A yard improvement project is the path to your goals if you want to enhance your property value, transform your outdoor areas, and make a more enjoyable or useful environment. However, these kinds of projects can present safety risks if they’re not correctly planned and executed. From landscaping to power tools, your outdoor efforts need to emphasize safety to prevent accidents and injuries. Keep reading for six specific steps you can take during yard improvement projects.
1. Keep an Organized Work Area
Cluttered workspaces are prone to falls, trips, and injuries. Keep your workspace organized and clean for the sake of safety. Cleary pathways or debris, roots, and rocks to prevent tripping hazards. Store everything, from power tools to geosynthetic materials, neatly when they’re not in active use. Dispose of yard waste, including leaves and branches, to prevent fire hazards. Keep pets and kids safely away from active workspaces. Tidy work areas improve efficiency and reduce the odds of accidents during your project.
2. Use Equipment and Tools Properly
Gardening equipment and power tools can endanger yard work safety if you use them improperly. Prevent accidents by reading manufacturer instructions, inspecting tools before use, using the best tool for each job, and storing tools safely. Get professional assistance or hire professionals for tasks you’re inexperienced with, such as wood chippers and other heavy machinery. Every tool works differently, and you need to understand the proper use while also checking for dull blades, frayed cords, and other signs of damage or wear and tear. Keep tools away from children, store them in a secure and dry location, and don’t use them for tools they’re not intended for.
3. Be Aware of Gas and Electrical Lines
Some aspects of yard safety are underground. Calling 811 before digging is a free service in most municipal jurisdictions, so local utility companies mark their underground lines. Preventing accidental damage is crucial if you’re going to install a fence, plant trees, or dig up terrain. Striking gas or electrical lines is expensive at best and dangerous at worst. Also, look out for overhead power lines and keep a safe distance when using tall equipment or ladders.
4. Emphasize Ladder Safety
A big factor in doing yard work safely is using ladders properly. They can be necessary to install outdoor lighting, clean gutters, and trim trees. Falls are a primary cause of injuries at home, so following proper safety techniques when using ladders is essential. Pick one that features the right size and stability for the task in question, and set it on firm, even ground; employ stabilizers when necessary. Always keep three points of contact on your ladder, and don’t overreach. If certain tasks require work at substantial heights, hire professionals instead of doing it yourself.
5. Protect Yourself From the Sun and Heat
Outdoor projects mean exposure to dehydration, heat, and sun, so safely doing yard work means protecting yourself from heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and sunburn. Drink plenty of fluids before work, while you’re working, and after you’re done. Take breaks in any available shade, especially from late morning to midafternoon. Use breathable clothing, lightweight fabrics, a hat, and sunscreen. Watch out for fatigue, excessive sweating, nausea, dizziness, and other signs of heat exhaustion.
6. Wear the Right Safety Gear
A simple and effective means of doing safe yard work is wearing proper protective equipment. Yard improvement projects might involve heavy materials, chemicals, and sharp tools that necessitate personal protective gear, such as knee pads, steel-toed boots, ear protection, safety glasses, and gloves. Wearing all this can prevent exposure to harmful substances, protect you from cuts and blisters, reduce noise exposure when you need to use loud equipment, keep your feet safe from heavy and sharp objects, and give you support and cushioning. Before starting any project, make sure your gear is in optimal condition and suited for your specific work that day.
Rewarding but Risky
A yard improvement project is a potentially rewarding experience, but it can sometimes prove risky. Taking the precautions presented here helps you complete outdoor enhancements efficiently while not endangering yourself or anyone around you in the process.
