Our cabin fever is at its peak and we are ready to enjoy the months of flowers and fresh cut grass. However, there are a few things to be cognizant of when getting your yard prepared for spring showers and May flowers.
Did you know, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC),” emergency rooms treat more than 400,000 outdoor garden-tool-related accidents each year”?
Many people visit our office for injuries associated with lawn care. Before you run to the shed and pull out the hedge trimmers and lawnmowers, here are some helpful tips to protect yourself and your family while sprucing up the yard.
Protective wear is important
When working in the yard, be sure to wear gloves and protective eye wear. Gloves help protect you from blisters, cuts, bug and rodent bites and splinters. Goggles or other safety eye wear help prevent harmful debris from lawnmowers, clippings, weed-eaters, etc from injuring your eyes.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology -“40 percent of the injuries reported were caused by projects and activities such as home repairs, yard work, cleaning and cooking.”
Sunscreen
It is always a great idea to wear sunscreen to protect your skin from sunburn. It is recommended you find a sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays. Click here for further explanation of sunscreens and what to choose.
Use Correct Posture
When crouched over the garden, try to arrange yourself where you are not putting strain on your body. For example, are you able to move the pot to a table or to waist level? Bending for long periods of time may cause unnecessary strain on the lower back.
Mowing
There are many dangers associated with mowing. Here is a check list to avoid injury:
- Never wear sandals or open toed shoes when mowing. Also avoid loose fitting clothing.
- Never insert hands or feet in the mower to remove debris, even when the mower is not running. Use a stick or broom handle to remove debris
- Do not mow when the grass is wet or the ground is damp.
- Before mowing, rid the yard of toys, rocks, equipment, large sticks or other items
- Use caution on inclines and declines
- Do not mow over mulch, rock or gravel
- Add fuel before starting the engine
- Do not leave your mower unattended while running.
- Keep children and pets inside while mowing.
According to the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, the blade speed can eject a piece of wire or object at speeds up to 100 miles per hour. This is a recipe for disaster if children are out running around while mowing, so keep them inside. “Each year, more than 74,000 small children, adolescents and adults are injured by rotary, hand and riding power mowers due to improper handling.”
When should I contact a surgeon or go to the ER?
If you sustain a laceration and are bleeding, immediately clean the wound with mild soap and clean water then apply direct pressure. If the bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes then you should seek further help.
Have you had a recent tetanus immunization? If you don’t remember then it is probably time to get an updated immunization.
Are your fingers functioning normally or are there persistent numbness or tingling in the fingers? If you are experiencing these problems, it may be time to make a trip to the emergency department or call your provider for recommendations.
Now you have some safety tips. Go out and enjoy the weather!
Author: Stephanie Jones, AT
Kansas City Bone & Joint Clinic
Source: American Society for Surgery of the Hand and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons