5 Gardening Safety Tips

Health & Safety Tips

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May 10, 2024

Gardening can be a fulfilling hobby and a great way to spend time outdoors, but, like any activity, it comes with its own set of risks and safety considerations. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or a blossoming beginner, understanding how to protect yourself is vital if you want your gardening experience to be both enjoyable and injury-free.

Here are 5 gardening safety tips to help keep yourself safe while tending to your garden:

Wear proper garden protective gear
Use tools and equipment correctly
Be mindful of chemicals
Protect yourself from the sun and stay hydrated
Practice proper form and lifting techniques

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dig deeper into each tip to ensure your gardening is as safe as it is rewarding. From selecting the right gear to understanding the correct way to use each tool to managing exposure to the elements, we’ll provide you with the essential know-how to keep your green space flourishing and your health protected.

What are the 5 safety tips for gardening?

To ensure your gardening ventures are both productive and safe, it’s crucial to adhere to specific safety guidelines. These practices not only prevent injuries but also ensure a healthier environment for you to enjoy your hobby. Without further ado, here are some essential garden and yard work safety tips to follow.

1. Dress for the task using proper garden protective gear

From gardening gloves to noise-canceling ear muffs, proper protective gear is an essential part of keeping yourself safe while gardening. Here are some items to consider adding to your gardening wardrobe:

Sturdy closed-toe shoes or boots with good traction to protect your feet from sharp tools and objects in the soil.
Gardening gloves will help prevent blisters, cuts, and scrapes on your hands while working with thorny plants or rough surfaces.
Long-sleeved shirts and pants protect your skin from scratches, insect bites, and sun exposure.
Hats and sunglasses provide additional protection against the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Not wearing proper protective gear in the garden can significantly increase the risk of injuries and long-term health issues. Without the right gloves, for example, you’re more susceptible to cuts,* thorns, and splinters, as well as skin irritations from pesticides or poisonous plants. Lack of eye protection can result in serious eye injuries from flying debris when using power tools, while failing to wear appropriate footwear might lead to slips, trips, or even puncture wounds from stepping on hidden hazards.

Not dressing properly puts your safety at risk and makes gardening less enjoyable, possibly causing unnecessary discomfort or even trips to the ER.

*Learn more about how to tell if a cut is infected and when to get a tetanus shot after a cut

2. Use tools and equipment correctly

It’s important to use tools and equipment correctly in the garden to stay safe. Each tool is designed for a specific purpose, and using it differently not only reduces its effectiveness but also increases the risk of accidents.

Here are some guidelines to maintain safety while using gardening tools:

Read the manufacturer’s instructions: Before using any new tool, familiarize yourself with its operation by reading the manufacturer’s instructions. This can help prevent misuse and understand the tool’s capabilities and limitations.
Keep tools well-maintained: Regularly check your gardening tools for any signs of wear or damage. Sharp tools should be kept sharp, and all tools should be cleaned after use to prevent rust and deterioration.
Use the right tool for the job: Avoid using tools for purposes they weren’t designed for. For example, don’t use pruning shears to cut thick branches that require a saw. Misusing tools can lead to injury and damage to both the tool and the plant.
Wear tool-appropriate protective gear: Depending on the tool you’re using, ensure you’re wearing the right protective equipment. Goggles are essential when using power tools to prevent eye injuries from flying debris, and ear protection is crucial when operating loud machinery.
Maintain a stable stance: Always keep a stable stance to maintain balance when using tools and prevent the rupture or tearing of a muscle. Use both hands when operating heavier equipment to control the tool’s force and direction.

3. Be mindful of chemicals

Chemicals, including pesticides and fertilizers, play a significant role in garden maintenance, but they also come with safety concerns that require cautious handling:

Read labels carefully: Always read and follow the instructions and safety warnings on chemical packages. Understanding the application process, necessary protective equipment, and first-aid measures in case of accidental exposure is crucial.
Store chemicals safely: Keep garden chemicals in their original containers with labels intact, and store them in a secure, dry place out of reach of children and pets.
Use protective clothing: When handling chemicals, wear protective clothing such as gloves, long sleeves, and trousers to minimize skin exposure. Eye protection and masks may also be necessary to protect against harmful fumes and splashes.
Apply wisely: Use chemicals strictly as directed, taking care not to over-apply. Consider weather conditions such as wind and rain, which can spread chemicals to unintended areas or water sources, potentially harming wildlife and the environment.
Dispose of chemicals properly: Never pour leftover chemicals down household drains, toilets, or outside where they can contaminate water sources. Follow local guidelines for the disposal of hazardous waste to ensure environmental safety.

4. Protect yourself from the sun

Prolonged exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays when gardening outside can result in skin damage, your skin being badly sunburned, or even skin cancer. When gardening, taking steps to safeguard your skin and eyes is vital:

Wear sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all exposed skin, reapplying every two hours.
Dress appropriately: Long-sleeved shirts, trousers, and wide-brimmed hats offer additional protection against UV rays. Opt for clothing made from tightly woven fabric for the best defense.
Seek shade: Whenever possible, take breaks in shaded areas, especially during the midday hours when the sun’s rays are most intense. Utilizing umbrellas or canopies can also provide essential relief.
Use sunglasses: Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays. Continuous exposure to UV light can increase the risk of cataracts and other eye conditions.
Stay hydrated: The sun and heat can quickly lead to dehydration. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated, taking more frequent water breaks as the temperature rises.

5. Practice proper form and lifting techniques

Out of all of our tips for gardening, this one may be the most crucial for preventing injuries. Gardening often involves lifting heavy objects, repetitive motions, and awkward body positions. To avoid straining your muscles or causing other injuries:

Warm-up: Just like any physical activity, it’s essential to warm up before gardening. Take a short walk around your garden or do some light stretching to prepare your muscles for the tasks ahead.
Use proper form: When lifting heavy objects, use your legs instead of your back. Bend your knees and keep your back straight to avoid straining your lower back muscles. If an object is too heavy, ask for help or use a dolly or wheelbarrow to transport it.
Take breaks: Gardening can be physically demanding, so remember to take breaks. Alternate between sitting and standing activities to give your muscles a rest.
Take care of your hands: Gardening often requires repetitive hand movements, which can cause muscle strain in the thumb, fingers, wrists, and forearms. Wear gloves to protect your hands and consider using ergonomic tools that help reduce strain on the hands and wrists.

When to go to the ER for gardening injuries

In some instances, gardening injuries will require more than rest, a band-aid, or an ice pack. Here are indications that it might be time to visit the emergency room for a gardening-related injury:

Severe cuts or lacerations: If you suffer a deep cut that won’t stop bleeding, or expose muscle or bone, it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention.
Signs of infection: Watch for signs of infection in cuts or puncture wounds, which can include swelling, redness, increasing pain, warmth around the injury site, or fever. Infections can escalate quickly and require professional treatment.
Tetanus concerns: If you’re injured by a rusty tool or one that has been in contact with soil, you may need a tetanus booster, especially if it’s been more than 10 years since your last shot.
Sprains, strains, or fractures: Symptoms such as inability to move a joint, severe pain, swelling, or a visible deformity could indicate a serious injury that necessitates an ER visit.
Allergic reactions: Some individuals might experience severe allergic reactions to plants, bee stings, insects, spider bites, or chemicals used in gardening. Symptoms like difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or a widespread rash require immediate emergency care.
Heat exhaustion or heatstroke: Gardening in high temperatures can lead to heat-related illnesses. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, weakness, cold, pale and clammy skin, fainting, or vomiting. Heatstroke is more severe and is characterized by high body temperature, hot and dry skin, rapid pulse, and possible unconsciousness. If you suspect heatstroke, it’s a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.

Remember, it’s better to err on the side of caution regarding injuries or illnesses resulting from gardening outside. If you’re in doubt about the severity of an injury, it’s always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or head to the ER for a thorough evaluation.

Complete Care can take care of any gardening injury

Overall, prevention is key when it comes to staying safe while gardening. By following these gardening safety tips and taking care of your body, you can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of gardening while reducing the risk of injury or discomfort.

However, accidents can happen even with the most careful precautions. In case of an injury or illness while gardening, Complete Care is here to help you recover and get back to your favorite hobby.

With our team of experienced and compassionate healthcare professionals offering emergency care services throughout Texas (Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas/Fort Worth, East Texas, Lubbock, and San Antonio) and in Colorado Springs, we are equipped to handle a wide range of medical emergencies, including those related to gardening. Whether it’s a sprained ankle from stepping on uneven ground or a bee sting that has caused an allergic reaction, our team is ready to take complete care of you.

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