
  - physical (e.g., slip, trip, and fall hazards; spray painting hazards; hazards when using tools, machinery, and equipment; and hazards while operating motor vehicles)
  - ergonomic (e.g., hazards while lifting or handling heavy items)
  - electrical (e.g., hazards of using electrical appliances such as glue guns, glue pots, Styrofoam cutters).

Teacher Resources:

- NIH Pesticide Exposure
- What You Can Do to Protect Yourself from Pesticides in the Floral Industry. Team Flower Education.

Process/Skill Questions:

- 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 from floral crops and crops harvested for consumption?
- What are some environmental and occupational safety challenges experienced in the floriculture industry?
- What types of PPE should be used by florists, and horticulture and floriculture occupations?