- Dress with protection in mind
- Everything from the sun to bugs to common garden and lawn chemicals can be irritating to the skin or eyes. Use safety goggles or sunglasses when necessary. Also make sure that you have sturdy, closed-toe shoes on to protect your feet. If you are using loud tools, use ear protection. And always keep watchful for harmful insects like bees and ticks. Long-sleeved shirts, rubber boots, and long pants can help protect you from insect bites.
- Understand you tools
- Both powered and non-powered tools have risks if not used properly. Make sure you understand how to use your tools, that they are working properly, and that you know how to safely handle any chemicals you might be using.
- Know your body's limits in the heat
- When you're working out in the sun your body needs more water than you might normally drink. Make sure that you are hydrate and have easy access to water whenever tending the garden. Also take breaks in shaded areas often to cool your body down. If you start to feel nauseous, get a headache, or feel dizzy you likely are having symptoms of heat-related illnesses and should get into a shaded, cool space immediately. If symptoms persist, call 911.
- Know the environmental risks
- Small cuts and nicks are common when working with plants and gardening tools, but this puts you at risk for general infections. It also increases your risk for tetanus, which is a bacteria that is commonly found in soil. If you have any open cuts or sores, be sure to cover them properly and clean any fresh cuts properly. Also be sure that you are up to date on your tetanus vaccination if you spend a lot of time working in the dirt.
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