Gardening is a great way to get outdoors and spend time with your family, but it can also be dangerous. Injuries that happen in the garden can range from mild to severe and could require emergency care.
Different Garden Accidents and How to Avoid Them
There are a number of different things you can do to make your garden safer. One of the most important is to take the proper safety precautions. This includes wearing the proper clothing and using protective equipment.
Wearing the right clothes is essential because it helps protect you from cuts, abrasions and insect bites. It’s also a good idea to use gloves. These will help protect your hands from dirt, chemicals and thorns that can cause painful punctures.
Another great idea is to use a dust mask to keep yourself from inhaling fumes that could affect your health. If you’re using power tools in the garden, make sure to wear an RCD (residual current device). This will cut off the power instantly if it accidentally comes into contact with something.
It’s also a good idea to check the tools you use before you start using them and make sure they are in good working condition. If you’re not sure, ask a friend or someone experienced in the area to verify the tool is safe to use.
Using the right tools is key to gardening safely and effectively. This means using the correct type and size of tool for the job you’re trying to do, as well as making sure that the tool has been thoroughly cleaned and inspected before you use it.
Lifting heavy objects incorrectly is a common cause of back injuries in gardeners. This is especially true when lifting tools, plants or even bags of compost.
A good way to prevent this is by using the correct posture when lifting items. Always bend your knees and don’t strain when you are lifting a heavy object.
Never lean on one side of a ladder while working, as this can lead to serious back injuries. Rather, use the side that will provide you with a better view of what you’re doing.
Other commonly used tools in the garden, such as lawn mowers and hedge trimmers, can also cause injuries. They can be particularly risky because they are often not properly maintained, causing them to become dangerous and cause serious injuries.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that more than 400,000 people are injured by garden tools each year. Many of these accidents are caused by improper use, failure to follow instructions and lack of maintenance.
Children are also at risk of being injured by garden tools. It’s important to ensure that any tools you use in the garden are locked away and kept out of reach of children.
Keeping your tools in a locked shed will prevent your child from accessing them while you’re working. It’s also a good idea not to leave them lying around on the ground or near a fence that could trip children.