About Yard Maintenance Safety

Although yard maintenance does not seem like a very dangerous job, it can be dangerous if you do not take the correct precautions to protect yourself. Some of the tools used to maintain your yard could hurt you if they are not handled carefully. Knowing how to maintain your lawn safely will help to prevent unnecessary injuries.

• Lawn maintenance equipment such as lawnmowers, chainsaws and weed whackers can pose a hazard if you are not careful. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s specifications for safe handling when working with lawn maintenance machinery.

• Wear gloves on your hands where performing work with hedge clippers, rakes or planting to avoid blisters from forming on your hands. You can purchase an inexpensive pair of garden gloves at your local home and garden store. 

• If you are performing yardwork during the peak hours of the day when the sun is high above, you will need to be careful to stay hydrated and prevent heat stroke by taking regular breaks. Be sure to wear sunscreen to prevent sunburn, as well as a wide brimmed hat to protect your face from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

• Do not perform any yardwork if there is a storm coming. Lightning may often come before the storm and metal shovels and rakes are a great target for lightning. It is best to wait for a clear day to work on your yard.

• Be aware of pests that you may come into contact within your yard and take precautions to avoid insect or snake bites. Always wear pants that cover your ankles to protect yourself from snakes, and also wear gloves to avoid coming into contact with insects that are in the ground.

• If you are allergic to bee stings, it is wise to bring an epinephrine injector with you just in case you are to get stung by a bee. Being able to act quickly will prevent your body from going into anaphylactic shock.