3 Ways To Extinguish Burnout

A burnout happens gradually but is usually realized suddenly. Once you are aware of the issue, you need to take charge of the situation and fix it. This Total Landscape Care article lays out three helpful steps to extinguish your burnout.

Total Landscape Care

Are you thinking about work 24/7? Do you look forward to the weekend because you’ll have uninterrupted time to work? Has your stress level gotten so high that you don’t even remember what it feels like to be relaxed?

If so, you’re probably burned.

The more you work, the more successful you can become. You enjoy hearing you’re doing well and making clients and employees happy. But, your “To Do” list soon becomes unachievable, and you start to hate the thing that once brought you happiness.

And if you think about it, there’s no one else to blame (speaking from experience): You’re the only one looking out for you. No one else cares if you do too much, and the better you do, the more people are going to want from you.

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First 2014 Human Cases of West Nile Virus Confirmed

Landscapers and any outdoor workers alike need to be taking the proper precautions to prevent West Nile Virus. This Total Landscape Care article discusses the first 2014 case of West Nile Virus, as well as ways to protect yourself from it while working outside.

Total Landscape Care

The West Nile Virus is spreading as the first signs for 2014 appear.

The first 2014 case was confirmed when a Pennsylvania man was hospitalized due to the virus and has since recovered. The second case took the life a 75-year-old Louisiana resident.

The Dallas County Health and Human Services confirmed a third human case of West Nile Virus for the season on Monday.

Landscapers need to be on the look out and be using proper protection while working outdoors, especially as more West Nile Virus cases are confirmed.

Landscapers should be using DEET-containing insect repellents and covering exposed skin with lightweight clothing.

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Just Not Buying It: Purchase of 'Green' Products Slows Down

Today, about a quarter of Americans purchase products based on their green reputation, but this number is declining. This EHS Today article discusses the projected future for consumers and green product consumption. 

EHS Today

A new study finds that “green” certification and brand reputation are playing a larger role for

Further, when making a product selection, about 30 percent of American consumers select products based on a company’s “green” reputation, and 25 percent look to see if the product has been certified by a leading certification organization.

The study also pointed out that while overall interests in green and sustainable issues are gaining ground, many green purchases and behaviors – including selecting green cleaning products and personal care and food products, and energy and water conservation – either are stagnant or in decline.
consumers when choosing products. The Shelton Group, a marketing and communications firm focusing on the sustainability and energy sector, conducted the study and found that 70 percent of consumers want “greener” products and corporate commitments to sustainability.

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New Resource Helps Practitioners Enhance Posture Assessment Practices in the Workplace

According to this CDC article, injuries to muscles, bones and joints from overexertion cost businesses billions of dollars per year. Reports have shown that conducting posture assessments at your workplace can prevent and control these injuries, making it a safer environment. 

CDC

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), in partnership with the Canadian Centre of Research Expertise for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders, has released a new report that can help occupational health and safety practitioners more accurately and efficiently assess postural stress of workers performing their duties at work. The ability to conduct posture assessments in the workplace can assist with the prevention and control of musculoskeletal disorders.

The report, Observation-Based Posture Assessment: Review of Current Practice and Recommendations for Improvement, describes a research-based approach to classifying the severity of torso and arm posture. This approach has been demonstrated to improve the accuracy and efficiency of workplace posture analysis. Authors address enhancements such as the benefits of digital video, computer software, training and use of visual cues. Additionally, the report provides practitioners with useful tips for digitally recording and analyzing workers’ posture.

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