Whether you're working solo or leading a crew, safety on your jobsite starts with you. In Canada, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) provides comprehensive guidelines emphasizing the importance of wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) when operating landscaping equipment like mowers, trimmers, and compactors.

Hearing loss and eye injuries often develop silently and can be permanent. That’s why prevention is the first line of defense. 

Safety Is a Standard, Not a Side Note

Landscape and hardscape jobsites are full of flying debris, loud machinery, and unpredictable conditions. That combination creates two types of risk: the kind that happens fast, like getting hit in the eye with gravel, and the kind that builds over time, like gradual hearing loss from daily equipment noise. Both are preventable with consistent protection.

It’s easy to overlook PPE when the job feels routine or the gear feels like a hassle. But skipping eye or ear protection—even once—can lead to injuries that take weeks to recover from or never fully heal. Small choices make a big difference, whether that’s reaching for safety glasses before edging or putting in earplugs before starting a blower. The more automatic those habits become, the safer your site is. Contractors and crews that work efficiently move fast without compromising safety.

Hearing Protection: Blocking Damage Before It Starts

If you've ever gone home with your ears ringing after a long day on the job, that’s not just temporary discomfort—it’s a warning sign. Prolonged exposure to sounds above 85 decibels (dBA) can damage hearing permanently. Many landscaping tools hit 95–105 dBA or more. That means damage can occur in less than an hour of working without hearing protection.

For proper hearing protection:

• Use the right PPE. Foam ear plugs are great for short stints, while earmuffs offer better long-term protection for extended use. Dual protection—ear plugs plus muffs—is often recommended for the loudest equipment, like chainsaws or compactors.
   
• Match your gear to your workflow. If your team uses communication headsets or Bluetooth-enabled earmuffs, make sure they’re also rated for sound reduction. Many models now include both features, allowing you to stay protected while still coordinating on the job.
   
• Keep it consistent. Hearing damage is cumulative and invisible. Crew members should be wearing protection as soon as a machine starts. Keep extra plugs in the truck, trailer, or tool belt so they’re never more than an arm’s reach away.

Incorporating short breaks into high-noise tasks and rotating crew members on louder machines can also reduce overall exposure. But at the end of the day, nothing replaces the impact of simple, consistent safety habits.

Eye Protection: More Than Just a Shield

Your eyes are vulnerable to even the smallest debris. Cutting stone, edging, trimming, blowing, and even basic digging can kick up particles at speeds capable of causing serious injury. While a minor scratch might only require first aid, more serious trauma could mean vision loss or several weeks of recovery.

For eye safety:

• Always use CSA Z94.3-certified eyewear. These models meet Canadian standards for impact resistance and coverage. Look for wraparound styles to protect from side exposure or flying debris at angles.
   
• Fit matters. Glasses that fog or slide down your nose are more likely to get set aside. Anti-fog coatings, adjustable frames, and sweat channels can dramatically improve comfort and compliance.
   
• Don’t forget UV protection. Landscapers spend long hours outside, so sunglass-style safety glasses with UV protection can help reduce eye fatigue while still meeting impact standards.

A scratched cornea or embedded particle isn’t just painful—it can derail a busy season. Make it easy to protect your vision by investing in the right gear and keeping backup options on hand.

Safety Drives Success

On any jobsite, safety habits are shaped by repetition. Whether it’s a quick check before starting the day or keeping extra gear nearby, the more second nature it becomes, the more effective it is. A consistent routine—grab your plugs, clean your glasses—takes almost no time but quietly pays off every time.

It also comes down to setup. When ear and eye protection are labeled, stocked, and easy to access, there’s less chance of skipping them. No digging through gear bags, no excuses. 

Working safe isn’t just about avoiding accidents. It’s about staying on schedule, protecting your reputation, and being ready for the next job. At SiteOne® Landscape Supply, we carry Canadian Standards Association (CSA)-approved eye protection, industrial ear plugs and earmuffs, and a full range of safety gear designed for all landscaping trades. Our local branch associates understand the tools you use and the environments you work in. Visit your nearest SiteOne today to stock up on essentials that help you work safer and smarter.