Whether you are an avid gardener or simply staying on top of your home maintenance checklist, do not let yard work in the summer be a pain in the neck. Here, we share four safety tips to ensure yard work does not become a hazard.
1. Stay Hydrated
It is easy to become dehydrated when it is hot outside. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids before and after spending time in your backyard. If you start to feel lightheaded, do not hesitate to take a break and sit in the shade.
2. Do Not Overexert Yourself
Do not push yourself too hard physically as it can lead to inflammation, pain and discomfort. Before you start pruning trees or mowing the lawn, take a few minutes to stretch and warm up. Switch up your tasks every 30 minutes or so to prevent overuse injuries. When lifting heavy objects, bend from the hips and knees instead of the back. Use a cart or wheelbarrow if you are moving things from one place to another.
3. Practice Ladder Safety
When using a ladder, make sure the ladder is set on a level surface. Do not set a ladder on boxes or other surfaces so you can reach higher areas. Also, avoid standing on the last step of the ladder as this could jeopardize your balance.
4. Wear Protective Clothing
Yard work requires some protective gear too. Wear long pants and non-slip close-toed shoes to safeguard your lower limbs from flying debris. Sunglasses will protect your eyes from the sun, and earplugs will eliminate loud noises from yard equipment.
Gutter Helmet® of Minnesota offers professional gutter cleaning and gutter shield installation in and around Monticello, MN. Give us a call at (866) 984-6166, or fill out our contact form to request a no-obligation estimate.
