Everyone warns you to "Drive Safely", Have a "Safe Trip" or "Tie your shoelaces"...But did you know that Approximately 230,000 people are treated each year in an emergency room due to injuries associated with yard work and lawn equipment?
Here are a few suggestions to keep you and your surroundings safe.
Proper Footwear
Yes, flip flops are more comfy while doing yard work in hot weather, but they're not the brightest idea. What happens if say, oh I don't know, you're distracted and your foot gets in the way of the weed trimmer, or underneath the lawn mower or next to the chain saw? You should wear heavy boots that might at least protect you from losing your entire foot in the case of an "incident."
Dress the Part
Wear close-fitting clothing while doing yard work - baggy and loose clothing can get caught in mechanical gears. Sleeves and long pants can also help protect you from cuts, scrapes and scratches as well as sunburn. Be sure to include sunscreen and a hat.
Check the Area You Will Be Working In
When doing any type of yard work - trimming tree limbs, mowing, cutting weeds - it's a smart idea to check for debris that should be picked up and moved out of the way. Running over a stick, piece of wire or other item with a lawn mower can not only damage your lawn mower but potentially hurt you or someone else.
Know Your Equipment
Make sure you know how to use your lawn equipment. Read the manufacturer's instructions and make sure you know how to shut the equipment down quickly in case of an emergency.
Other Precautions
Pay attention to what you're doing. it's important not to completely zone out. Being distracted can lead to accidents that could have been prevented.
Don't allow children near power tools or other lawn equipment. Teach them to stay away from lawn equipment, especially during use.
Check electrical cords carefully for cuts or frays that could be potentially dangerous and use a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter).
Don't drink alcohol or do drugs while doing yard work. This should be a no-brainer, but you never know. Doing yard work while under the influence accomplishes nothing except maybe ensuring a visit to the emergency room for somebody.
Follow these simple tips to be safe while doing yard work and decrease your chances of a serious accident. Following safety precautions will also protect your tools and equipment as you will be less inclined to throw them, kick them or smash them against the ground when a minor accident occurs.
