Gardening

According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were more than 530,000 ladder injuries, 72,000 garden tool-related injuries, and 239,000 lawn mowing injuries treated in hospital emergency rooms, doctors’ offices and clinics in 2007. Many could have been avoided if people took the time to prepare themselves and their equipment.

From proper lifting techniques to proper protective clothing to sunscreen, many of the injuries related to home maintenance are preventable.  An important facet in home safety is making sure you don’t leave rakes, bush-cutters, or other power tools lying around. Those tools, as well as open chemicals, are dangerous even when not in use. It’s important to keep your work area clean and dangerous items out of the reach of children.

Here are some tips to help keep your home maintenance safe:

• Before you begin any activity, whether to your house or your yard, stretch your muscles.
• Check to make sure you have the proper safety equipment and protective clothing. Follow manufacturer safety guidelines.
• Wear proper attire that does not hang or is loose fitting. Never cut lawns barefoot or in sandals.
• If you choose to use fertilizer or chemicals on your lawn, keep pets and children at a safe distance.
• Put chemicals, dangerous tools, adhesives, matches, or other work items where children cannot reach them. Read product labels and heed their warnings.
• Know how to identify poison ivy, sumac, oak, and similar toxic plants. Find out ahead of time how to treat the rashes they cause to reduce the irritation.
• Always clear the area before cutting grass to remove any large rocks, branches or other potential hazards/flying objects.
• Never wear jewelry when working with tools.
• Keep a fire extinguisher accessible that is filled, tested, and ready for operation.
• Keep children away from the work area at all times. Never allow them to operate power tools.
• Don't carry equipment while climbing a ladder. Use a tool belt, rope, or have someone hand equipment to you.
• While up on the ladder, don't overextend your reach. Keep your weight evenly distributed.
• Never stand on a ladder's bucket shelf or top two steps.
• Make sure the ladder is completely open and that all of its feet are planted on a firm, level surface. Its angle should not be too extreme.