A well-trained staff can be an asset to any business and landscaping business owners who mistakenly assume that their workers may get by with little in the way of formal training could be making a very serious misstep. From optimizing productivity and efficiency to reducing the risk of an on-the-job accident, the right training procedures and policies could end up making a huge difference. The following issues all warrant concentration when bringing on new employees or ensuring that existing staff are able to handle their duties without issue.

Safe Operation of All Equipment

Safety should always be the top priority and employers would do well to take whatever steps are needed in order to better protect their workers. Even a seemingly minor accident can be very costly to deal with for workers and their employers alike. Providing all employees with the training and instruction they need to handle equipment safely and property is never an issue that should be left to chance. Landscaping businesses may also need to consider any OSHA regulations pertaining to age limits and any other restrictions that may apply to their equipment and practices.

Scheduled Breaks and Meal Times

Determining a more efficient schedule and ensuring that all employees are able to adhere to it can greatly benefit the overall productivity of a crew. Adopting policies that establish set break and meal times and that such issues are covered as part of any employee training effort or policy may eliminate many potential issues that might otherwise interfere with operations and workflow. Expecting work crews to stay active the entire time they are at a job site or failing to establish a set schedule could quickly become problematic. Such issues should always be addressed during training and orientation.

Issues Specific to the Work Site

Landscaping and lawn care crews often find themselves working in a wide range of settings and environments. Workers who have not been adequately trained may be unable to navigate their surroundings successfully, a concern which may lead to dissatisfied clients and future complaints. Briefing all workers regarding any particular concerns that may crop up on an individual job site is always a smart move, especially for employers and business owners who are striving to minimize the risk of property damage, privacy violations or other situations which could create potential problems. Spending a few minutes talking to all employees before work begins is often all that is required.

Ongoing Training

Just because a crew has been properly trained to handle a job today does not always mean they require no further instruction. Training policies that provide all staff and employees with ongoing instruction are often the best way to address the situation. Providing workers with new equipment without training them first or assuming that one set of policies and instructions may be sufficient for all job sites could be a serious mistake. Offering additional instructions prior to beginning a new job and ensuring that employees are provided with any further training or the chance to refresh their skills and understanding from time to time can have many benefits.