By Marnie Douglas

What does it take to get a safety revolution going in your workplace? For starters, it needs to happen gradually, says Deanna Davis, keynote speaker at the annual Upper Island Safety Conference, that took place this year May 27-28 in Campbell River, B.C.

As described in REV2000-04, the PMRA is undertaking a priority re-evaluation of the lawn and turf uses of the eight most commonly available lawn pesticides. In some cases, the evaluation of lawn uses is complete and/or mitigation has been implemented.   Here is the decision or proposed decision summary of products used in turf management (beyond the most common eight) at May 31, 2012: 

Environment Canada and the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Tier 4 diesel engine emission reduction mandate will soon have an impact on your business. The good news is that all Tier 4 compliant Turf Equipment manufactured after January 1st, 2013 will be better for the environment and healthier for everyone. The more difficult message to deliver is that all Tier 4 compliant diesel powered turf maintenance equipment - greater than 25 horsepower (hp) – from any manufacturer - will cost more.

 by Jim Novak

Some health care organizations, medical professionals and research scientists have expressed their concern that exposure to carbon black nanoparticles found in large quantity in TIRES may harm both lungs and the brain. In addition, engineered carbon nanotubes added to strengthen TIRES may be as harmful as breathing ASBESTOS.

Summer is nearly here and turf industry personnel need to remember that when you're able to identify and quickly treat early symptoms of heat stress, your chances of preventing more severe (and possibly fatal) conditions rise.  

Don Huber, professor emeritus at Purdue University and USDA senior scientistDon Huber painted a devastating picture of glyphosate and GM crops at UK Parliament. Article By Dr Eva Sirinathsinghji

A visit from WorkSafeBC can be a welcome opportunity to make sure your safety practices are up to standard. By Gail Johnson / Reprinted From WorkSafe Magazine