Avoiding the Pitfalls of Autumn Yard Work, part 2

Last time we mentioned that approximately 42 million people seek emergency room treatment for injuries each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many of these injuries happen while homeowners are performing seemingly routine tasks; like fall yard work. In part one we were talking about how to prevent injury from raking leaves. So, now more on safety while doing your fall yard work.
Autumn is a great time to clear out gutters, check roof integrity and wash windows. More than 532,000 people were injured in falls from ladders in 2007, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

2. How to stay safe on a ladder:

a. Choose the right ladder for the job. A step stool or utility ladder is good for working at low levels or step ladders for medium height jobs while, extension ladders are appropriate for outdoors to reach high places, such as washing windows or for when you need to clean gutters or inspect the roof.

b. First of all inspect the ladder and make sure it is safe and free from loose screws, braces or rungs. Clean off any accumulation of mud, dirt or liquids that might make it slippery.

c. If it is a step ladder, make sure all four legs sit firmly on a level surface. Avoid setting it up on uneven ground or soft, muddy spots. If you need to make the ground level, do so by digging one leg into the ground.

d. Before you climb, be sure the ladder locks are in place and safety braces are engaged.

e. Never sit or stand on the top of a step ladder or on its pail shelf. These areas were not designed to carry your weight.

f. Do not stretch or lean to reach your work area. Be aware of your balance; instead reposition the ladder closer to your work.

Another area to think and be safe about is the lawn mower. It will soon be time to store the mower until spring but chances you are still going to mow the grass a few more times before the snow falls. You may also use it to collect leaves or and lawn clippings. Then you will be cleaning it up and storing it for the season. Lawnmowers are powerful tools and they can cause significant injury. In 2007, more than 225,000 people were injured by power, manual and riding lawn mowers, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

3. To avoid lawnmower-related injuries:

a. Make sure you shut off the engine and let it cool off before you refuel your lawnmower or begin to do any maintenance work on it.

b. Never use your hands or feet to clear debris from under a lawnmower, even if the engine is off as the blade can still move and cause serious injury. Use a stick or broom handle instead and you will be much safer.

c. Never remove any safety devices, guards or shields. This is true for any power equipment.

d. Never leave your lawnmower running unattended, though this is more difficult today with the kill switch on the handle of modern mowers.

e. Wear protective clothing like gloves, protective boots and long pants when mowing your grass. Never mow barefoot or in sandals.

f. Never mow while or after consuming alcoholic beverages.

Home safety is no accident. Working safe is not an option. Working safe is not something someone else does for you or to you any time there is a hazard or unsafe condition. It is what you do for yourself. Don’t become one of the statistics. Avoid the pitfalls of fall yard work this year.

Avoiding Pitfalls “By the yard”