O C T O B E R 2 014 To t a l L a n d s c a p e C a r e . c o m 19
THE ACCIDENT: A Florida
landscaper is mowing the grass
in a road median about 8:15
a.m. While he is mowing, a mid-
size pickup truck approaches the
work area. The driver's vision is
impaired from the sun glare, and
he misses a curve in the road.
He veers to the left and drives
onto the curbed median. The
pickup's windshield and side
mirror strike the landscaper, kill-
ing him. The driver is uninjured
and is charged with careless
driving.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Work-
ing near traffi c can quickly turn
deadly if the proper precautions are not taken.
Here are safety practices to follow when mowing
alongside roadways.
s Keep tools and equipment away from the road-
side when not in use.
s Post signs to let motorists know there are
crews along the road.
s Face oncoming traffi c as much as possible
when mowing around hazard markers, signs
and guiderails near the edge of the roadway.
s Watch out for out-of-control vehicles, and stay
out of their way.
s Locate potential hazards such as ditches, em-
bankments or drop-offs.
s Make sure the mower chute is pointed away
from the traffi c.
s Don't park the mower on a public roadway.
Instead, park it away from the road on a level
surface if it must be left on the jobsite.
s Wear highly visible, refl ective clothing in ad-
dition to other required personal protective
equipment (PPE).
s Crews must undergo safety training for work-
ing near traffi c. Crew leaders should point out
hazards specifi c to the jobsite and how they
can be avoided.
s Evaluate the jobsite from the driver's perspec-
tive and note visibility limitations and blind
spots.
For more Safety Watch articles, visit
totallandscapecare.com/safetywatch.
Dangerous Driver
BY LAUREN HEARTSILL DOWDLE
How to mow safely near traffi c
ILLUSTRATION BY DON LOMAX
