Health and Safety for Gardeners | Set a Primary Barrier for Your Protection

Like a garden, it is obvious you are obsessed with your garden. But before you take care of your garden, be sure you are protecting yourself first. Royal Society for Prevention of Accidents reported a large number of accident cases caused during gardening. Once the injuries caused by horticulture as well landscaping were massive in number. According to a statistic, the number decreased to 1750 from 1500 between the years 2003 to 2008. Still, this reduced number isn't small enough. Let me mention some of the common accidents: • Slipping, tripping & falling • Falling from heights • Bad weather • Accidents while using chemicals • Manual handling • Accidents while handling any sharp equipment like blade or shear Know the primary safety measures that you have to take being a gardener: Sun safety: You are not unknown to ultraviolet rays or its' dangers. So, protect the skin using SPF-30+ sunscreen at least 20 minutes before exposing yourself to sunlight. Use a long-sleeved cloth, hat and long trousers for covering up the surface. UV rays are not just destroying your skin. Do you know that UV can results in temporary blindness & increasing the rate of cataracts risk? Use the sunglasses that have the standards of Australian AS/NZS1067:2003. For ultimate safety, avoid gardening from 10 am – 2 pm as this is the hottest time of the day and unsuitable for planting as well. The appropriate time for planting is early in the morning and late afte oon as well. Equipment safety: By the headline, you already have known what I mean. • Use standard equipment • Use a safety device, for example, safety guards along with gardening equipment • Make sure that your using technique of materials is appropriate according to its’ manufacturer instruction. • Give a regular check on the material’s proper working • Check stuff before you tiller garden (https://secretgardenhelp.com/best-rear-tine-tiller/) • At the time of using line-trimmers wear the safety goggles to avoid eye-related injuries. • Don't cut through the electrical leads while using trimmers like a hedge, line, and electric mowers. • Avoid standing on the most upper rungs of the ladder. It may cause tipping. • Earmuffs and earplugs will protect your ear from noisy equipment. The risk from overdoing: Overworking will cause back-pain injuries related to overuse. So, rest frequently. You can also warm up your body before gardening with some basic stretches. Don’t strain at the time of lifting heavy objects. Hand safety: • Wear gloves. In this case, leather ones are better. For using chemicals, go for rubber one. • Don't use your fingers for digging. Instead of that, get some digging tools. • Consult a doctor for tetanus vaccination. Cutting injuries can cause tetanus. • At the time of using tools, align your wrist and hand, or you will lose strength. Legionnaires’ diseases: A bacterium is responsible for this disease & potting mix can be the most reliable time. • Wear washed gloves and mask during a potting mix. • Wet the mix with water slightly to avoid it from spreading through the air. • Use a low-pressure hose and wash hands with soap. At the bottom: I hope this article about health and safety for gardeners will ensure your proper safety.