LANDSCAPE ONTARIO – WORKPLACE SAFETY TAILGATE TALKS
© 2026, WSPS.CA 13
AERATORS
Personal Protective Equipment
Equipment Hazards
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What types of injuries are possible when using an aerator?
!
Job rotation is one way to reduce musculoskeletal disorders
due to vibration.
Prevention Points
Ideally it is best to use an aerator on soft and moist grounds. If you
are unsure of the ground conditions, a simple test will determine
whether it is necessary to water before aerating. To test, drive a
landscape spade in the ground 2 to 3 inches (if the ground is ideal
this should be effortless). If you are unable to do so, then wait for
rainfall or water the lawn a day before aerating. Here are other
prevention points to consider:
Review the General Health & Safety Best Practices section
on page 11 before performing any task.
Load/unload the equipment using safe lifting and moving
techniques (See Material Handling – Manual).
Before starting, inspect area to be aerated and remove any
rocks, wires, strings, and other objects which might present
a hazard.
