Landscaping is part of the green industry and most of the work is physically demanding. It’s a long season in the field. In all sorts of weather conditions. We are “industrial athletes”. Taking good care of our bodies is crucial to our success.
The line “Your body is a money maker” comes from an excellent article written by Dr. Amanda Carpenter and Jessica Skiera, published in Arborist News, February 2013. When I presented this article, “Caring for Your Body as an athlete in the green industry” at the City of Coquitlam, people attending the safety talk laughed at the above line. It sounds funny but it’s absolutely true. I work outside all year and depend on my body to feed two cute kids.
I recommend this article to anyone working in or connected to the green industry. Some key points:
a) Hydration is very important. Water has effect on brain function and energy levels. Even slight dehydration impairs coordination, concentration and thinking; dehydration will decrease performance. That’s not what I want as a landscape supervisor. I need my workers performing well. All day.
How much water do you need? Divide your weight by two. Add extras for every hour of activity. For example, 160 pounds divided by 2 gives you 80oz.
b) Mid-morning snacks are critical for blood sugar level boost which leads to improved energy; and to increased productivity. When I moved to my current company, I had to quickly sneak my snack breaks in because we only take lunch breaks.
Most injuries happen before lunch! Presumably because people’s blood sugar levels are low. Now you know.
c) Healthy adults need 7.5-8 hours of sleep. This is another critical category. I think about it when I blog at night. Sometimes I don’t make it.
d) Many industrial athletes don’t eat enough.
e) Excess caffeine and alcohol consumption lead to dehydration. I bring a water bottle to hydrate after heavy doses of morning coffee. Alcohol consumption would lead to dismissal and isn’t tolerated.
Read and study the above article. Share it with your workers. We have it uploaded on our company web portal. Not enough workers take the time to read it.
Take good care of your body. Your body is a money maker. No joke.
