Ensuring safety in the greenhouse

Greenhouses aren't traditionally thought of as hazardous places to work. After all, there are no spinning blades, generally no heavy machinery besides heating and cooling systems, and there's ample supplies of water often within reach at any given time. But the reality is that greenhouses are like any other places of work; serious injuries can and do occur in greenhouses every year because of negligence and failure to properly maintain greenhouses. Here's a short list of ways you can prevent injury and damage to equipment.

Be wary of hoses and driplines
While not inherently deadly themselves, long runs of hoses and driplines can do untold damage if they trip you or one of your employees. Being conscious of long runs of hose, and making sure to properly wind up and store hoses at the end of the day is the best way to address this issue. It might take a little longer to wrap up at the end of the day, but it can save time in the long run by avoid costly injuries and damage to the greenhouse.

Replace cracked and damaged panels
Greenhouse panes of all materials can crack over time due to exposure to the elements. And once they crack, the damage can progress, leading to sharp, jagged shards of glass or plastic that can cause deep cuts and damage to equipment if not properly addressed. Regular external and internal inspections of greenhouses are recommended to avoid this hazard.

Repetitive stress injuries
Greenhouse and growing work is by its very nature hard on the body. The rigors of everyday hauling and moving of plants can put a strain on even the fittest person. It’s important that you and your employees practice safe work habits to avoid Repetitive Stress Injuries, or RSI. That includes basics, such as lifting with the knees, but also extends to every part of a regular work day’s routine. More information can about RSI prevention can be found here.

For more information
Rimol Greenhouse Systems
40 Londonderry Turnpike
Hooksett, NH 03106
T: (877) 746-6544
[email protected]
www.rimolgreenhouses.com