When it comes to your home, caring for the outdoor spaces is just as important as taking care of the interior. Whether you’re an experienced outdoor worker or just doing a couple of things around your property, safety is non-negotiable. The outdoors can pose numerous risks, but there are diligent practices and smart strategies that can help you stay safe and healthy while doing yard work.
1. Gear Up
Gloves, goggles, and durable footwear should be a priority when doing yard work. A pair of strong, flexible gloves can shield your hands from splinters, thorns, and harmful plants like poison ivy. Also, a set of polycarbonate safety glasses will stave off flying debris when trimming or mowing. You should also wear heavy-duty boots to protect your feet. If you’re working near flammable materials or in locations with a risk of ignition, there are specific pieces of FR clothing everyone should own.
2. Assess Your Tools
Before you start any yard work, you should consider what tools are available. Ensure all mechanical parts are in working order, checked, and maintained to full function. Also, familiarize yourself with how each tool operates and its safety features. Remember to keep sharp tools in a secured compartment and out of reach of children when not in use.
3. Know Your Yard
Each yard has its own terrain and potential hazards, and understanding your landscape can prevent accidents before they occur. Designating a clear pathway to avoid walking into unseen dangers is good practice. Survey for any uneven ground, hidden holes, or slippery spots that could result in a fall. Be especially cautious when navigating slopes or near edges.
4. Plan Your Work
You should have a game plan in place to give yourself an idea of the tasks you’ll do, in what order, and how you’ll do them. Organizing and prioritizing jobs can help you be more efficient while minimizing the chances of any abrupt, unsafe decisions. If you’re tackling a bigger project, such as tree removal, consider consulting with a professional to assess the task’s complexity and risk factors. You may also need to hire a professional service if the job is too hazardous or complex for your abilities.
5. Take Breaks
Yard work can be physically and mentally intensive, especially during longer sessions or in hot weather. To avoid risking your health, take regular breaks to rehydrate, rest, and avoid burnout. Breaks also provide an opportunity to step back, assess your progress, and ensure you’re working cautiously. To ensure you’re taking regular breaks, consider setting a timer as a reminder and use this time to stretch and relax your muscles to prevent fatigue and potential injuries.
Safety Should Be Your Top Priority
Staying safe is a big concern when doing home improvement tasks such as yard work. While sprucing up your outdoor space offers a myriad of rewards, none of them come close to the value of completing everything uninjured and ready to enjoy the space. A little bit of precaution goes a long way.
