• Use knee pads and rotate tasks regularly to reduce strain from repetitive turfing.
• Carry turf rolls close to your body and avoid twisting while lifting.
• Wear gloves and wash hands after handling fertilisers and soil conditioners.
• Wear eye protection when using hydroseeding spray equipment under pressure.
• Use mechanical turf laying equipment for large areas to reduce manual handling.
• Assess slope stability and use safe access methods on steep banks during turfing.
• Take regular breaks from kneeling and bending to prevent back and knee strain.
• Use a banksman when unloading turf deliveries near the laying area.
• Keep the turfing area clear of trip hazards from tools, rolls, and packaging.
• Brief the team on the manual handling controls and rotation schedule each morning.

• DON'T lay turf for extended periods without breaks and task rotation.
• DON'T lift turf rolls while twisting your body; move your feet instead.
• DON'T handle fertilisers and chemicals without gloves and eye protection.
• DON'T walk on wet steep slopes in smooth-soled footwear during turfing.
• DON'T ignore knee pain or back stiffness; report early symptoms promptly.
• DON'T spray hydroseeding chemicals without checking the wind direction first.
• DON'T allow ride-on seeders and ground workers in the same area without separation.
• DON'T leave turf roll packaging and debris scattered across the work area.
• DON'T operate hydroseeding equipment without reading the chemical safety data sheet.
• DON'T refuse mechanical aids or task rotation offered to reduce manual handling.

See also: Landscaping Safety Awareness | Manual Handling Awareness