|
HEALTH AND SAFETY IN THE GARDEN
There are too many gardening related accidents. Here we look at some preventative methods of reducing the numbers. If you have any others we can add to the list, please let us know.
When using weed killers and chemicals always follow the manufacturers instructions and wear safety clothes no matter how daft you look.
Keep all chemicals, even organic ones like nettle juice out of the reach of children.
Even if you are totally organic with your chemicals there are still dangers. If you are using fresh manures such as hay or straw wear a facemask if there is a lot of dust. If the bales are warm then there will be mould spores which wont do your lungs any good at all either.
Take care using machinery. Wear steel toecap boots and long trousers when using mowers and strimmers. Walk around the area to be cut and remove all objects like stones and children’s toys (dog poo is best removed as well before the strimmer hits it!) When using any tool, especially power tools- be sure you understand how they work.
Make sure all tools are in good condition and cutting blades are sharp. Blunt tools can be dangerous.
Do some light duties first, or better still some limbering up exercises to avoid pulling any muscles later.
When a garden activity causes you pain. STOP. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if the job is too heavy.
Avoid staying in one position too long. Switch tasks often. I tend to have a few minutes potting plants a few minutes bending such as tending to some plants, then a few minutes stretching, picking beans etc. Then half an hours rest in a sunny spot.
Use the strongest muscles for the job. Use your legs, not your back, when using a spade or lifting things. Use the forearm and elbow, not the wrist or fingers, when using a trowel. Use the palm of your hand to push levers and tools, not your fingers. And use your strongest arm to pick up your mug of tea.
If you are working on your own in an isolated area such as woodland, let people know where you are or carry a mobile phone in case of an accident.
Here’s one that is very relevant to me. Only use a tool for what it was designed for. I have lost count of the amount of spade handles I have broken trying to get large stones out of the ground.
Don’t be an accident waiting to happen when carrying things. Carry less and make a few more trips.
If you have sensitive skin then some protection is needed in the form of sun cream or a hat if you have no hair!
Check around the garden regularly for potential hazards. Bamboo canes can be very dangerous for the eyes when they are stuck into the ground, put plant pots on top of them so you don’t catch yourself when you bend over. Never leave tools lying around, put them away in a safe place. Never leave a rake on the ground with the spikes sticking up; if you tread on them and the handle fly’s up, you’ll see stars for a week.
If you use a ride on mower go up and down the slopes rather than across them. The push mowers are usually safer if they go across the slope instead of up and down to avoid slipping. I have heard some harrowing tales of people using hover mowers on steep banks and slipping, resulting in serious injuries.
If you are considering any excavation work in the garden check for underground pipes and cables before any work is started.
Keep your body fluids up when doing any work in the garden, preferably water, to avoid dehydration. And stop regularly to admire your handy work.
Trackback(0)
 |
In the Organic Garden 
TrackBack URI for this entry
Subscribe to this comment's feed
