Econet Risk Assessment [Base Document]
Assessment: Tree and other planting
Scope: Activity [Task]
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Assessment Summary: Tree and other planting;
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Tree and other planting
Last updated: 02/07/2023 11:32:08
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Typical uncontrolled outcomes
Scratches to hands, arms and face; stomach upsets; Toxocariasis; muscles strains; lower back strains
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Typical groups at risk
Volunteers; other site users; general public
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Hazards
- Contact with hand tools
- Slips, trips and falls
- Contact with branches and twigs
- Soil borne infections
- Digging and moving earth
- Manual handling of bags of plants
- Staking of trees
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Controls
- Tools: See "General Conservation Activities" risk assessment.
- Slips, trips and falls: See "General Conservation Activities" risk assessment.
- Warn volunteers of risk of scratches and ensure safe working distance are kept.
- Wear safety glasses to prevent eye injuries from protruding branches and branches under tension.
- Broken skin and existing wounds should be covered with plaster before work starts.
- Cuts received should be cleaned and covered immediately.
- Use tools and feet to move soil and to firm soil around plants. If working in or moving soil by hand, wear gloves.
- Always wash hands or use cleansing wipes or gel before eating, drinking or smoking.
- Take frequent breaks when undertaking heavy or repetitive tasks such as when hammering or using slasher or strimmer, or alternate with other (lighter) task to reduce risk of strains and other injuries associated with vibration and repetitive movements.
- Demonstrate safe lifting and handling techniques.
- If available, use wheelbarrows and other handling aids to move heavier items.
- Ensure routes for transporting tools and materials are kept clear.
- Demonstrate techniques for staking trees and the tools to be used.
- When using post driver, ensure volunteers are familiar with its correct use.
- When using either post driver or mell, hard hats must be worn, bar must be used to hold stakes or posts in position, stob twister or bar to hold stobs in position.
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Background Information
Toxocariasis
Toxocariasis is a rare infection caused by roundworm parasites which is spread from animals (particularly cats, dogs and foxes) via their infected faeces. For most these larvae cause no symptoms and die within a few months. However, some may experience mild symptoms such as a cough, high temperature (fever), headaches or stomach pain. In rare cases, organs such as the liver, lungs, eyes or brain become infected causing severe symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, breathing difficulties and blurred or cloudy vision in one eye.
Further information can be found on the NHS Choices website, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/toxocariasis/
Last updated: 22/03/2021 13:13:32
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