Green for Life March/April 2014

A Landscape Alberta Nursery Trades Association member publication March/April 2014 Vol. 2, No. 2

The Safety IssuePromoting Safe Worksites

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Green for Life March/April 2014 I 3

MANAGING EDITOR Nigel BowlesLAYOUT & PRODUCTION Kyla McKechnieEDITOR Marnie MainADVERTISING Erynn Watson

Landscape Alberta Green for Life is a publication for theprofessional landscape trade in Alberta.

Editorial and Advertising Landscape Alberta200, 10331 - 178 Street NW Edmonton, AB T5S 1R5P: 780-489-1991 F: [email protected]

Landscape Alberta does not assume responsibility for and doesnot endorse the contents of any advertisements herein. Allrepresentations or warranties made are those of the advertiser andnot the publication. Views expressed herein are those of the authorsand do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of LandscapeAlberta or its members.

Material may not be reprinted from this magazine without theconsent of Landscape Alberta.

ISSN No: 1929-7114 (print)ISSN N0: 1929-7122 (online)

Landscape Alberta Executive Committee

President - TBA

1st Vice President - Chris BrownCRS Brown Landscape Services Ltd.

2nd Vice President - Dave MontgomeryGreen Oasis Services Inc.

Treasurer - Arnold van de LigtManderley Turf Products Inc.

Past President - Gerard FournierFor Trees Company Ltd.

Landscape Alberta Staff

Nigel Bowles, Executive [email protected]

Marnie Main, Member Services [email protected]

Erynn Watson, Member Services [email protected]

Valerie Stobbe, Trade Show [email protected]

Kyla McKechnie, Admin Assistant & [email protected]

Cheryl Teo, [email protected]

Calendar of Events

March 3 - 7, 201413th Annual Irrigation Expo

Water Centre, 625-25 Ave SE, Calgary, AB www.irrigation.org

March 5 - 7, 2014Women's Arboriculture Conference 2014

Harrison Hot Springs Resort, Harrison Hot Springs, BCwww.womenarborists.ca

March 12, 2014Landscape Alberta

Annual General MeetingGlenmore Inn, Calgary, AB

RSVP: 1-800-378-3198

March 12, 2014Landscape Alberta Spring Workshop &

Landscape Awards Dinner, Glenmore Inn, Calgary, AB www.laspringworkshop2014.eventbrite.ca

1-800-378-3198

March 14 - 23, 2014Canada Blooms

Direct Energy Centre, Toronto, ONwww.canadablooms.com

March 18, 2014Eagle Lake Professional Landscape Supply Expo

Glenmore Inn, Calgary, ABFor information: [email protected]

March 20, 2014Tree Nursery Workshop

Duncan Marshall Place, Olds College, Olds, ABtreenurseryworkshop.eventbrite.ca

1-800-378-3198

March 21, 2014Growing the Legacy Gala

Olds College, Olds, AB403-556-8232

March 25 - 26, 2014Landscape Industry Certified Technician Exam

Olds College, Olds, ABTo register, call Laura at 1-888-446-3499 ext. 8620

On the Cover: The Safety IssuePromoting Safe Worksites

A Landscape Alberta Nursery Trades Association member publication

The Safety IssuePromoting Safe Worksites

Advancing the professional landscape industry.

4 I Green for Life March/April 2014

Industry and Association News... Year-Round Landscaping Earns the National Award ofLandscape Excellence for Construction Project at U of CWinners of the National Awards of Landscape Excellencewere announced at the 11th annual gala ceremony in St.John’s, NL on January 29, 2014. Eight awards were given outto members across the country that showcased excellence inthe landscape, garden centre and nursery sectors of theindustry.

Landscape Newfoundland and Labrador hosted the eventin conjunction with its provincial Awards of LandscapeExcellence. Competition was fierce in the landscapecategory, with 41 entries coming in from across Canada. TheNational Awards of Landscape Excellence were presented tothe following companies:

Caterpillar Award for Commercial Construction/•Installation to Year-Round Landscaping Inc. inAlbertaCaterpillar Award for Residential Construction/•Installation to Edengrove Landscapes Ltd. in OntarioDynaSCAPE Award for Landscape Design to Betz•Pools Ltd. in OntarioJohn Deere Award for Commercial Maintenance to•Boot’s Landscaping & Maintenance Ltd. in OntarioJohn Deere Award for Residential Maintenance to•Shades of Summer Landscaping & Maintenance inOntarioGarden Centre of the Year Award to Sheridan•Nurseries in OntarioGrower of the Year Award went to Winkelmolen•Nurseries Ltd. in Ontario Green for Life Community Award went to the•Veterans Memorial Parkway Community Program inOntario

The National Awards of Landscape Excellence recognizecompanies whose work has significantly raised the level ofprofessionalism in our industry. Congratulations to all of thewinners, who truly represent the expertise and high caliber ofwork being achieved across the country.

Congratulations once again to Year-Round Landscaping Inc.of Calgary on their win. Employees Fred Berdusco and KenRobinson were in attendance to accept the award on behalfof their company.

To see the award-winning projects, visit http://bit.ly/1bzfW2S.

CFIA - Consultation Regarding Ash Dieback PathogenAsh dieback, caused by Hymenoscyphus pseudoalbidus, is aserious emerging plant pest attacking ash trees in Europe.The disease is characterised by a rapid dieback of the crown,associated with the presence of cankers or lesions girdling theaffected plant parts, which usually leads to plant death. Ifintroduced into Canada, it is expected that H. pseudoalbiduscould result in the death or decline of large numbers of ashtrees in forests, parks and urban landscapes, as well as innurseries, and could lead to significant negative economicand environmental impacts.

The CFIA is asking for feedback from industry members -please visit http://bit.ly/1jkzcGe to view the Risk ManagementDocument for H. pseudoalbidus which examines the risksassociated with the introduction ofthis disease into Canada,and outlines risk management options. Please provideyour feedback to the CFIA by March 24, 2014 by email [email protected] or by fax at (613) 773-7163.

City of Edmonton Tree Standards MeetingLandscape contractors, nursery growers and the association’sExecutive Director met with City of Edmonton Forestry staffon Wednesday, January 15 to discuss a number of issues thatoccurred during the previous year’s construction season,and to review statistics for the Construction CompletionCertificate (CCC) and the Facility Acceptance Certificate(FAC). In 2012, 11.2% (691/6157) of trees had to be replacedat CCC and 6.3% (345/5468) at FAC.

Prior to the meeting, contractors and growers jointlydeveloped the agenda with City staff, which included:consistency of inspections at CCC and FAC, local purchases ofplant material, pre-inspection of trees in the nursery, thetendering process, CNLA Standards, 2014 LandscapeConstruction Standards, and a number of specific issues suchas root flare and pests. The meeting was constructive andresulted in the formation of a subcommittee to reviewplanting detail in the Construction Standards Manual and todevelop a dispute mechanism. Landscape Alberta and theCity’s forestry department will work together to organizeworkshops in the spring to assist contractors in plantingmethods that are acceptable to the forestry department.

Landscape Alberta Governance ChangesIn October 2013, members met to develop a five-yearstrategic plan for the Association. One of the outcomes wasa recommendation to change how the association is

EEEL Building, University of Calgary


governed. Subsequently, a governance committee wasformed and they recommended the elimination of theexecutive committee in favour of an eight-person electedBoard of Directors. At their December 2013 meeting, thecurrent Board approved the changes, which will take effect atthe 2014 Annual General Meeting on March 12, 2014 inCalgary. What will this new board look like? Members will nolonger elect a President, Vice President, etc., but instead electeight members to serve on the Board for a two-year period.The Board will then elect the Chair at its first meeting in April.It is hoped that this new structure will encourage members toserve the association without a long commitment to asuccession of board positions, as in the past. A BoardDevelopment Committee has also been formed - they willencourage and nominate members to serve on the newBoard. The Board Development Committee members arePhil Paxton, Bruce Kay, Brian Gibson and Eric Heuver.

Greening of the Highways Research ProjectTree mortality is high along highways and boulevards inCanada. This research project aims to determine feasible siteremediation and plant selection to suit diverse environmentalconditions. The expectation is to expand the markets forgreen infrastructure in the nursery and landscape sector.

Experiments aim to develop effective site preparationprotocols, planting specifications, and nursery productiontechniques to expand the current opportunities for installinggreen infrastructure in urban and denuded areas. Thisincludes incorporating more and different kinds of nursery

products into planting selections and establishing baselineprotocols and classifications in order to ensure the success ofthese plantings.

The project is being led by Dr. Darby McGrath, ResearchScientist at the Vineland Research and Innovation Center inOntario. The project is currently based in Ontario, but asnoted in the Nursery Growers Update, funding has beenapproved to establish test sites in Alberta next year.

New rules now in effect for foreign worker program,empowering officials to inspect workplacesTough new regulations aimed at quelling fears that foreignersare snatching jobs from Canadians, kicked in on December30, 2013. Government officials are empowered to conductworkplace inspections without warrants and to blacklistemployers who break the rules.

The regulations will also allow government officials tointerview foreign workers about their working conditions andto demand documentation from employers proving they’vecomplied with the federal Temporary Foreign WorkerProgram.

The feds can conduct their workplace inspections for a periodof six years, dated from the first day of employment of aforeign worker. Work permits will be revoked if an employeris discovered to have provided false information that ishaving, or will have, a significant negative effect on the labourmarket in Canada.

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Program. The lists of exceptions to the CumulativeDuration regulation are as follows:

Managerial: National Occupational•Classification (NOC) and professional(NOC A) occupations;TFWs approved in principal for•permanent residence;TFWs employed under an international•agreement such as NAFTA or the SAWP;and TFWs exempt from the LMO process•(e.g., spouses of high-skilled TFWs;charitable/religious workers; refugeeclaimants; entrepreneurs, researchersetc. providing significant benefit toCanada beyond the four-year limit.

The four-year Cumulative Duration regulationcame into effect April 1st, 2011. Work performed inCanada by a TFW prior to this date will not becounted towards the four year cumulative period.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada anticipatedthe Cumulative Duration regulation to beginimpacting applicants in spring 2013. For additionaldetails on the Cumulative Duration regulation,please see: http://bit.ly/1di9b5l.

Landscape Industry Certified Technician ProgramThe Landscape Industry Certified Techniciandesignation provides individuals in the greenindustry with a means of proving a minimumstandard of expertise in tasks typically requiredwithin the industry. A Certified Techniciandesignation can be attained in four specialties;Softscape Installation, Hardscape Installation, TurfMaintenance and Ornamental Maintenance.

2014 Certification ExamsWhen: March 25 & 26, 2014Where: Olds College – Landscape Pavilion, AB

To register, contact Laura Brinton [email protected] or by phone at1-888-446-3499 ext. 8620

Cumulative Duration for Temporary Foreign WorkersThe Temporary Foreign Workers (TFW) Program was established to address temporarylabour and skills shortages in Canada.

The Cumulative Duration regulation establishes a maximum period that a TFW canwork in Canada, in order to prevent foreign nationals who are working in Canada fromlosing ties with their country of origin, and to encourage workers and employers toexplore pathways to permanent residence. Under this regulation, once a TFW hasaccumulated four years of work, they will not be permitted to work in Canada untilanother four years has passed.

The Cumulative Duration regulation does not apply to the Seasonal Agricultural WorkerProgram (SAWP) as the SAWP operates according to international agreementsbetween Canada and select countries.

The regulation applies to most other workers in lower-skilled occupations, includinglow-skilled workers entering Canada through the Agricultural stream of the TFW

RVSP to [email protected]

Get Involved: Attend your AGM!Find out how your association is changingNew board structure & New strategic direction

Wednesday, March 12, 2014Registration and Breakfast opens at 8:00 am

AGM start at 8:30 amGlenmore Inn, Calgary, AB

http://eaglelakenurseries.com


Landscape OnsitesAs a supervisor or owner you have an obligation tocommunicate to each of your employees how towork safely and effectively. CNLA’s Onsite sessionshave been designed to provide the framework forshort, basic training sessions to develop aninformed, well-rounded employee.

It is recommended that you set a specific time asideeach week, for example every Tuesday morning at7:00 a.m., to conduct a 15-20 minute meetingbased on the outlines in the Onsite manual.

It’s your responsibility to practice what you preachand be a good role model for both safety and workhabits on the job site.

Here is a sample lesson from the Landscape Onsitesmanual.

Common Sense SafetyObjective: To introduce the concept of commonsense safety culture.

Lesson: In many instances, working safely is simplycommon sense. By paying attention to yoursurroundings and using common sense precautionsyou demonstrate the fundamentals of safety andaccident prevention.

You use plenty of common sense to keep you safein your day-to-day activities. You look both waysbefore crossing a busy street. You protect yourhands before removing a hot dish from the oven.You have practiced these common sense habits sooften that they are now automatic.

On the job it is important to use common sense tokeep you safe at work. Accidents often happenwhen people are rushed and not focused on thetask at hand. A single lapse of attention can resultin a serious, life-altering injury. Safety starts withcommon sense and being attentive to yoursurroundings.

You wouldn’t oil or adjust unguarded•moving machineryYou wouldn’t chip or grind without safety•glassesYou wouldn’t look for a gas leak with a lit•match

Can you come up with five more common sensesafety rules for the landscape site?

Common sense also means using personalprotective equipment (PPE) whenever necessary.

Head protection: Staff should wear head protection at all times.

Hearing protection: Wear ear protection when noise levels are over 85 db. Make surehands are clean before touching insert-type ear protection. Muff or cap-type protectioncovers the entire ear.

Eye protection: Includes glasses and sunglasses with impact-resistant lenses andflexible or cushion-fitting ventilated plastic goggles. Face shields protect againstsplashes and small flying particles, but not against heavy impact. To improve impactresistance, wear safety glasses or goggles under the face shield.

Foot protection: Safety boots should be worn on the job at all times.

Hand protection: Leather work gloves provide good gripping power and protect hands.

Sunscreen: Applying waterproof sunscreen several times a day should be consideredpart of your personal protective equipment during the spring and summer months.

Common sense safety also means watching out for the safety of your fellow workers.Speak up if they are putting themselves or someone else at risk.

Visit the CNLA website at www.canadanursery.com to view other lessons from thismanual - you can download individual lessons or order the full Landscape Onsitesmanual.

http://cheyennetree.ca


Health and safety programs at the workplace aim to preventinjuries and illnesses. But sometimes, despite the bestprevention efforts, injuries and illnesses occur. Planning foremergencies and having a First Aid Plan is not only the rightthing to do legally and morally, it makes sense from abusiness point of view.

The purpose of this article is to describe the basics of a FirstAid Plan, which is one component of an overall EmergencyResponse Program. It describes the factors to consider whendeveloping and implementing a First Aid Plan, and includesexplanations of what should be included in terms of first aidservices, equipment, supplies, records, communication andtransportation.

General considerationsWhen planning for first aid at a work site, the first step is toreview the hazards and the types of injuries and illnesses likelyto occur. Consider information such as the number of workersat the work site, the type of work that is done, and hazardsto which workers are exposed. This helps determine thepotential injuries and illnesses and the extent of the first aidthat may be required. How close medical treatment servicesare to the work site will also help determine the services andsupplies needed. When developing a First Aid Plan, keep inmind the worst-case scenario.

First aidersAlberta’s Occupational Health and Safety Code (OHS Code),Part 11 First Aid, specifies the number of first aiders and thelevel of first aid training required at work sites, based on threecriteria:

how hazardous the work is;1the time it takes to travel to a health care facility;2and,the number of workers per shift.3

When assessing a particular work situation, you may find thatthe supplies and services required by the OHS Code areinsufficient to meet the needs of that situation. Employersare encouraged to exceed the minimum requirements in suchcircumstances.

The OHS Code states that designated workplace first aidersmust have approved training. Approved training course arelisted on the Workplace Health and Safety website and areupdated on a regular basis. Before enrolling in a course, makesure it is approved by checking the website listing of approvedfirst aid training agencies and courses.

Equipment and suppliesIn addition to first aid services, the OHS Code specifies theequipment and supplies that are required at a work site.Where specialized equipment is made available, the employermust ensure that first aiders are trained and competent in theuse of that equipment. It is recommended that medicationsnot be included in first aid kits. Individuals designated toadminister medication should have specific written medicaldirectives from a licensed physician.

Training standards for the designated workplace first aider donot include administering medications, although first aiderscan assist workers in taking their own medications.

First aid record keepingVarious written records must be developed and maintainedas part of a First Aid Plan. The records to include are:names of first aiders, including their certificates and trainingrecords;

first aid supply and equipment inventories;•injury and illness records in accordance with the OHS•Code;

Developing a

Green for Life January/February 2014 I 9

procedures for communication, including•how to summon help; and,transportation plans for getting injured or•ill workers to medical treatment facilities.

These records are important both for administra-tive purposes and to meet the legal requirements.

TransportationEmployers must arrange for the transport ofinjured or ill workers to a health care facilitywhere medical treatment is available. This is arequirement in section 180 of the OHS Code andapplies to all work sites, regardless of the types ofinjuries and illnesses, the number of workers, thenumber and level of trained first aiders and thesupplies and equipment required. Transportationarrangements must be made prior to dispatchingworkers to a work site, and therefore advancedplanning is needed.

Transporting injured or ill workers in urban settingsis straightforward and does not normally requireany additional, specialized planning sinceappropriate supplies and transportation servicesare readily available. There may be cases wherepotential work exposures require specializedtreatment and in these situations, municipalemergency services may need to be contactedahead of time so that any specialized supplies,equipment, or specific arrangements fortransportation or treatment are in place.

More planning is generally required for rural andremote locations where workers may be isolatedor working alone. Once again, it is important toconsider the extent of possible injuries andillnesses that may occur. The goal for thetransportation section of the First Aid Plan is to getmedical treatment as soon as possible.

Injured or ill workers can be transported byany mode of transportation that meets therequirements of the OHS Code, including adesignated vehicle, a ground ambulance from amunicipal ambulance service, or emergency airtransportation. Prior arrangements should bemade with the ambulance service that may besummoned. When appropriate, highly specificlatitude and longitude coordinates may need tobe provided. It is important to provide specificdirections with highway, township or range roadnumbers and landmarks so that those respondingcan find the work site.

CommunicationCommunication is one of the most importantelements of the First Aid Plan. Communicationinvolves informing workers about:

who the designated first aiders are;•

how to summon the first aiders;•what the check-in procedures are when working alone or at an isolated work site;•where supplies and equipment are located;•when to summon transportation;•what type of transportation is available to get injured or ill workers to medical•care;who to call to summon transportation;•what the back-up plan is if the first type of transportation is unavailable; and,•when to report incidents to Workplace Health and Safety.•

Finalizing the planOnce developed, the plan should be endorsed by management and communicated toall workers. It should be in writing and accessible to everyone at the work site. Nomatter what or where injuries or illnesses occur, everyone at the work site should knowhow to respond and how to get help.

It is recommended that plans be tested before being finalized. Even the best plans canhave gaps. It is important to have drills at least once a year, or more often if worklocations, workers or other factors change. Before conducting drills, be sure to letemergency response personnel know ahead of time.An effective First Aid Plan is one that provides appropriate, immediate and temporaryfirst aid and, when necessary, medical treatment in a timely manner so that health ispreserved, safety is protected, and injury and illnesses are not aggravated.

Quick LinksOccupational Health and Safety Code: http://bit.ly/1i6dsgPApproved First Aid Agencies: http://bit.ly/1avPK5NFirst Aid Records: http://bit.ly/1hyryEE

Source: Work Safe Alberta

http://advancenursery.ca

Able LandscapeWayne Thomas208 – 17 Street SECalgary, AB T2E 8V7(403) 651-0078 Fax: (403) [email protected]

Calgary PlantsRick Bron3107, 13045 - 6 Street SWCalgary, AB T2W 5H1(403) 454-2213 Fax: (403) [email protected]

Create Escapes LandscapingChris JensenComp 45, Site 5, RR 8Calgary, AB T2J 2T9(403) 237-6300 Fax: (403) [email protected]

Cochrane Landscape SupplyJanelle Leary108 Railway Street ECochrane, AB T4C 2C3(403) 851-0900 Fax: (403) 851-0950janelle@cochranelandscapesupply.comwww.cochranelandscapesupply.com

K Plowman Contracting Ltd.Keith PlowmanBox 534 Stn MainAthabasca, AB T9S 2A5(780) [email protected]

Kazan Construction Ltd.Robert Kazanowsky21 Springland Way, Calgary, AB T3Z 3N6(403) 249-9073 Fax: (403) [email protected]

Jeffries Nurseries Ltd.Wilbert RonaldBox 402Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3B7(204) [email protected]

Solid Landscape Construction & Design Inc.Chris Boyse803 Allandale Road SECalgary, AB T2H 1W7(403) 217-6870 [email protected]

The Landscaping Company Inc.Ryan Currie9701 83 StreetFort Saskatchewan, AB T8L 3P7(780) 233-7239rcurrie@thelandscapingcompany.cawww.thelandscapingcompany.ca

TreeTime.caDrew Patterson204, 9366 - 49 StreetEdmonton, AB T6B 2L7(866) 873-3846 Fax: [email protected]

Ten Common Safety MistakesCompanies with safety programs “on the books” oftenwonder what went wrong when serious injuries or accidentscontinue to occur. The following are some mistakes that arecommonly made:

Viewing safety as a “cost” rather than a means to•reduce costs. Committing time to regular tailgatesafety training, company-wide safety meetings andother safety efforts does mean time away from thejob. Yet the cost of spending just 10 minutes perweek on a short tailgate safety lesson is far less thanthe cost of a serious back injury, the loss of a fingeror hand in a rotating blade or ─ worse yet ─ anemployee fatality. When you think about safety-related costs, also consider insurance claims, risinginsurance premiums and the human costs of apreventable injury or death.

Failing to involve employees at all levels in your safety•program. Ask yourself these questions: Are employeesat all levels represented on your safety committee? Areinjuries/incidents regularly reviewed with managers,supervisors and affected employees? Do employees withexpertise in certain areas have the opportunity to leadbrief tailgate training sessions?Skipping safety training sessions during your busiest•seasons. The busiest times are also the times whenshortcuts and other unsafe behaviours are most likely tooccur.Failing to conduct regular hazard inspections. Busy•times or not, it only takes a few minutes to check a worksite and equipment for hazards. A hazard such as wet,slippery terrain or a damaged safety shield could resultin injury if time isn’t taken to discuss it and, whenpossible, correct it.Believing a safety program can be successful without•top management’s strong support. Having a programon paper isn’t enough; employees know if top managerstruly support safety or are just paying lip service.Remember: Actions speak louder than words.Failing to make safety as high a priority as doing good•work for customers and completing jobs ontime. Safety should go hand-in-hand with these otherimportant goals. If an injury or accident does occur onthe job, more time will be lost than if the employee hadworked safely to begin with. Also, recurring safety issuescan result in the loss of good customers.Thinking that safety is someone else’s responsibility.•While it is important to delegate certain safety duties inorder to involve others, safety must still start at the top.That means top management is ultimately responsible

Welcome to Our New Members


Beat the HeatSummer is almost here. With that comeshot weather, and working in the heat can bedangerous. Each year, thousands of workers getsick from exposure to heat on the job. Thiscan be prevented by taking some simpleprecautions.

When working outside during hot summer days,remember these three things:

Water: drink plenty of water through-1out the day – about every 15 minutes.Do not wait until you are thirsty. Rest: rest breaks help your body to2recover.Shade: resting in the shade or in3air-conditioning helps you cool down.

It’s also important to know the signs of heat-related illnesses. Acting quickly can preventserious medical conditions.

Heat Stroke is the most serious and•requires immediate medical attention.Symptoms include confusion, highbody temperature, and hot, dry skin orprofuse sweating. Call 911 if aco-worker shows signs of a heat stroke.Heat Exhaustion is also a serious illness.•Symptoms include headache, nauseadizziness, weakness, thirst and heavysweating. Heat fatigue and a heat rashare less serious, but they are still signsof too much heat exposure.

If you or a co-worker show symptoms of heat-related illness, tell your supervisor right away. Ifyou can, move the person to a shaded area andloosen his/her clothing, give them water, andcool them down with ice packs or cool water.

For information on working safely in the heat,visit http://bit.ly/1dNXhBi.

Occupational Health and Safety LegislationThe OHS Act, Regulation and Code set out the minimumrequirements for health and safety in Alberta workplaces.Officers enforce the legislation by issuing orders to employers.If an employer disagrees with the order, it may be appealed.

Administrative PenaltiesAdministrative Penalties came into effect October 1, 2013. OHSadministrative penalties can be imposed against any partiesregulated by OHS legislation – workers, contractors, suppliers,and employers. These penalties aim to encourage improvedcompliance with health and safety regulations, and are meantto work as a persuasive deterrent against those whodemonstrate a chronic disregard for health and safety.

Administrative penalties can be up to $10,000 per violation perday. The amount of an administrative penalty will bedetermined by OHS officials upon consideration of a variety offactors. These include past health and safety performance, thefrequency of orders, tickets or other compliance interventions,and whether there appears to be an overall commitment tomaintaining proper health and safety systems in the workplace.

Administrative Penalties Brochure: http://bit.ly/1joed2p

TicketingAs of January 1, 2014, workers and employers in contraventionof ticketable provisions of OHS legislation can be issued ticketsby OHS officers. OHS tickets will be similar to a traffic ticket:they are an on-the-spot penalty given out following aninfraction of the law. Ticket fines range from $100 to $500.

Tickets can be paid at any Alberta courthouse. Like a trafficticket, any party that wishes to plead not guilty will have theoption of attending a court date.

Ticketing Brochure: http://bit.ly/1jibxpH

Other Links:OHS Act, Regulation and Code: http://bit.ly/1igbuuk

Source: Government of Alberta Human Services

for all safety-related issues ─ both the good and thebad.Failing to give recognition to employees who engage•in safe behaviours. It’s important for employees to berecognized ─ even with a simple “Thank you” ─ forworking to be safe. There are many ways to do this. Onegood way is to carry a digital camera with you and takephotos of workers you see acting safely. Then post thesephotos on your company bulletin board or in anotherlocation where co-workers will see it with a noteunderneath that states: “Congratulations (employee’sname) for being SAFE.”

Making safety meetings and other events long, dull•and boring. If you aren’t a good speaker, let someoneelse lead the monthly safety meetings. Limit themeetings to an hour or less and supplement them with10-minute weekly tailgate training sessions on a singlesafety topic.Not taking safety seriously until after a traumatic•injury, death or other incident occurs. Unfortunately,this is what sometimes happens. Don’t let your wake-upcall be a preventable serious injury that results in alengthy and costly insurance claim.

Source: Turfgrass Producers International, April/May 2009



When an Incident Occurs By Sabrina Granese, Marsh Canada Limited

Names, addresses and details of any•other parties involved, including allinjured parties and witnesses. If it is anautomobile incident, please obtaininsurance information from the otherdrivers; names and address ofpassengers, any injured parties, and allwitnesses; and a description of thevehicles involved, including license platenumbers.

Liability IncidentsIncidents Involving Bodily Injury

If an accident occurs involving an injury,•immediately ask if the injured personrequires medical attention. If they do, callan ambulance, the nearest hospital, or anemergency medical organization forassistance.Do not try to move or transport the•injured person yourself. Do not attemptto treat the injured person(s) unless youperceive a life threatening situation andare fully trained and certified to do so.Gather the information necessary to•complete an Insurance Incident Reportincluding any witness details orstatements. Do not unnecessarily detainan injured person. Medical attention is theprimary concern.Thank the injured person for their•patience and understanding, and askthem to call if any questions or problemsarise. Although the goal is to preventaccidents, it must be recognized that theywill occur. Once they do happen, theprimary concern is the well-being of theinjured party. This is accomplishedthrough prompt, efficient, and courteoustreatment.Do not discuss the accident with anyone•except those authorized by the insurer,the adjuster, or the insurance broker, andthen only after they have properlyidentified themselves.Any person acting on behalf of the injured•person should be referred to your adjusteror your broker service team, as should anycorrespondence received.

Special Instructions for Liability IncidentsImmediately after the incident, inspect•the exact location of the incident. If ahousekeeping deficiency existed at thetime of the accident (e.g. wet floor, iced

Knowing what to do in the event of an incident can go a long way towardsstrengthening customer relationships and mitigating potential claims. Although aclaims adjusting company usually adjusts or settles a claim, your insurance brokershould be able to assist in the claims process should the need arise. Below are sometips to follow when an incident occurs:

Do not admit fault. Complete and forward an Insurance Incident Report immediatelyfollowing the incident with the following information recorded:

The date, time, and place of the incident;•A description of the incident including any relevant details (e.g. circumstances•surrounding the incident and description of the property damaged or injurysustained―where possible take photographs);Name and badge number of any investigating police officer(s); and•

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walkways, etc.), which may have contributed toor caused the accident, make sure it is correctedimmediately and note this on the Insurance IncidentReport accordingly.If you believe a physical deficiency other than•housekeeping (e.g. broken pavement, crackedlinoleum, etc.) may have caused the incident, makea note in the Insurance Incident Report. If you believesomeone else is responsible for the incident, thisshould also be included in report.

Automobile IncidentsIn Case of Injury to a Third Party

Immediately ask the injured party if they require•onsite medical attention. If they do, call anambulance, the nearest hospital, or an emergencymedical organization for assistance. Do not try tomove or transport the injured person yourself. Donot attempt to treat the injured person(s) unless youperceive a life threatening situation and are fullytrained and certified to do so (e.g. CPR).If it is a serious injury (e.g. head trauma, paralysis,•shock, severe bleeding, multiple fractures, etc.) ordeath is involved, call your insurer and/or insurancebroker immediately.If your vehicle is damaged to the extent it is no•longer operable, have it towed from the scene to arepair shop, but do not authorize repairs beforeadvising your claims adjuster. Authorization to repairthe vehicle should only be given when an agreementis reached on the cost of repairs between the insurerand the repair facility.

Property LossesIn the Event of Water Damage

Ensure that tenants move all furniture off the•carpeting or place aluminum foil between thecarpeting and the legs of furniture.Immediately remove the water by whatever means•available to help minimize damage.

In the Event of Fire DamageBoard all open windows and doors that cannot be•closed as a result of the fire. Attempt to contain thesmoke damage to the area affected by fire to theextent practical without exposing yourself to injury.Property losses include all losses or damageto property owned by you or for which you areresponsible for managing (e.g. buildings, contents,stock, equipment, etc.) caused by fire, water,windstorm, flood, etc.If repairs are initiated prior to inspection of the•damaged property by the insurer or adjuster, specialcare must be taken to retain the damaged propertyfor insurer inspection at a later date (initiating repairsshould only be done in emergency circumstances inorder to reduce loss).It is recommended that photographs of the damaged•property be taken prior to initiating repairs.

It is important to protect and save damaged•property that may still have some sale value. Theproceeds of the sale of such property belong to theinsurer and serve to help offset the loss settlementit pays.If required, the appropriate civil authorities should•be notified as well as any individuals responsible forthe damage.

Marsh offers general liability and vehicle coverage as partof the HortProtect Insurance program, exclusively forassociation members across Canada through the CanadianNursery Landscape Association (CNLA). The Marshrepresentative for Alberta is Leah Lefebvre and she can becontacted at 1-877-484-1966 or [email protected].


Landscape Alberta Spring WorkshopWednesday, March 12, 2014Glenmore Inn, Calgary, AB

Plus! Don’t miss our Annual General Meeting and Landscape Awards Dinner

To register, visit: laspringworkshop2014.eventbrite.ca

A one-day, power-packed workshopto help your business prosper!

Recruiting, Retaining and Training Employeesand

The New Landscape of Social Media

http://stewartbrothersnurseries.com

http://laspringworkshop2014.eventbrite.ca


Hort Mart

Aurora Design

PPhhoonnee:: ((440033)) 227733--66991177E-mail: [email protected]

DESIGN, PRINT AND DIGITAL SERVICES FOR:

• Advertising Design • Flyers• Brochures • Newsletters• Business Cards • Photography• Catalogues • Promo Inserts

... and much more

Join Our Sales Team!Specimen Trees Wholesale Nurseries

is looking for aCanadian Prairie Sales Representative

We are looking for a dynamic, self-motivated,independent individual to work as a sales rep forour company. The successful candidate will beresponsible for maintaining and growing our existingcustomer base as well as expanding sales throughoutAlberta, Saskatchewan & Manitoba.

Ideally you will have:- A min. 5 years experience in horticultural plant sales - Trained/experienced in effective selling techniques- Be result driven; desire to succeed and work independently- Strong customer orientation and communication skills- Strong computer skills- Attention to detail and deadline management- Be familiar with inventory product and levels- Must have a Smart Phone- Must have a valid driver’s license, full insurance and a reliable vehicle- Must be willing to travel overnight as needed

Education: High School Diploma or higher

Wage: Base Salary with commission or straightCommission. (Will be determined after review ofapplicant). Benefits package available.

Fax resume to Specimen Trees Wholesale Nurseriesat 604-465-8100 or email [email protected].

April is Safe Digging MonthAlberta has a very comprehensive and complex underground infrastructure that provides essential goods and services to all Albertans.Each year there are numerous instances where the integrity of this infrastructure is jeopardized by improperly conducted grounddisturbances. Failure to Call Before You Dig to have buried facilities identified and their locations marked prior to disturbing the ground,is the most frequent cause of buried facility damage.

The consequences of damage to buried facilities can include service disruptions, environmental contamination, property damage,personal injury and death.

All ground disturbers can save time and money and keep themselves and our province safe and connected by following grounddisturbance and buried facility damage prevention Best Practices. These include making that simple call to Alberta One-Call in advanceof any ground disturbance project, waiting for the buried facility locates to be done, respecting the locate marks, exposing anyconflicting buried facilities before using mechanical excavation equipment, and digging with care.

As April is the traditional start up of the annual digging season, the Alberta Damage Prevention Council proclaims April as SAFEDIGGING MONTH and encourages all ground disturbers to always Call Before You Dig. 1-800-242-3447. www.albertaonecall.com.

One of your Landscape Alberta Member Benefits: LS Training SystemLS Training System is a landscape equipment training service where your employees can learn basic operating technique and hazardawareness. It’s all online, so no software, no DVDs. LS Training has a library of 33 training videos, complete with interactive onlineexams.

Pricing is $99/employee per year for access to all equipment videos. To obtain your CNLA membership discount code to access anadditional 5% savings off your rates, contact the CNLA Membership Team at 1-888-446-3499.

You can check out demo videos and learn more about the training at www.lstraining.com.

HML Construction is looking for a full time experienced landscape designer.

Must be proficient in computer design, planting plans,and presentations. Capable of material takeoffs forconstruction. Must be a punctual, independent, andorganized individual that is very presentable and per-sonable. Please contact [email protected].

http://ellepots.com

http://zarntreefarm.ca

http://www.specimentrees.com/

http://finning.ca

http://pnls.ca

Green for Life March/April 2014

Documents

Transcript of Green for Life March/April 2014