Mary NewmanIt is that time of year when your lawn and garden get more love and use than any other time. Every year about 400,000 people are treated in the ER due to lawn and garden incidents. Here are some tips and tricks for keeping safe.
Wear protective eyewear, earplugs, close-fitting clothing, gloves, and slip-resistant shoes when operating any type of lawn or garden equipment.
Wear sunscreen and stay hydrated. Try not to lift yard waste that is too heavy for you, utilize a wheelbarrow to move heavy loads. It is not a good idea to walk on slippery or uneven surfaces while caring yard waste or using equipment.
Make sure you store all gardening chemicals in a locked, ventilated area that is out of a child’s reach. Roll up your hoses, lay ladders on their side, and make sure to lay rakes with the tines down.
Never, ever work on equipment in damp or wet conditions, and it is a good idea to install a ground-fault circuit interrupter to avoid electrical shock. Finally, everyone should have a well-stocked first aid kit and emergency medical number posted near your phone.
Cameron Norris
