5 Helpful Gardening Safety Tips
Working in the garden is some of the most relaxing time for many people. Whether you’re growing your garden as a hobby or profiting off your crop, it’s important that you pay close attention to your body and any signs of fatigue when doing manual labor.
Veteran gardeners know the warning signs. If you’re just starting out, you may not know your limits, opening yourself up to a serious accident. It might be a good idea to consult with a car accident attorney if you’ve been injured.
Top Gardening Safety Tips
- Wear safety gear and appropriate clothing:It may seem like common sense, but wear practical shoes if you’re going to be working outside. Sturdy shoes or boots are best. You’ll also want to wear long pants and perhaps long sleeves to prevent nicks or cuts from vegetation.
- Handle gardening tools with care:The worst mistake you can make is attempting to use equipment you aren’t capable of. Test gardening equipment or tools with an expert before doing it yourself. When you’re done, make sure you keep these items out of reach of children.
- Use safety goggles if spraying chemicals:First and foremost, follow all safety directions on chemicals. Even if a label says it’s non-toxic, use precaution and wear safety googles if you’re even slightly worried about getting it in your eyes. Better safe than sorry.
- Wear sunscreen:Carry a bottle of water and wear a wide-brimmed hat, but most importantly, wear sunscreen. It may seem like a hassle at first, but suffering a sunburn is unhealthy. If you become fatigued, overheated, nauseous or confused, take a break. Do not try to be a hero. People over the age of 65 and young children are at the greatest risk outside.
- Use insect repellent: Mosquitoes and ticks are nothing to mess with. If you’re able to, wear a long-sleeve shirt and long pants to prevent bites. Tuck your pants into your socks. High boots can also prevent tick bites. While relatively rare, it is possible to get sick from a mosquito or tick bite while working in a garden.
Of course, there are more safety tips for people of all walks of life. Those with special needs or disabilities should be extra vigilant in doing any work in a garden.