LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORS (Excerpted)
Description of operations: Landscape contractors work with residential and commercial clients to design, install, and maintain outdoor spaces, combining plants and architectural features such as decks or paths in an attractive manner. The design may focus on aesthetics, functionality, or both, but should consider climate, winds, and existing natural features. It may be purely decorative or include practical elements like hiding a well head or sprinkler system. Services offered may include installation of sod for a lawn, planting trees, bushes, shrubs, flowers, and other plants, or the installation of fountains, lighting, retaining walls, walkways, or other architectural enhancements. Some landscape contractors will change the contours of the grounds, while others will limit their work to planting new or maintaining existing lawns and plants. Additional operations may include application of herbicides or pesticides, installation or winterization of underground sprinkler systems, lawn mowing, tree trimming, nurseries, or lawn and garden shops. Some phases of a project may be subcontracted, such as electrical or plumbing work.
Property exposures
Business interruption exposure
Inland marine exposure
Crime exposures
Premises liability exposures can be light at the landscaper's own premises due to the limited number of visitors. If there is a nursery, the exposure increases as customers may slip or fall on wet flooring or dirt or trip over equipment. Steps and uneven floor surfaces should be prominently marked. The number of exits must be sufficient and well-marked, with backup lighting in case of power failure. Parking lots and sidewalks need to be in good repair with snow and ice removed, generally level and free of exposure to slips and falls. There should be a disaster plan in place for unexpected emergencies. Plants and equipment stored in the open can present an attractive nuisance. Off-premises exposures are moderate. The area of operation should be restricted by barriers and proper signage to protect the public from slips and falls over equipment and supplies during the installation process. Stones or other debris may be thrown by power mowers, trimmers, and other equipment. Tree trimming may result in falling tools, branches, or debris that may injure persons, damage vehicles or other property, or fall onto power or communication lines. Use of chain saws on trunks or limbs and the use of chippers for disposal may result in flying debris that can cause serious bodily injury. Root removal may cause underground damage to water, sewer, gas, electrical, or communication lines. The application of lawn chemicals presents both a premises and completed operations hazard that could result in serious long-term injury, illness, or disease to customers and passersby. Overspray from operations could result in small but frequent property damage losses. Contractors who do not obtain and keep proper licensing and certification for chemical applications create a serious liability exposure to themselves. If the landscaper hires subcontractors for some work, the exposure increases. Poorly written contracts can result in liability hazards not anticipated in this classification.
Personal injury exposures
Environmental impairment exposure
Automobile exposures are generally limited to driving to and from customers' premises with crew and equipment. If plants and large trees are transported, the exposure increases due to the possibility of the load being involved in a collision or overturn. Vehicles may be custom designed with specialty equipment, such as lifts, cherry pickers, and tree planting or removal equipment. Drivers should be aware of and be able to perform cleanup procedures in the event of a collision or overturn. All drivers must be well trained and have valid licenses for the type of vehicle being driven. MVRs must be run on a regular basis. Random drug and alcohol testing should be conducted. Vehicles must be well maintained with records kept in a central location.
Workers compensation exposures
