In the Spring and Summer, we naturally head outdoors to start tending to our yards and gardens. Yard work can be time-consuming, sweat-producing, muscle-aching work, so it’s natural that you’d like to cut corners where you can. But many of these “timesavers” can end up causing serious injuries.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, Americans have approximately 85,000 lawn mower injuries every year. But wait, there’s more. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports that more than 500,000 ladder-related injuries happen in the U.S. every year.
Practice Lawnmower and Trimmer Safety
Most of the mower/trimmer accidents reported, and we are talking severe cuts and amputations here, happen because people don’t take the mere seconds necessary to ensure their equipment is completely stopped before checking blades and wires. If you need to do a blade check for debris, first turn off (or better yet, unplug) your mower/trimmer. Then WAIT until the blades have completely stopped moving. And finally, use a stick or broom handle to remove debris – never your hand. Unless you like the look of missing fingers.
To protect your legs and feet, cover them up. Wear long pants and sturdy, closed-toed shoes when operating any kind of machinery. This will save your toes from wayward blades and your shins from flying objects aimed at impaling. Speaking of impaling, take a few minutes to inspect the area you’re about to mow or trim. A lot of rocks and twigs could have ended up out there over the winter. Move them out of the way and you’re much less likely to end up with a trip to the emergency room.
Sturdy work gloves and goggles aren’t a bad idea, to protect your hands and eyes from, yes, that flying debris.
Ladders are No Joke
Ladders are no joke. People who fall from them can end up with fractures anywhere from the lower extremities to the spine, which can mean being laid up for weeks, months, or even paralysis. When using a ladder, make sure it’s braced properly and all locking features are in place. Once you get up there, don’t reach too far overhead or to the side – get down, move the ladder, and go up again. Yes, it takes a few extra minutes, but better that than trying to call 911 to tell the operator you’ve fallen and you can’t get up.
And while we’re on the subject of phoning a friend, tell someone when you’re planning on doing ladder work or going up on the roof, just in case you don’t come back, they’ll know to come looking. Or better yet, get a friend to help, or spot you while you’re up there. And leave your cell phone on the ground nearby. You’ve heard about distracted driving? What if you start fumbling in your pockets trying to read the text that just blipped at you and you lose your balance?
Make sure the ladder is as secure as possible, and if you’re going to be trudging around on the roof, it is a good idea to get a safety belt and attach it to a fixed object – possibly the chimney or something equally big and strong – so you don’t end up falling off or your attachment point moving or breaking right when you need it.
Protect Your Skin from the Sun and Insects.
Remember to wear sunscreen, long sleeves, and/or a gardening hat to prevent sunburn. Sunstroke can be deadly. If you’re going to be out there in warmer weather, remember to hydrate and take breaks!
It’s tick season, so be aware of where ticks live and thrive, and do a tick check when you’re done working in the garden, especially if yours is a little on the wild side. And finally, consider applying mosquito repellent too, especially if you live in an area prone to West Nile Virus.
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Photo Credit: Lobur Alexey Ivanovich / Shutterstock.com