Printing InstructionsOccupational Safety and Health Administration
and the
Professional Landcare Network (PLANET)
February 14, 2007
I. Alliance Background
Date Signed
February 23, 2004
Date Renewed
April 4, 2006
Overview
The OSHA and PLANET Alliance focuses on providing large and small landscape industry businesses, their employees, including but not limited to youth workers, "hard to reach" and non-English speaking workers, with information and guidance that will help them reduce strains caused by manual material handling; amputations; motor vehicle crashes; and slips, trips, and falls injuries.
Implementation Team Members
| OSHA: | |
| Beau Ellis Rick Harris Lee Anne Jillings Jim Mitchell Bob Nester Lisa Ramber |
Directorate of Enforcement Programs (DEP) Office of Outreach Services and Alliances (OOSA) OOSA Office of Small Business Assistances (OSBA) Directorate of Science, Technology and Medicine (DSTM) OOSA |
| PLANET: | |
| Karen Barnett Laurie Bishop Bill Horn Ilene Manster Mari Medrano Barb Mulhern David Snodgrass Tanya Tolpegin |
Director of Membership, Marketing and Communications The Bruce Company of Wisconsin, Inc. American Civil Constructors, Inc. Membership Retention Coordinator Safety Officer, CoCal Landscaping Safety Specialist President, Dennis' Seven Dees Landscaping Chief Executive Officer |
Evaluation Period
February 23, 2006 – February 22, 2007
II. Implementation Team Meetings
| March 20, 2006 August 23, 2006 February 15, 2007 |
Implementation Team Meeting Implementation Team Meeting Implementation Team Meeting |
III. Results
- Events and Products
Training and Education Goal
- Work with OSHA to provide expertise to develop and deliver safety training materials designed to
meet the needs of the diverse workforce, using appropriate language, media, and delivery methods.
During this reporting period, the OSHA and PLANET Alliance Implementation Team did not start work on programs or projects to address this goal.
- Work with OSHA to provide expertise in developing information on the recognition and prevention of workplace hazards, and to provide expertise in developing ways of communicating such information (e.g. through print and electronic media, electronic assistance tools and OSHA's and PLANET's Web sites) to employees in the industry.
Landscape and Horticultural Services Safety and Health Topics Page
PLANET members continued to provide expertise and input on OSHA's Landscape and Horticultural Services Safety and Health Topics page, which is a product of the OSHA and PLANET Alliance and was posted on the Agency's Web site in May 2005. The following PLANET representatives and members continue to serve on the Topics page's editorial board:
- Barb Mulhern - PLANET Safety Specialist
- Dave Snodgrass - Dennis' Seven Dees Landscaping
- John Rovedo - American Civil Contractors, Inc.
OSHA continued to update the OSHA and PLANET Alliance Web page on the Agency's Web site. The Web page includes links to the OSHA and PLANET Alliance agreement; the renewal agreement, OSHA news releases, photographs of the signing and renewal ceremonies, activities and events, products and resources, and milestones and successes. In addition, information and links were added to the page during the reporting period as the OSHA and PLANET implementation team developed products and resources including, PLANET's Safety Tips Sheets. For more information on the number of visits to the OSHA and PLANET Web page, please see the Alliance Program Reach table.
PLANET and OSHA Alliance Web Page
PLANET continued to update its PLANET and OSHA Web page with safety and health information, news releases and links to the PLANET and OSHA Alliance Web page on the agency's Web site. The page also has a links to OSHA's Landscaping and Horticultural Services Safety and Health Topics page and other agency resources and activities.
PLANET Safety Tips Sheet Series
The Spanish language versions of the PLANET Safety Tips Sheets, which were developed through the OSHA and PLANET Alliance, were reviewed by OSHA in May 2006. Based on the feedback from OSHA, PLANET updated the Tips Sheets and posted the revised documents on the association's Web site on June 23, 2006. OSHA links to the documents from the OSHA and PLANET Web page on the Agency's Web site.
Safety and Health Information Bulletins (SHIB): The Hazards of Augur Drilling and The Hazards of Chipper Machines
PLANET reviewed and provided feedback on the Agency's draft SHIBs, The Hazards of Augur Drilling and The Hazards of Chipper Machines.
Publications and News Releases
A number of articles on the OSHA and PLANET Alliance and products developed through the Alliance have appeared in print and online publications including: PLANET News; BNA Occupational Safety and Health Reporter; Lawn and Landscape; Landscape Management, SafetySoultions© and OSHA Up to Date.
In addition, PLANET promoted the OSHA and PLANET Alliance through news releases issued during the reporting period. For example, on March 1, 2006, PLANET published a news release, "PLANET and OSHA Offer Free Safety Tips Sheets Online," which highlighted the launching of PLANET' Tips Sheets posted on the association's Web site. For more information on print and online publications, please see the Alliance Program Reach table.
PLANET SafetySOLUTIONS© Newsletters
PLANET publishes SafetySOLUTIONS©, a monthly members-only newsletter. Articles on the OSHA and PLANET Alliance and OSHA safety and health information were included in a number of issues. For example, in the May 2006 edition, the article, "OSHA Head Calls PLANET a Model for Safety Practices", highlights the OSHA and PLANET Alliance Renewal agreement and products developed through the OSHA and PLANET Alliance.
PLANET Specialty Symposium, August 3-8, 2006, Milwaukee, WI
PLANET staff distributed OSHA publications from an exhibit booth during the PLANET Specialty Symposium, August 3-8, 2006 in Milwaukee, WI. The symposium is an educational conference designed for employers and managers to focus on landscaping industry safety and health issues and landscaping industry best practices.
- Speak, exhibit, or appear at PLANET and OSHA conferences such as local meetings, the Landscape Industry Conference & GIE, Student Career Days, PLANET Forum, Specialty Symposiums and other events.
Green Industry Conference (GIC), Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, Ohio, November 2-5, 2006
OSHA representatives from Region V, Columbus, Ohio Area Office, USDOL-OSHA staffed an exhibit booth in the PLANET Resource Center at the GIC November 2-5, 2005 at the Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, OH. Chris Matthewson, Compliance Assistance Specialist (CAS), Region V, Columbus Area Office, Columbus, Ohio, USDOL-OSHA, distributed safety and health publications and answered questions from approximately 200 landscape and horticultural industry employers and employees.
- Promote and encourage PLANET members' participation in OSHA's cooperative programs such as
compliance assistance, the Voluntary Protection Programs, Consultation and its Safety and Health
Achievement Recognition Program.
During this reporting period, the OSHA and PLANET Alliance Implementation Team did not start work on programs or projects to address this goal.
- Work with other Alliance Program participants on specific issues and projects in the landscape industry that are addressed and developed through the Alliance Program.
OSHA's FedNet Limited English Proficiency Workgroup is developing outreach materials for youth workers in the landscaping industry. PLANET Alliance implementation team members provided landscaping industry expertise and written comments after reviewing two draft FedNet brochures "Can You Dig It! and "A Guide for Young Workers in the Landscaping Industry" during January and February 2007.
- Share information among OSHA personnel and industry safety and health professionals regarding
PLANET's best practices or effective approaches and publicize results through outreach by PLANET and
through OSHA- or PLANET developed materials, training programs, workshops, seminars and lectures (or
any applicable forum).
During this reporting period, the OSHA and PLANET Alliance Implementation Team did not start work on programs or projects to address this goal.
- In speeches and other public appearances PLANET leaders/mentors will demonstrate their own commitment to workplace safety and health and raise the awareness of effective safety and health management in the industry.
OSHA's Teen Summer Job Safety Campaign Kick-off and Alliance Renewal Signing, April 6, 2006, Alexandria, Virginia
On April 6, 2006, Assistant Secretary Edwin J. Foulke Jr., USDOL-OSHA and PLANET's then-President John Gibson gave speeches at the OSHA and PLANET Alliance renewal signing ceremony held in conjunction with OSHA's Teen Summer Job Safety Campaign Kick-off Event at Edison Academy, Thomas A. Edison High School, Alexandria, Virginia. In addition, PLANET member companies provided landscaping materials that were used by OSHA during a safety demonstration at the event.
- Convene or participate in forums, round table discussions, or stakeholder meetings to help forge
innovative solutions in the workplace or to provide input on safety and health issues, especially
those relating to "hard-to reach" and non-English speaking workers.
During this reporting period, the OSHA and PLANET Alliance Implementation Team did not start work on programs or projects to address this goal.
- Work with OSHA to provide expertise to develop and deliver safety training materials designed to
meet the needs of the diverse workforce, using appropriate language, media, and delivery methods.
- Executive Summary
OSHA and PLANET continued to build on the excellent working relationship developed through Alliance. Through the Alliance Program, OSHA and PLANET are addressing issues such as reducing injuries caused by manual material handling, amputations and slip and trip injuries. In addition, the organizations are sharing information on safety and health issues in the landscaping industry.
The OSHA and PLANET implementation team worked together to develop an Alliance renewal agreement which was signed April 6, 2006 in Alexandria, VA in conjunction with the launch of OSHA's Teen Summer Job Safety Campaign; targeted to youth workers in landscaping industry. PLANET participated in the event which focused on reducing injuries and illnesses for youth workers employed in summer jobs by the landscaping industry. In addition, Assistant Secretary Edwin G. Foulke Jr., USDOL-OSHA and then-President John Gibson, PLANET, gave speeches discussing landscaping industry safety and health issues and the successes of the OSHA and PLANET Alliance.
OSHA continued to update the OSHA and PLANET Alliance Web page on the Agency's Web site. PLANET also updated its OSHA Alliance Program Web page on its Web site, with links to the OSHA and PLANET Alliance Web page, OSHA's resources and other safety and health information.
The Spanish language versions of the PLANET Safety Tips Sheets, which were developed through the OSHA and PLANET Alliance, were reviewed by OSHA in May 2006. Based on the feedback from OSHA, PLANET updated the Tips Sheets and posted the revised documents on the association's Web site on June 23, 2006.
In addition, OSHA and PLANET shared safety and health information with the landscaping and horticultural services industry through participating at conferences and exhibiting. During PLANET's Green Industry Conference, November 2-5, 2006, in Columbus, OH, Chris Matthewson, Compliance Assistance Specialist (CAS), Region V, Columbus Area Office, Columbus, Ohio, USDOL-OSHA, staffed an exhibit booth, distributing safety and health information and answering attendees' questions. At the PLANET Specialty Symposium, August 3-8, 2006 in Milwaukee, WI, PLANET staff distributed OSHA publications to the attendees.
In addition, PLANET reviewed two of OSHA's draft SHIBs, The Hazards of Augur Drilling and The Hazards of Chipper Machines and provided OSHA with feedback that has been incorporated into the SHIBS.
PLANET representatives continue to serve on the editorial board for OSHA's Landscaping and Horticultural Services Safety and Health Topics page.
- Alliance Program Reach
| Type of Activity | Number of Individuals Reached |
| March 1, 2006, "PLANET Develops Safety Tips Sheets
for Green Industry" PLANET News Release |
Data not available |
| March 23, 2006, PLANET and OSHA Offer Free Safety
Tips Sheets Online" Landscape Management |
Data not available |
| April 6, 2006, "OSHA and PLANET Renew Alliance" OSHA News Release |
68 News Services |
| April 6, 2006, OSHA Teen Summer Job Safety Campaign
Kick Off Event Edison Academy, Thomas A. Edison High School, Alexandria, Virginia. Speakers: Edwin G. Foulke Jr., Assistant Secretary, USDOL-OSHA and then-President John Gibson, PLANET |
130 |
| April 7, 2006, "Foulke's First Task: Kick Off Teen
Job Safety Initiative" Occupational Hazards |
Data not available |
| April 13, 2006, "Foulke Launches Teen Safety Campaign
in First Public Appearance as Administrator" BNA Occupational Safety and Health Reporter |
Data not available |
| April 14, 2006, "Landscape Industry Materials in
English and Spanish" Safety News and Notes |
Data not available |
| April 17, 2006, "Foulke Give 1st Speech at
Landscaping Event, Evasive on Transparency" Inside OSHA |
Data not available |
| May 2006, PLANET Tips Sheets" Colorado Association of Lawn Care Professionals |
Data not available |
| May 2006, "OSHA Head Calls PLANET a Model for Safety
Practices" SafetySOLUTIONS© |
7,000 |
| June 2006, "Facing Rapid Growth, Landscaping Industry
Putting Focus on Safety" OSHA Up to Date |
Data not available |
| June 2006, "OSHA Alliances" OSHA Up to Date |
Data not available |
| July 2006, "Safety Tips at Your Fingertips" Green Industry News |
Data not available |
| August 2006, "PLANET Member Receives OSHA SHARP
Certification" SafetySOLUTIONS© |
7,000 |
| August 3-8, 2006, PLANET Specialty Symposium,
Milwaukee, WI OSHA publications |
250 |
| October 2006, "PLANET Selects CEO" PLANET News |
Data not available |
| November 2-4, 2006, Green Industry Conference,
Greater Columbus Convention Center Columbus, Ohio Alliance Program Exhibit |
5,000 |
| OSHA and PLANET Alliance Web page | 6,660 |
| PLANET and OSHA Alliance Web page on PLANET's Web site | Data not available |
| "Slip and Trip Injuries" PLANET Safety Tips Sheet (English and Spanish) |
Data not available |
| "Reducing the Risk of Lifting Injuries in the
Landscaping and Horticultural Industries" PLANET Safety Tips Sheet (English and Spanish) |
Data not available |
| "Driving Defensively to Reduce the Risk of a Motor
Vehicle Crash" PLANET Safety Tips Sheet (English and Spanish) |
Data not available |
| "Reducing the Risk of an Amputation" PLANET Safety Tips Sheet (English and Spanish) |
Data not available |
| Landscape and Horticultural Services Safety and Health Topics page | 31,080 |
| TOTAL | 57,188 |
IV. Upcoming Milestones
In the upcoming year, OSHA and PLANET will collaborate on a number of projects to support the Alliance agreement. For example, OSHA and PLANET will continue to update OSHA's Landscape and Horticultural Services Safety and Health Topics page. PLANET members, Dave Snodgrass, John Rovedo, and Barb Mulhern, will continue to serve as members of the Topics page's editorial board.
In addition, OSHA Region V and Michigan OSHA representatives will staff an exhibit booth at the PLANET 31st Annual Student Career Days in Lansing, MI in March 2007. PLANET will also invite OSHA to exhibit and speak during its Green Industry Conference and Green Industry Exposition, November 1-4, 2007 in Louisville, KY.
Further, the Alliance's implementation team will pursue developing four QuickCards for the landscaping industry. The topics to be addressed are: Design and Build; Interior Landscaping; Lawn Care and Landscape Management.
PLANET will continue to publish articles in its SafetySOLUTIONS© and PLANET News on safety and health topics such as OSHA's compliance assistance materials, projects, activities and safety and health issues that impact the landscaping and horticultural services industry.
Finally, OSHA and PLANET will continue to work together through the Fed Net Limited English Proficiency Workgroup. PLANET will continue to provide the Workgroup with information on landscaping industry safety and health issues and expertise.
Report prepared by: Richard L. Harris, Alliance Coordinator, Office of Outreach Services Alliances, February 14, 2007