How to Do Yard Work Safer

Taking care of your yard is ongoing, with the tasks varying by season. There can be risks associated with this yard maintenance, as it can involve sharp tools, uneven ground, and more. Whether you’re a new homeowner or have had multiple properties, it’s important to be safe whenever doing work in the garden and lawn. The seven tips below help you stay safe while keeping your yard at its best year-round.

1. Wear Protective Gear

Many people skip wearing this and go straight to work, but taking a moment to put on the right gear protects you in case something goes wrong. High-quality gloves, safety glasses, and closed-toe shoes are popular options for different activities in the yard. When using power tools, put on your earplugs or earmuffs as they can be loud, often exceeding 85dB. Otherwise, you could get hearing issues. 

Wearing long pants when doing yard work is also generally a good idea, no matter the season, to safeguard your legs against the sun, insects, flying debris, and getting caught in machinery. Consider wearing pants made of moisture-wicking fabric to help prevent overheating during strenuous yard work.

2. Use the Right Tools

Cordless tools, such as battery-powered trimmers and chainsaws, have impressive power without gas fumes, loud noise, or cords that can get tangled in tree branches. For example, using a battery chainsaw is a safer way to cut down dead trees and large branches, as well as to thin overgrown thickets and cut firewood, as there’s no power cable running through the yard, reducing tripping hazards. 

You’ll also be less tired than with a manual saw, since there’s less physical effort involved. Cordless chainsaws are lighter and more balanced than gas ones, too, making them easier to control. When using any new tool, always read the manual before first use and choose one appropriate for the job you plan to use it for.

3. Clear the Yard Before You Start

A quick cleanup, such as putting away the garden hose and removing fallen leaves, before working can prevent a lot of accidents. Doing so removes obstacles that you might trip over or slip on, as well as anything that could get in the way of equipment. Wet leaves and uneven ground are easy to overlook but can cause a fall when you’re focusing on a task. It only takes a few minutes to make the home lawn and garden a safer workspace.

Look around the yard, too, for less obvious hazards, such as low-hanging branches. You might want to take care of those issues before you start. That way, you’re able to move around more confidently.

4. Be Careful When Working Up High

When you’re on a ladder, make sure it is stable and on level ground, with someone holding the base, if possible. Avoid standing on chairs or buckets instead of ladders, too, as they are easy to tip over. That could cause you to fall and possibly injure yourself.

Also, take care when reaching above shoulder height to work out in the yard, as this can throw off your balance and tire your muscles quickly. Take breaks when trimming branches or reaching into trees that require awkward positions to help you stay in control and reduce the risks of falls.

5. Go Slow and Steady, Rather than Fast, and Have Water

Doing things in the garden and lawn often involves spending a long time standing or sitting, as well as repetitive movements. That can get exhausting, especially if it’s hot out. You may get dehydrated, so take a water bottle outside with you to prevent that. By the time you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated, so don’t wait for that feeling before taking some sips of water.

Take breaks regularly, too, and try to go at a steady pace rather than as quickly as possible. Otherwise, you may get tired and thirsty. That could lead you to faint or wind up with heat exhaustion. Some people find the safest time of day to work is early morning or late night, when temperatures drop, and the sun isn’t as strong.

 6. Watch the Weather

Plan to work at home outdoors on days when the weather is less likely to pose safety hazards. For example, a rainy day can make the driveway and grass slippery, and you then risk stumbling and injuring yourself. That’s much less likely when the local weather forecast is for a dry day. Strong winds can also cause problems. Branches could fall when you least expect them to, for instance, and debris could blow into your work area, getting in the way when you’re trimming bushes or trees. 

Extreme temperatures (hot or cold) also affect how your body performs, potentially affecting your grip, hydration levels, and more. If you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or very tired, stop what you are doing and rest. Your body is telling you it’s time to take a much-needed break. At that point, you can decide whether it’s wise to continue.

7. Store Tools Safely When Done

After you finish the day’s activities, continue being safe by properly storing the tools that you’ve used. That involves putting them away so no one can trip over them or accidentally get injured. That includes kids and pets, if they’re around the area.

Be safe after using sharp tools, too. Turn them off and give them a clean before putting them into a safe storage area. An added benefit of proper storage is that your tools are kept away from damage from rain and other weather, so they stay in good condition longer.

Conclusion

When you work more safely around the house, outside and inside, there’s less opportunities for accidents to happen. That makes it well worth your time to take note of the suggestions above and the time to understand them. Using cordless tools, wearing protective gear, and keeping your workspace clean are among the safest options when you’re maintaining the garden and lawn around your home. A bonus is that you are also more likely to be productive.