OSHA releases new workplace poster
OSHA recently announced publication of its new “It’s The Law” poster. The free poster, also known as the OSHA notice of employee rights, is required to be displayed in every workplace in America. Employers are not required to replace their existing poster with the new version. The poster informs employers and employees of their rights and responsibilities for a safe and healthful workplace.
Copies are available in English and Spanish from OSHA’s Web site, www.osha.gov. Free printed copies may be obtained from any OSHA regional or area office, or by writing to the OSHA Publications Office, Room N3101, 200 Constitution Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210; or call (202) 693-1888.
Planet’s truck and trailer DVD provides best practices tips
The Professional Landcare Network’s new Safe Truck and Trailer Operation DVD – available in English and Spanish – provides instruction on safe practices for green industry employees.
Important topics include safe hook-up, correct operation of the truck and trailer, pre-trip inspections, loading landscaping materials and safe backing procedures. A test is included to ensure that your employees understand the DVD.
PLANET members may purchase the DVD from the bookstore for $50, or $80 for the English and Spanish versions. Nonmembers pay $90 per DVD or $145 for the set.
To purchase the DVDs, call (800) 293-5542 or visit the online bookstore at www.landcarenetwork.org.
—Christina Jesson
Scholarships available to students in green industry
Project Evergreen is accepting applications for its 2007 “Because Green Matters” scholarships. Applications must be postmarked no later than June 1.
Two $2,500 scholarships are available for college students who are majoring or minoring in a field related to the green industry. Eligible fields include horticulture, plant sciences, botany, agronomy, plant pathology and water management. Students who attend two- and four-year institutions that offer turf, landscape and golf management curricula are eligible.
The scholarship application is available online at this site. Winners will be announced by July 17.
Den Gardner, executive director of Project Evergreen, said the scholarship program began in 2006, and the organization was impressed with the quality of applicants. “It was the first year for a program which we hope will play a continuing role in encouraging students to work in the green industry and to contribute to the role it plays in enhancing our environment and our economy,” Gardner says.
The 2006 scholarships were awarded to Amy Hedgwood, who is pursuing a degree in environmental horticulture at Gwinnett Technical College in Lawrenceville, Georgia, and Tao Fan, who is studying landscape management at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.
–Lori Creel
Clippings
EPA issues WaterSense labels for landscape irrigation
The Environmental Protection Agency has issued its first WaterSense labels for water-efficient landscapes. In recognition of their water-saving techniques, two Irrigation Association certification programs for landscape irrigation professionals have received the WaterSense label as part of the EPA’s effort to promote water efficiency through a partnership program.
Walker Mowers accepting entries for ’08 calendar
Walker Mowers is accepting entries for its 2008 “Beautiful Places” calendar contest, which includes a $1,000 award for the cover photo chosen and two $500 awards for runner-up photographs.
The deadline for entries is August 15. Entries should be mailed to “2008 Beautiful Places Calendar Contest”, 5925 E. Harmony Road, Fort Collins, CO 80528. For more information, visit this site, or contact Tim Cromley at (800) 279-8537, ext. 227.
OAN supports institute’s green industry research
The Oregon Association of Nurseries contributed $127,500 to the Horticultural Research Institute and its endowment fund in support of research covering production, environmental and business issues significant to the green industry. OAN, a nonprofit trade organization representing more than 1,600 companies in the green industry, has committed a total of $450,000 to industry research.
BASF fungicide receives EPA registration
Trinity fungicide from BASF has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency to control a broad spectrum of diseases in commercial, residential and golf course lawn care. Trinity, a member of the demethylation inhibitor chemical class, provides protective and curative control of patch diseases (including brown, take-all and summer), anthracnose and dollar spots, as well as pink and gray snow mold control in cold-climate turf.
