Certificate Course: Intro to Safety and Basic Equipment Use

This certificate is designed for crew leaders and managers to prepare current and new workers for safe seasonal operations, lower accident and injury rates and reduce Workers Compensation claims.

Each class combines classroom teaching and hands-on learning focused on the importance of safety and compliance in the landscape industry.

This course gives landscaping professionals the knowledge and skills to work safely, productively, and with confidence.

Dates and Times: March 11 – April 15, 2026; Wednesday mornings, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

Location: NHTI Campus, 31 College, Drive, Concord, NH.  Sweeney Hall, Room 311, with outdoor hands-on sessions on the grounds of NHTI.

Cost: $350

Course Outline:

Week 1 – March 11, 2026

• What is Safety Culture in the Landscape Workplace?
• Introduction to Safety Policies & Procedures

Week 2 – March 18

• Recognizing and Reacting to Hazardous Conditions
• Personal Protective Equipment

Week 3 – March 25

• Worksite Safety & Traffic Control
• Lifting, Handling & Ergonomics

Week 4 – April 1

• Equipment Inspection, Startup, & Shutdown
• Hand Held and Walk Behind Equipment

Week 5 – April 8

• Truck & Trailer Pre-trip and Driving

Week 6 – April 15

• Safety Culture in Your Workplace
• Course Review

Instructors:

• Andrew Morse, Belknap Landscape Co. Inc
• Bret Lemme, Belknap Landscape Co. Inc
• Lonna Blais, Certified Industrial Hygenist
• Jeffrey Gibson, Cross Insurance
• Michael Collins, Ready Equipment
• Trooper Kevin Raymond, NH State Police
• Trooper Matthew Bailey, NH State Police

Participants should bring the following PPE for hands-on portions of the course:

• Eye protection
• Work gloves
• Safety shoes
• Hearing protection
• Hard hat