Flower Planting Risk Assessment

Assessment Date: [DATE]

Assessor: [ASSESSOR NAME]

Department/Area: [DEPARTMENT/AREA]

Review Date: [REVIEW DATE]

1. Assessment Scope

This risk assessment covers the activities associated with planting flowers, including the use of hand tools, handling of soil and plants, and potential environmental hazards. It includes all areas where flower planting activities occur. Excluded are large-scale landscaping projects involving heavy machinery.

2. Risk Assessment Methodology

This risk assessment uses a 5x5 risk matrix to determine risk levels. Likelihood and severity are assessed for each hazard, and the resulting risk rating is used to prioritize control measures. The hierarchy of controls (Elimination, Substitution, Engineering, Administrative, PPE) is applied to mitigate identified risks.

4. Hazard Identification and Risk Evaluation

1. Manual handling of heavy bags of soil or plants can lead to strains and sprains.

Potential Consequences: Musculoskeletal injuries (strains, sprains, back injuries).

Affected Persons: Workers, Volunteers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Moderate	Medium

Control Measures

• Use proper lifting techniques.
• Provide mechanical assistance for heavy loads.
• Rotate tasks to reduce strain.
• Training on manual handling techniques.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Minor	Low

2. Exposure to chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

Potential Consequences: Skin irritation, respiratory issues, chemical burns.

Affected Persons: Workers, Volunteers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Moderate	Medium

Control Measures

• Wear appropriate gloves.
• Provide training on safe handling of fertilizers and pesticides.
• Use appropriate application methods to minimize exposure.
• Store chemicals in designated areas with proper ventilation.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Minor	Low

3. Eye injuries from flying debris or tool misuse.

Potential Consequences: Eye irritation, cuts, abrasions, potential vision damage. [4]

Affected Persons: Workers, Volunteers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Moderate	Medium

Control Measures

• Wear appropriate eye protection (safety glasses or goggles).
• Ensure tools are in good condition.
• Use tools for their intended purpose.
• Provide training on proper tool use.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Rare	Minor	Low

4. Cuts and abrasions from hand tools or sharp objects.

Potential Consequences: Minor cuts, abrasions, potential for infection. [1]

Affected Persons: Workers, Volunteers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Minor	Medium

Control Measures

• Wear sturdy, well-fitting gloves with grip.
• Regularly inspect hands for cuts and abrasions.
• Provide first aid supplies and training.
• Promote good hygiene practices.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Negligible	Low

5. Exposure to sun and UV radiation.

Potential Consequences: Sunburn, heatstroke, long-term skin damage, skin cancer. [1] [1] [1]

Affected Persons: Workers, Volunteers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Likely	Moderate	High

Control Measures

• Wear lightweight long pants (vs. shorts) and long-sleeved shirts.
• Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher and re-apply sunscreen as required throughout the day.
• Wear a brimmed hat and comfortable clothing that provides sun protection.
• Provide shaded areas for breaks.
• Schedule work to avoid peak sun hours.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Minor	Medium

6. Stings from insects (bees, wasps, etc.).

Potential Consequences: Pain, allergic reaction, anaphylaxis. [1]

Affected Persons: Workers, Volunteers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Minor	Medium

Control Measures

• Provide training on recognizing and avoiding stinging insects.
• Keep work areas clean to avoid attracting insects.
• Have first aid supplies available for stings.
• Know location of medical facilities.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Negligible	Low

7. Slips, trips, and falls due to uneven ground or obstructions.

Potential Consequences: Minor injuries such as sprains, strains, cuts, and bruises. [2]

Affected Persons: Workers, Volunteers, Public

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Minor	Medium

Control Measures

• Provide training on proper lifting techniques.
• Clear pathways and work areas of obstructions.
• Wear appropriate footwear with good traction.
• Use caution when working on uneven surfaces.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Negligible	Low

8. Electrical hazards when using power tools.

Potential Consequences: Electric shock, burns, electrocution. [3] [3]

Affected Persons: Workers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Major	Medium

Control Measures

• Use only approved electrical tools (e.g., approved by CSA, or other recognized certification organization).
• Read, understand and follow the manufacturer's operating manual.
• Regularly inspect tools for damage.
• Use appropriate extension cords and ensure they are properly grounded.
• Avoid using electrical tools in wet conditions.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Rare	Moderate	Low

5. General Control Measures

• Provide adequate first aid supplies and ensure trained personnel are available.
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment to prevent slips, trips, and falls.
• Ensure all workers and volunteers receive a site-specific safety orientation.
• Conduct regular safety meetings to discuss potential hazards and safe work practices.
• Provide access to potable water and encourage frequent hydration, especially during hot weather.

6. Emergency Preparedness

• In case of a chemical spill, evacuate the area and follow the SDS instructions for cleanup.
• For insect stings, administer first aid and monitor for allergic reactions. Seek medical attention if necessary.
• In the event of a heat-related illness, move the affected person to a cool area, provide water, and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.

7. Training Requirements

• Manual Handling Training: Training on the proper techniques for lifting and carrying heavy objects to prevent musculoskeletal injuries.
• Chemical Safety Training: Training on the safe handling, storage, and application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, including understanding SDSs. [2]
• Hand Tool Safety: Training on the proper use and maintenance of hand tools, including pre-use inspections and safe operating procedures.
• Heat Stress Awareness: Training on recognizing the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses and implementing preventive measures.
• Insect Sting Awareness: Training on recognizing and avoiding stinging insects, and administering first aid for stings. [1]

8. Monitoring and Review

Review Frequency: Annually, or after any incident

Monitoring Type	Frequency	Responsible Party	Description
Regular Inspection	Weekly	Supervisor	Regular inspections of work areas to identify and correct potential hazards.
Environmental Monitoring	Daily	Supervisor	Monitoring weather conditions and adjusting work schedules as needed to avoid extreme heat or other adverse conditions.
Incident Review	As Needed	Safety Officer	Review of incident reports to identify trends and implement corrective actions.

9. Special Circumstances

• Work during hot weather increases the risk of heat stress. Implement additional controls such as providing more frequent breaks and ensuring adequate hydration.
• Working alone may increase the risk of delayed response in case of an emergency. Implement a buddy system or regular check-in procedures. [1]

Approval and Sign-off

This risk assessment has been reviewed and approved by:

Assessor: _________________________ Date: __________

Manager/Supervisor: _________________________ Date: __________

Safety Representative: _________________________ Date: __________

This risk assessment must be reviewed annually, or after any incident or when significant changes occur.

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