Florida doesn’t have one season for gardening- we garden all year since we get to enjoy the sun all year long. Most of us see our backyards as peaceful havens from the world but without proper safety precautions, injury can occur. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, health and safety are important when you head out to your garden. Gardening can be a great way to increase your physical activity, beautify your back yard, and go green. With that said, make sure you protect yourself and take the following precautions into account as you garden to keep you and your family safe. People’s Trust Insurance wants to make sure you and your family are safe, the following are some health and safety tips for gardeners to follow to prevent injuries.
- Wear protective eyewear (glasses, goggles, face shield) when operating all gardening equipment.
- Wear earmuffs or earplugs when operating loud machinery.
- Prevent exposure to harmful chemicals, insects, and the sun by wearing the proper clothing, and safety equipment. You can do this by wearing protective clothing such as close-fitting clothes, gloves, long pants, long-sleeved shirts and slip-resistant shoes.
- Protect yourself from diseases caused by mosquitoes and ticks. Use insect repellent containing DEET.
- Wear sunscreen with sun protective factor (SPF) 15 or higher, and both UVA and UVB protection. Wear a hat with a wide rim to shade the face, head, ears, and neck.
- Keep yourself hydrated and avoid sugary drinks or alcoholic beverages that could dehydrate you.
- Don’t lift yard waste that is too heavy for you. Utilize a dolly or wheelbarrow to help transport heavy loads. Get help if it’s too heavy, it’s not worth hurting yourself.
- Don’t walk on slippery or uneven surfaces while carrying yard waste or operating equipment.
- Follow the manufacturer’s directions when using any chemicals on your lawn.
- Keep your child away from the lawn after chemicals are used.
- Store all gardening chemicals in a locked, ventilated area that is out of a child’s reach.
- Hoses should be stored properly after use to avoid tripping. Lay ladders on their sides. Lay rakes with tines down. Make sure you put ladders away after using them to avoid burglars using your ladder as a way to enter your home.
- Never work with lawn and garden equipment in damp or wet conditions.
- Install a ground-fault circuit interrupter to avoid electrical shock.
- Before mowing, remove debris from the lawn such as rocks, metal, glass, sticks and branches.
- Keep a first-aid kit in your home and emergency medical numbers posted near your phone.
Source: Some of the tips are derived from the American College of Emergency Physicians
Disclaimer: The following guidelines are tips that can help keep you safe and are not the only guidelines you should follow when gardening. These guidelines should not replace your own common sense. While we find these tips to be beneficial, People’s Trust takes no liability in the following of the tips provided.
This Blog is sponsored by:
People’s Trust Insurance Company