Yard Maintenance Safety

Stay safe while doing yard maintenance.

Yard maintenance should be performed safely in a controlled manner. Although performing yard maintenance may not seem like a dangerous task, there are several different safety measures that should be considered when you are out in your yard. Safety ranges from the equipment your use during yard maintenance to specific aspects of your yard.

Equipment

Use equipment safely.

Be aware of all safety precautions when dealing with yard maintenance equipment. Mechanical equipment such as lawn mowers, chainsaws and weed eaters can all cause injuries if not handled properly. Even smaller items such as rakes and hedge clippers can cause minor injuries like blisters. Use gloves during yard work to prevent blisters. Ladders should be sturdy and resting evenly on the ground.

Weather

Take cover if lightning is anywhere around your area.

Most yard work is done during the day when sun and heat can play a factor in the efficiency of your yard maintenance. It is important to stay hydrated, especially during the summer months. Take breaks from work to prevent heat stroke and to keep your strength up. Use wide brim hats and sunglasses to shield yourself from the sun and use sunscreen to prevent sunburns. If you work in your yard frequently, it is important to use sunscreen to prevent potential skin cancers.

Check your local weather to make sure no thunderstorms are headed your way, especially if you will be using metal or electrical tools. During storm seasons lightning can be present, even if it is not raining. During autumn and winter months, stay shielded from wind and cold, which may affect your immune system and result in illness.

Pests

Insects can be a safety issue.

Pests like bees, wasps, hornets, ants and snakes can all be dangerous. If you are knowingly allergic to stings, it would be beneficial to have an epinephrine auto-injector close by for anaphylactic emergencies. According to EpiPen.com, swelling, pain, and redness at the site of the sting are normal reactions. But, anaphylaxis can result in itching and hives, swelling in the throat or tongue, difficulty breathing or swallowing, dizziness or severe headache, stomach cramps, rapid fall in blood pressure and loss of consciousness.

Clothing

Wear proper clothing when doing yard work.

Protect yourself from irritants such as poison ivy, excessive dust, grass clippings or thorns by wearing long pants and long sleeved shirts. Wear a t-shirt while planting flowers, but have a long sleeved shirt close by for the moment your start reaching into heavy weeds or brush. Although you may be tempted to cut your grass in flip flops during hot weather, it is best to wear boots or tennis shoes to protect feet. Gloves will also provide protection during yard work. Safety goggles can prevent eye injuries, and ear plugs or ear muffs can protect against loud noise from equipment.

Overexertion

Lifting heavy objects can result in injury.

Injuries can result from overexertion. Lifting heavy objects such as stones, bricks, large pots and potting soil bags should be done by using your legs to prevent back injury. Take breaks during the day to take pressure off your feet, as well as to rest muscles.

References

• EpiPen: Causes of Anaphylaxis
• Occupational Health and Safety: Tips: Proper Safety Preparation Before Beginning Yard Work