Yard Work Safety

Yard work safety is important to know or a day working outside could result in sore aching muscles or a trip to the hospital Emergency Room.

Yard Work

Every year the changing of the seasons brings millions of Americans outside to do seasonal yard work. As winter turns into spring, homeowners head outdoors to clean up their yards and remove debris from their gutters as they get ready to spend more time outdoors during the warm summer months.

As summer comes to an end and the weather turns crisp and cold as autumn begins. Many of the same homeowners find themselves raking piles of leaves, clearing away dead plants and foliage and once again cleaning their gutters.

The hot summer months in between spring and fall are a time of outdoor fun and relaxation but they are also is a time of more outdoor yard work. Gardens need to be planted and cared for, lawns need mowing and weeds need to be wacked.

For many people yard work is a form of fun and enjoyment. Sadly, it is also a time of aches, pains and injuries. Know how to keep yourself safe while you are working outside by taking safety precautions and being aware of safety tips for working in the yard.

Yard Work Safety

The following safety precautions and tips will help keep you safe and injury free while you are working in your yard.

• Take 5 to 10 minutes to warm up your muscles by doing light exercises or stretching before starting your yard work.
• Dress properly for working outside in the yard by wearing long pants, a long sleeved shirt and sturdy comfortable shoes.
• Keep children and pets away from the area when you are doing yard work.
• Have the right tools for the job you are doing.
• Rakes should be comfortable and the right size for your height and strength.
• Wear gloves while you are doing any type of yard work to help prevent your hands from blistering.
• Yard work such as raking involves repetitive motions. Changing your position often helps to prevent muscle pains and cramps from occurring.
• Always watch for low branches, large rocks and tree stumps.
• Be aware of uneven ground surfaces and slopes.
• When you pick up leaves, do not bend over from the waist. Bend from the knees.
• Do not overfill leaf bags.
• Do not carry full bags of leaves over your shoulder.
• When you are weeding, a half kneeling position is safer than bending forward.
• Wet leaves are very slippery. Make sure to wear boots or shoes with soles that are slip resistant
• When you are using a ladder make certain it is firmly on the ground. Never climb to the top of a ladder.
• When you are pruning hedges, hold the pruning shears close to your body.