Prevent Back Injuries
Following these proper lifting techniques can help prevent most back injuries.
- Plan your lift, don't be in a hurry.
- Bend at the knees, not at the hips or lower back.
- Keep abdominal muscles tight, these muscles help support weaker back muscles.
- Lift with your strong leg and thigh muscles.
- Keep objects you are lifting close to your body.
- Get help when lifting very heavy objects.
Prevent Falls
Many spring cleaning chores such as cleaning gutters and trimming trees involves the use of a ladder. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons estimates more than 511,000 people in the US require medical treatment because they fail to use ladders correctly.
- Select the right ladder, of the right height for the job.
- Set up the ladder on a firm, level surface.
- Check the ladder for loose or broken rungs, missing or loose screws or hinges before using.
- Don't over-reach; reposition the ladder as necessary to be close to your work.
- Move materials with caution; sudden weight shifts can affect balance.
- Do not use a ladder as a seat between tasks. The top of a step ladder or its pail shelf are not designed to carry the weight of most adults.
- Don't climb ladders if you have a balance disorder or are taking any medication that may affect your balance. Don't be too proud to ask for help.
Prevent Cuts or Other Serious Traumatic Injuries
Lawn mowers and gardening tools can be dangerous if not used properly or kept in good repair. There are an estimated 172,000 injuries related to gardening tools and equipment, of which over 70,000 are injuries related to lawn mowers.
- Every spring before using a lawnmower, have it serviced to make sure it is in good repair. This includes having the blades tightened and sharpened.
- While mowing, wear shoes with non-slip soles for gripping and never wear sandals or canvas shoes.
- never use finger to remove grass or debris from lawn mover blades.
- No rider other than the operator should be allowed to ride on a riding mower.
- Wear protective clothing and eyeglasses when using a lawn mower.
- Do not tamper with safety release switches or protective guards on the lawn mower.
- Wear a filtration mask to prevent breathing problems from the dust stirred up while mowing, especially if you have asthma or other respiratory disorder.
- If you are using a gas-powered mower, store gasoline only in approved containers.
- Store gardening equipment properly to avoid falls from tripping over them or puncture wounds from stepping on them.
Use Chemicals Safely
Many of the chemicals used in the garden or in cleaning are considered dangerous and may cause serious health problems if not used properly.
- Read product labels for proper use. Make sure you use chemicals such as oven cleaners only with proper ventilation.
- Wear protective clothing and gloves when using chemicals. Many household chemicals are corrosive, meaning they can cause burns to the skin. Many pesticides can cause nerve damage and may be absorbed through the skin or lungs.
- Clean up any accidental spill immediately.
- Store all household and garden chemicals properly to prevent injury to pets or children. Check labels for flammability.
- Have the phone number for the poison control center in a handy place. Keep directions for chemical use in a central place, as they list accidental poisoning treatments.
Most of these tips for preventing injury are just basic common sense. Following them will make your hard work more pleasant and rewarding; much more rewarding than a trip to the emergency room.
