While it may seem like a safe task, lawn care can be quite dangerous if you’re not careful. If you’re going to do your own lawn care, here are some safety tips you should know.
TIP #1: Pick Up Objects Before You Mow
The only thing your mower should be cutting is grass. Of course, you should move things like toys and hoses out of the way before you mow, but make sure you pick up large sticks and pine cones as well. If you try to mow over these objects, you could damage your machine, or worse, launch the object across the yard, potentially hurting someone or breaking something. For the same reason, be careful as you weed-eat rocky flower beds. Flying rocks can easily put a hole in siding or break a car or house window.
TIP #2: Wear The Proper Clothing
When you’re doing lawn work, wear clothes that will protect your skin from cuts, scratches, and grass irritation. We recommend wearing long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, as well as eye protection and a pair of closed-toe shoes.
TIP #3: Stay Hydrated
It’s easy to get overheated or dehydrated when you’re working on your lawn, even in cooler weather! So stop regularly for breaks to sit in the shade, and sip water or an electrolyte drink slowly. If you start to feel dizzy, lightheaded, or nauseous, stop working altogether. These are signs of heatstroke that shouldn’t be ignored.
TIP #4: Protect Your Skin
Extended time outdoors puts your skin at risk, so be sure to put on a hat and apply sunscreen and bug spray before working on your lawn. These may seem like optional precautions, but they’re important if you want to avoid sunburn and countless bug bites. Don’t forget to also watch out for spiders, snakes, and poison ivy as you work.
TIP #5: Keep Children And Others Away From Lawn Tools!
We’re really emphasizing this tip because it is crucial you keep children safe when you’re doing yard work. More than 250,000 people are hurt by lawnmowers each year, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Don’t let your child or loved one be a part of that statistic. Put sharp tools like hedge trimmers, rakes, and chain saws away immediately after use. Make sure family members know that you’re mowing and have them stay indoors or out of range while you mow. Also, don’t let your child ride on the lawnmower with you. Stay alert while you work on your lawn. This is the most important safety tip you need to know. A sunburn or a broken mower blade isn’t as heartbreaking as an injury or a death.