Last Updated on April 2, 2025 by tanya

Injury Risks Faced by Gardeners and Groundskeepers

 

Is Your Working Environment Safe?

 

Injury risks faced by gardeners and groundskeepers are due to numerous physical and environmental factors during their daily tasks. Employees in the gardening industry play a vital role in maintaining our public parks, commercial spaces, sports fields and private gardens.

Gardeners and groundskeepers face various occupational hazards. These range from musculoskeletal injuries, exposure to chemicals to falls and equipment-related accidents. It is important to note that employers have a legal duty to ensure a safe working environment.

Key safety measures include proper training, safety gear and well-maintained equipment. If you are injured due to a lack of safety protocols at work, you may be entitled to claim compensation due to employer negligence.

At First Personal Injury, we can guide you regarding the claims process. We partner with highly experienced lawyers who work on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis.

 

High Risk Tools 

Gardeners and groundskeepers use a variety of tools, but some pose a higher risk of serious injury. The three most dangerous tools include:

 

Chainsaws

Chainsaws operate at high speeds, and improper handling can cause serious accidents. This is especially if proper safety gear is not used.

Injuries : Severe cuts, amputations, kickback injuries, and fatalities.

 

Lawnmowers (Especially Ride-On and Rotary Mowers)

Moving blades can cause deep cuts, while debris can be thrown at high speeds, leading to eye injuries or fractures. Ride-on mowers pose a tipping hazard.

Injuries: Lacerations, amputations, burns, and projectile injuries.

 

Hedge Trimmers

The rapid-moving blades can easily sever fingers or cause deep wounds if not handled correctly.

Injuries: Deep cuts, hand injuries, and electrocution (if electric-powered).

 

These tools require proper training, safety gear such as gloves, eye protection, and cut-resistant clothing and adherence to strict safety procedures to minimise risks.

 

 

Common Injury Risks for Gardeners and Groundskeepers

 

Musculoskeletal Injuries

Gardeners and groundskeepers frequently perform repetitive tasks such as digging, pruning, raking, and mowing, which can lead to musculoskeletal disorders.

Lifting heavy loads such as soil bags, stones, and equipment can result in back injuries, sprains, and strains.

Additionally, poor posture and prolonged kneeling can cause knee pain and joint problems.

 

Slips, Trips, and Falls

Wet or uneven ground, fallen leaves, and loose gravel increase the risk of slipping.

Climbing ladders to trim trees or hedges poses a danger of falling from height, leading to severe injuries.

Poor lighting in outdoor work areas can also contribute to trip hazards.

 

Cuts and Lacerations

Working with sharp tools such as hedge trimmers, chainsaws, pruning shears, and lawnmowers increases the risk of deep cuts and lacerations.

Additionally, handling thorny plants or sharp-edged materials without proper protective gloves can cause injuries.

 

Exposure to Harmful Substances

Pesticides, fertilisers, and herbicides contain chemicals that can cause skin irritation, respiratory issues, and even long-term health conditions.

Prolonged exposure to soil bacteria, mould, and allergens can lead to infections and allergic reactions.

 

Electrical and Equipment-Related Hazards

Using electrically powered gardening tools in wet conditions increases the risk of electric shock.

Malfunctioning or poorly maintained equipment can cause mechanical injuries such as fractures or amputations. Meanwhile, improper use of machinery, such as operating a lawnmower without safety guards, can result in severe accidents.

 

Heat Stress and Cold Exposure

Working outdoors in high temperatures for extended periods can lead to heat exhaustion, dehydration, and sunstroke. On the other hand, frostbite and hypothermia may occur when working in freezing temperatures with the correct protective gear.

 

Insect and Animal Bites

Exposure to ticks, bees, wasps, and other insects poses risks of allergic reactions, as well as diseases such as Lyme disease.

Encounters with aggressive animals like stray dogs or wildlife can lead to bites and scratches.

 

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Prolonged exposure to loud equipment such as leaf blowers, chainsaws, and lawnmowers without proper hearing protection can result in hearing damage over time.

 

Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)

Frequent use of vibrating tools such as strimmers, hedge trimmers, and chainsaws can lead to HAVS. This causes numbness, pain, and reduced grip strength in the hands.

 

When Can You Claim Compensation?

Employees are entitled to claim compensation if they suffer an injury at work due to employer negligence. To be eligible for a claim, you must be able to prove that your employer failed to provide a safe working environment.

This could include improper training or inadequate safety measures. Another important factor is the provision of protective clothing and safety gear. In addition, defective or poorly maintained equipment may also pose a hazard for harm.

It is essential that medical records confirm the injury. You will also have to provide evidence linking the injury to the workplace accident. This can be accident reports, CCTV footage and witness statements.

 

Is Your Claim Valid?

Workplace accident claims must generally be filed within three years from the date of injury. It is advisable to consult with a personal injury lawyer who can assess your case and advise if it is valid.

At First Personal Injury, we work with experienced personal injury lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis. Our expert team will guide you through the claims process to help you secure the compensation you deserve. Call us at 0333 358 2345 or complete our online contact form.