Overgrown Weeds: Are They a Health and Safety Risk?

There are a lot of reasons why you shouldn't let weeds get out of control on your commercial property. Weeds that have grown wild will make your business look unprofessional and, in some circumstances, can even give the impression that you're no longer in business. That being said, the appearance of overgrown weeds is the least of your problems. Overgrown weeds can become a health and safety risk for employees and customers, so it's important that you tackle them as soon as they start to appear. 

Overgrown weeds are a trip hazard

One of the biggest health and safety concerns associated with overgrown weeds is the possibility of a trip or fall. Some weeds, like brambles, have long branches that can quickly tangle and become a trip hazard. Other weeds that grow thick and close to the ground, like moss, can become slippery and cause people to fall and injure themselves. 

These types of weeds can crop up anywhere around your commercial premises but are most likely to pose a health and safety risk in car parks and on walkways where footfall is the highest. 

We are aware that some commercial properties have been left empty for several months now due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. If you're planning to have employees and customers return to the workplace over the next few months, we'd highly recommend enquiring about our weed, shrub, and bramble clearing services.

Dead/dry weeds are a fire hazard

During the summer months, overgrown weeds can die back and dry out completely. This dry vegetation can be a fire hazard if it's left untreated. Thankfully, here in the UK, we don't suffer from wildfires like other countries in the world, but that doesn't mean that there's absolutely no risk of an outdoor fire on your premises.

A carelessly dropped cigarette, faulty electrical equipment or flammable liquids spilt in the area can all turn into a fire on your premises in a split second. The best way to eliminate the possibility of a fire is to remove the dried weeds as quickly as possible!

Thick patches of weeds attract pests

Overgrown weeds also become a health and safety concern when they start to attract pests like mice, rats and insects. Many of the pests that usually live amongst overgrown weeds carry diseases. This can become a serious problem, especially if your business serves food to the public. 

If you do notice that weeds on your property are getting out of hand and starting to attract pests, we'd urge you to get in touch right away. You don't want to be left with a lawn suit on your hands because you didn't take reasonable steps to deal with the overgrown weeds on your property.

So, to answer the question - are overgrown weeds a health and safety risk? The answer is yes! It's clear to see how overgrown weeds can pose a range of different health and safety risks. If you feel that the weeds on your property are getting out of hand, it's important you take steps to deal with them before a serious incident occurs. Request a FREE Survey.

Grounds Maintenance >          Weed, Shrub, and Bramble Clearance >