Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls

Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls Safety in Focus: Avoid the leading cause of injury on the job
Reliable Footwear
To further help our team members stay safe, BrightView provides safety shoes on a regular basis.

At BrightView, safety is a core part of how we work.

Last week we talked about how ergonomic safety is more than lifting heavy objects. During week three of National Safety Month, we’re highlighting key areas where awareness and simple actions can prevent injuries. One of the most common risks in any workplace, whether in the field or at an office location, is slips, trips, and falls.

These incidents can happen quickly and often result from everyday hazards, such as uneven surfaces, cluttered walkways, wet ground, or poor visibility. Fortunately, many of these injuries are preventable when teams stay alert and maintain safe work environments.

“Most slips, trips, and falls happen when we’re rushing or not paying attention to the environment around us,” said Sanjay Paladiya, Environmental Health and Safety Manager. “By slowing down, keeping work areas clean, and staying aware of surface conditions, our teams can prevent many of these injuries.”

You can reduce risk by following a few important safety practices:

  • Keep walkways and work areas clear of tools, equipment, and debris
  • Be aware of wet, muddy, or icy surfaces, especially during changing weather conditions
  • Wear proper footwear with good traction
  • Maintain good lighting when working early in the morning or later in the day
  • Use handrails when available and avoid rushing between tasks
  • Report damaged sidewalks, uneven ground, or other tripping hazards immediately
  • Use caution when stepping in and out of vehicles or equipment
  • Secure hoses, extension cords, and other materials that may create trip hazards
  • Stay alert and avoid distractions such as mobile phones while walking through work zones
  • Follow designated walk paths and safety procedures at all job sites
  • Stretch and warm up before physically demanding tasks to improve balance and mobility
  • Carry loads carefully and make sure your vision is not blocked while walking
  • Communicate with coworkers when moving equipment or working in shared spaces
  • Clean up spills, mud, or loose materials as soon as possible
  • Take extra precautions when working on slopes, hills, or uneven terrain

Even small actions can make a big difference when it comes to preventing injuries. Taking an extra moment to inspect your surroundings, slow down during busy tasks, or address hazards immediately can help create a safer environment for everyone on site.

Safety awareness is especially important during the summer months, when teams may encounter changing weather conditions, uneven terrain, and increased foot traffic at job sites. Staying focused and communicating with coworkers throughout the day helps reduce risks and reinforces a culture where safety always comes first.

Safety is everyone’s responsibility. By staying aware and looking out for one another, we can ensure everyone goes home safely at the end of the day.

Push for Perfection 3-6-5!

Maintenance
Content Hero Image
Slips hero image

Preventing Lifting and Ergonomic Injuries

Preventing Lifting and Ergonomic Injuries Safety in Focus: Lift smart, live well

At BrightView, safety isn’t just something we practice on the jobsite—it’s a mindset that protects us wherever we are.

Last week we talked about how BrightView arborists reduce risk by following key safety practices. During week two of National Safety Month, the focus is on one of the most common, and most preventable, workplace injuries: lifting and ergonomic strain.

Whether loading tools into a truck, moving bags of mulch, or lifting something at home, the way we move matters. Many lifting injuries don’t come from major accidents. They come from everyday movements repeated the wrong way.

Ergonomic Best Practices
Doing every job the right way is critical to ensuring a job well done.

“Ergonomic safety is about more than lifting heavy objects,” said Paul Croshaw, Manager of Environmental Health and Safety. “It’s about how we move, how we position our bodies, and how we prepare ourselves for the work ahead. When we build safe movement habits at work, they carry into everything we do.”

The impact of ergonomic injuries often extends far beyond the workplace. A strained back or injured shoulder can affect everything from playing with your kids to completing simple daily tasks at home. That’s why taking care of your body on the job is also an investment in your quality of life outside of work. Safe movement habits help ensure team members can continue doing the things they enjoy, both professionally and personally.

Creating a culture of ergonomic safety also means looking out for one another. Sometimes the safest choice is slowing down, speaking up, or offering help to a teammate handling a difficult lift. At BrightView, safety is built through teamwork, communication, and the understanding that every employee has a role in protecting themselves and those around them. When safe habits become part of the daily routine, they strengthen not only individual performance, but the entire team.

Simple habits and proper lifting techniques can significantly reduce the risk of injury in the workplace and during physical tasks:

• Lift with your legs, not your back—bend at the knees and keep your back straight
• Keep loads close to your body to reduce strain and improve control
• Avoid twisting while carrying weight—turn your whole body using your feet
• Maintain a stable stance with your feet shoulder-width apart for better balance
• Use both hands to ensure a firm, secure grip on objects
• Test the weight of a load before lifting to avoid overexertion
• Ask for assistance or use mechanical equipment when handling heavy or awkward items
• Plan your path before carrying a load and remove any tripping hazards
• Avoid lifting objects above shoulder height whenever possible
• Take breaks during repetitive tasks to prevent muscle fatigue and strain
• Wear proper footwear with good traction to reduce slips and falls
• Stretch and warm up before and after physical activity to improve flexibility and reduce tension

Back, shoulder, and joint injuries can take weeks or months to recover from, but they are often preventable with the right preparation and technique.

At BrightView, safety is a shared responsibility. Small choices made every day help protect our teams, our families, and our future.

It’s also important to remember that if there is an incident, team members must report it to their manager and safety representative in a timely manner.

Let’s lift smart, move with purpose, and continue to build a culture where safety comes first.

Push for Perfection 3-6-5!

Maintenance
Content Hero Image
Hero image

Reaching New Heights with Tree Care Safety

Reaching New Heights with Tree Care Safety Safety in Focus: Tree Care
Tree Care Safety Tips
BrightView team members are constantly training to ensure the safety of themselves, fellow team members and the public. 

At BrightView, safety is always our top priority. With June being National Safety Month, we're taking the next four weeks to share some safety tips to help you stay safe in various aspects of your life. 

This week, we're focusing on tree care.

Tree care is an important part of BrightView’s growing service portfolio. From pruning and removals to storm response and plant health care, our arborists perform specialized work that requires skill, training, and a strong commitment to safety.

Because tree work often involves climbing, chainsaws, and heavy limbs, it presents unique risks that require careful planning and coordination.

“Tree work combines height, heavy materials, and powerful equipment, which is why planning and communication are so critical,” said Jason Leck, Manager, Environmental Health and Safety. “When crews follow proper procedures and maintain strong situational awareness, they can complete their work safely while protecting themselves and their teammates.”

Before beginning tree work, crews take time to assess the job site and identify potential hazards. Overhead obstacles, such as power lines, unstable limbs, and nearby structures, can create additional risks if not addressed during the planning phase.

BrightView arborists help reduce those risks by following several key safety practices:

  • Inspect chainsaws, climbing gear, and rigging equipment before use
  • Establish and maintain a clearly marked drop zone
  • Maintain proper communication between climbers and ground crews
  • Stay aware of overhead hazards, including power lines
  • Use proper personal protective equipment, including helmets, eye protection, and hearing protection

Push for Perfection 3-6-5!

Tree Care
Content Hero Image
Tree care hero

Quick Action by BrightView Team Member Rescues Accident Victim

Quick Action by BrightView Team Member Rescues Accident Victim This is BrightView: Helping hands needed, helping hands given
Clint Matthews, Jacksonville Branch Crew Leader
BrightView team member Clint Matthews recently rescued victims from burning vehicle. 

Driving to work recently, Clint Matthews, Jacksonville Branch Crew Leader, was ready to embrace a standard workday: mowing, trimming, etc., when he noticed smoke from a car on the side of the road that was just involved in an accident.

With no emergency crews on the scene, Matthews pulled over and pulled the remaining passengers from the vehicle before it burst into flames.

“They needed help, and I was fortunate enough to be able to help them,” Matthews said. “My thoughts and prayers are with those involved in the accident. It was a very serious situation.”

Matthews' actions are no surprise to those he works with.

“His courage, quick thinking, and willingness to act under pressure likely saved a life,” said Rodney Hicks, Senior Branch Manager of the Jacksonville Branch. “Thank you, Clint, for embodying the best of who we are. Your bravery inspires us all.”

Maintenance

Promoting PPE: Protecting Our Teams from the Ground Up

Promoting PPE: Protecting Our Teams from the Ground Up Personal Protective Equipment is the first step in any job
Personal Protective Equipment of Landscaping
Using the right Personal Protective Equipment makes all the difference when doing any task.  

At BrightView, safety starts with the basics, and there’s nothing more essential than Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). As part of our National Safety Month series, we’re highlighting how PPE helps protect our teams from injury and how we can all help promote its proper use.

Whether trimming hedges, applying chemicals, or operating heavy machinery, the right gear makes a difference. Safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, safety-toe boots, and high-visibility vests are just some of the PPE essentials that protect against real jobsite hazards.

“PPE is one of the simplest and most effective ways we protect ourselves in the field,” said Matt Tackett, Manager, Environmental Health and Safety. “But the key isn’t just having it—it’s wearing it correctly, consistently, and confidently. Promoting PPE is about creating a culture where safety is second nature.”

Here are a few effective ways to promote PPE on your teams:

  • Lead by example. When leaders wear PPE, teams follow.
  • Use pre-shift huddles to remind crews about PPE requirements for the day’s tasks.
  • Keep PPE stocked and accessible so there’s no barrier to wearing it.
  • Recognize good behavior. Shoutouts for safe practices go a long way.
  • Correct unsafe habits kindly and quickly. It’s about care, not criticism.

At BrightView, we believe safety is everyone’s responsibility. Promoting PPE is a daily opportunity to show we care—for ourselves and for our teammates. By working together and speaking up, we make sure everyone goes home safe.

Push for Perfection 3-6-5! 

Content Hero Image
Safety Week 4 Hero Image

Lift Smart, Live Well: Preventing Lifting and Ergonomic Injuries Everywhere

Lift Smart, Live Well: Preventing Lifting and Ergonomic Injuries Everywhere Safety should never be a heavy lift
Ergonomic Safety
Ensuring comfort while performing a task can help ensure the job gets done safely.

At BrightView, safety goes beyond the job site—it’s a mindset that protects team members wherever they are. In recognition of National Safety Month, this week’s focus is on a common, yet preventable source of injury: lifting and ergonomic strain.

Whether it’s loading tools into a truck, moving bags of mulch, or lifting something at home, the way individuals move matters. Injuries caused by poor lifting techniques or repetitive strain are among the most frequently reported, not due to major accidents, but because of everyday motions performed incorrectly.

“Ergonomic safety isn’t just about heavy lifting; it’s about how we move, how we work, and how we take care of our bodies,” said Kristi Falliaux, Senior Manager, Environmental Health and Safety. “If we can build healthy movement habits at work, they’ll naturally carry into our daily lives.”

To help prevent injury, safety experts recommend following these safe practices:

  • Lift with the legs, not the back.
  • Keep the load close to the body.
  • Avoid twisting while carrying weight. Turn the whole body instead.
  • Use both hands and maintain a strong, balanced stance.
  • Ask for help or use mechanical aids when the load is too heavy.
  • Stretch regularly, especially before and after physical tasks.

It only takes one wrong move to cause a long-term injury, but by developing smart habits, team members can protect their backs, shoulders, and joints, both on and off the clock.

At BrightView, safety is a shared responsibility that begins with small, intentional choices. Let’s all commit to lifting smart and moving mindfully every day.

Push for Perfection 3-6-5! 

Content Hero Image
Safety Week 3 Hero Image

Safety is a Promise, Not Just a Program

Safety is a Promise, Not Just a Program Safety means using the right equipment, in the right way, every time
Push for Perfection image
National Safety Month is a great time to ensure safety is a part of every aspect of your life.

At BrightView, safety is more than a program—it’s a promise. As part of the company’s National Safety Month series, the spotlight is on a critical area of focus: equipment and machinery safety.

Each day, BrightView teams rely on powerful tools and heavy machinery to deliver exceptional results for clients.

“Every piece of equipment we use is a tool to help us do great work, but only when we operate it safely,” said Cindy Snider, Senior Manager, Environmental Health, and Safety. “Taking a shortcut or skipping a check might save a minute, but it could cost a life. Safety isn't just a policy; it's a promise we make to ourselves and to each other every day.”

Preventing equipment accidents begins with awareness and action. BrightView requires every team member to follow key safety practices:

  • Inspect equipment before use. Look for signs of wear, leaks, or missing guards.
  • Use safety features and PPE without exception—never bypass guards or controls.
  • Stay alert and focused. Distractions, rushing, or taking shortcuts can lead to injuries.
  • Report issues immediately. If something doesn’t seem right, stop and speak up.

Whether using mowers, trimmers, or heavy machinery, each piece of equipment has the potential to help, or harm. That’s why BrightView counts on every team member to operate responsibly and to look out for one another.

At BrightView, working safely means working smart. When safety comes first, the company protects what matters most: its people.

Let’s keep safety in gear for every shift and every job.

Push for Perfection 3-6-5! 

Content Hero Image
Safety Week 2 Hero Image

BrightView Puts Safety First: Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls

BrightView Puts Safety First: Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls BrightView celebrates National Safety Month in June
Safety Meeting
Safety is a part of every task every day at BrightView. 

At BrightView, safety isn’t just an expectation—it’s a core value. To further enhance BrightView's ongoing safety mindset, the company is using June’s National Safety Month to launch Push for Perfection 3-6-5.

Throughout the month, BrightView is reaffirming its commitment to keeping every team member safe on the job and beyond. Each week will spotlight a different safety focus, beginning with one of the most common causes of workplace injuries: slips, trips, and falls.

Throughout all facets of the landscaping industry, constant movement is part of the job. Uneven surfaces, wet grass, loose tools, and unexpected debris can all present hazards.

“Our people are our greatest asset, and we want them to go home safe every day,” said Tony Cellucci, Vice President, Environmental Health and Safety. “That’s why we talk about safety constantly—because it matters. And it’s not just about work. These same habits that get you home safely each night to your family—watching your step, wearing the right footwear, and reporting hazards—keep you safe at home, too.”

BrightView encourages all team members to take simple actions that make a big difference:

  • Keep work areas clean and organized
  • Use proper footwear with good traction
  • Don’t rush and look ahead for obstacles
  • Report and fix hazards right away
  • Use your Stop Work Authority if you see an unsafe situation

While National Safety Month offers an opportunity to refresh safety awareness, BrightView promotes a 365-day safety mindset. Every step matters, and the company counts on every team member to stay aware, speak up, and look out for one another.

Together, BrightView is enhancing a culture where safety leads the way—in the field, in the office, and at home.

Push for Perfection 3-6-5! 

Content Hero Image
Push for Perfection Hero Image

BrightView’s New Equipment: Where the Blade Meets the Grass

BrightView’s New Equipment: Where the Blade Meets the Grass
New Toro Landscaping Equipment
BrightView team members show off some of the new equipment they're using to better serve customers.

There’s nothing quite like the sun’s reflection off the deck of a new mower.

But that shininess represents so much more as the company continues to embrace a One BrightView mindset while also further investing in team members and the tools they use on a daily basis to better serve our customers.

To date, thousands of new mowers and various hand-held equipment have found their way to branch garages across the country. And so far, the investment seems to be paying dividends.

BrightView’s Roseville branch in California received 13 new mowers and 60 new pieces of equipment in total, and their Branch Manager says it has made a great impact on both team member and customer satisfaction.

“The new equipment has made a big difference to our team,” said BrightView’s Robert Rochin, Roseville Branch Manager. “Using safe, reliable equipment, we’ve steadily improved processes, delivering more consistent results and higher team morale. The equipment has significantly improved efficiency by reducing downtime and costly repairs. This allows team members to focus more on providing the best customer and quality service.

“Feedback from customers has been overwhelmingly positive,” Rochin continued. “We’ve had several customers complement our clean new trucks and mowers, noting how important it is as part of our brand.”

It’s a similar story in BrightView’s Northwest Region.

“Our team members love their new equipment,” said BrightView’s Larry Hobson, Regional Equipment Manager – Northwest Region. “The customers are also pleased. They’ve noticed the improved safety, efficiency, and the reduced downtime, which has made a positive impact on our overall service.”

Dan Dorn, of Toro, one of BrightView’s preferred vendors, agrees the company’s commitment to quality and efficient equipment will pay great dividends moving forward.

“This equipment will allow BrightView to more efficiently and cost-effectively complete the services needed at each account,” Dorn said. “Our equipment is also user-friendly with enhanced ergonomics that offer ease of use and comfort for each operator.”  

New equipment is the most recent enhancement adopted to improve the overall experience for field team members. Other enhancements/actions include, but are not limited to: 

  • Providing durable safety shoes to team members to better ensure consistent and comfortable foot protection.
  • Providing orange field vests that are to be worn by new hires for their first 30 days to set them apart from more tenured team members to encourage safety collaboration.

“These investments being made by the company are pretty awesome,” said BrightView’s Michael Specht, Regional Equipment Manager – Northeast Region. “It’s like Christmas morning when the teams see their new equipment. Customers also love our unified, professional look and appreciate our increased efficiency.”

Maintenance
Content Hero Image
BrightView's new equipment

South Orlando Managers Take the Plunge for the BrightView Landscapes Foundation

South Orlando Managers Take the Plunge for the BrightView Landscapes Foundation
BrightView Fundraiser Dunk Tank
BrightView's South Orlando branch raised money for the BrightView Landscapes Foundation with a dunk tank during their annual spring rodeo.

What started as a lighthearted suggestion from an Account Manager at BrightView’s South Orlando branch turned into a fun, engaging, and meaningful way to support the BrightView Landscapes Foundation. The branch brought extra energy to their annual spring rodeo by adding a dunk tank, with managers as the main targets, all for a great cause.

In addition to reviewing seasonal safety protocols, renewing certifications, and re-trainings, the team added some creative flair to the day with PPE relay races, a fastest string replacement on a trimmer competition, and the headline event: the dunk tank.

The dunking idea quickly evolved into a fundraiser for the Foundation, BrightView’s internal, employee-driven charity which provides financial support to team members and their families during times of hardship.

“We spent some time talking to the team about the Foundation and how it has helped several of our own through difficult times,” said Craig Huston, South Orlando’s Associate Branch Manager. “You never know what the future holds, and it’s reassuring to know support is there, if needed.”

The event brought together all 150 team members at the branch, who participated in both the educational and entertaining activities. For just $1, participants could take three throws at the dunk tank, aiming to send their managers into the water. Taking the plunge were the Branch Manager, two Account Managers, an Enhancement Manager, two Operations Managers, and Huston himself.

By the end of the day, the team had raised $225 for the Foundation.

“It was amazing to see the excitement and support from our crew,” Huston said. “All the managers were great sports, and the team had a blast cheering each other on, especially when it came time to dunk the managers. It was a fantastic day for a fantastic cause.”

Maintenance
Content Hero Image
BrightView spring rodeo training
Subscribe to Safety