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4 Ways to Stay Safe for Fall Yard Work

Key Points

  • Fall yard work, including cleaning gutters, raking leaves, gardening, and mowing lawns, can present safety risks if not done properly.
  • When cleaning gutters, use a ladder safely, wear gloves to protect from insects, and have a buddy present to help in case of a fall.
  • Raking leaves should be done with a proper technique to avoid back injuries, and protective gear such as gloves and goggles should be worn. Young children should be kept away from plastic bags to prevent suffocation.
  • Gardening in fall requires the use of proper tools and techniques to avoid injuries. Bending at the knees when picking vegetables, using the buddy system when picking tree fruits, and wearing gloves are recommended.
  • Lawn mowing, whether using a riding or push-type lawnmower, should be done with caution and under adult supervision to prevent injuries.

With fall, comes raking tree leaves, cleaning out gutters, and gathering your garden fall harvest fruits and vegetables. Although these sound like pretty safe chores, they often present injuries. Here, learn four ways to stay safe while working tackling fall yard work.

4 Ways to Stay Safe for Fall Yard Work

Key Points

  • Fall yard work, including cleaning gutters, raking leaves, gardening, and mowing lawns, can present safety risks if not done properly.
  • When cleaning gutters, use a ladder safely, wear gloves to protect from insects, and have a buddy present to help in case of a fall.
  • Raking leaves should be done with a proper technique to avoid back injuries, and protective gear such as gloves and goggles should be worn. Young children should be kept away from plastic bags to prevent suffocation.
  • Gardening in fall requires the use of proper tools and techniques to avoid injuries. Bending at the knees when picking vegetables, using the buddy system when picking tree fruits, and wearing gloves are recommended.
  • Lawn mowing, whether using a riding or push-type lawnmower, should be done with caution and under adult supervision to prevent injuries.

With fall, comes raking tree leaves, cleaning out gutters, and gathering your garden fall harvest fruits and vegetables. Although these sound like pretty safe chores, they often present injuries. Here, learn four ways to stay safe while working tackling fall yard work.

Cleaning Out Gutters

Tree leaves and other debris from fall windy days clog gutters and in the fall, it's time to clean them out. In almost all homes the gutters are not reachable without a ladder and using a ladder the correct way is imperative to avoid injuries. Ladders also come with warnings, so follow them to the letter and never attempt to clean out gutters alone. Use the buddy system in the event of a fall which can cause bruised or broken bones.

Always wear gloves when cleaning out gutters as some biting insects may also be hiding in them just waiting to bite. If you do fall while cleaning gutters, be sure you know where the nearest urgent care center is to obtain medical treatment for bruises, scrapes, cuts, or broken bones.

Raking Tree Leaves

This chore is often favored by parents to pass along to children, however, raking can be dangerous if not supervised. Even adults can get injured if raking leaves is not done properly. Make sure:

  • Rakes are not broken and handles aren't cracked.
  • If you store rakes on a ceiling shelf, never pull them down while standing on the ground so use a step stool or ladder.
  • Instruct everyone on the job how raking should be completed by holding the rake close to your side and using a short sweeping motion.
  • Never force the rake way out in front of you and bend to pull the leaves in a pile because this can cause a back injury.
  • Make sure proper eyewear (goggles) are worn by all.
  • Keep very young children away from plastic garbage bags to prevent suffocation.
  • Wear gloves to keep your hands protected from insect, bugs or sharp twigs.
  • Always work as a team.

If someone does get injured while leaf raking, head to one of the closest urgent care for medical attention.

Fall Gardening Dangers

Heading to the garden to gather your fall harvest and readying it for winter also poses some possible injuries. Be sure to:

  • Wear gardening gloves.
  • Use the right gardening tools for the job and don't improvise.
  • When picking vegetables, make sure you bend at the knees to avoid back injuries or use a gardening stool or knee pad. Do bend your knees when picking up full baskets of food.
  • When fall fruits like lemons are ready to pick, again use the buddy system and proper ladder skills to pick tree fruits.
  • Don't leave tools and other gardening tools lying around where you could step on them.
  • If you live in an area where deer ticks are prevalent, use insect repellent that contains DEET.
  • Pick up debris and weeds between each section of your garden and dispose of it so it will prevent weeds from overflowing.

When tending to your fall garden, always make sure you are careful with tools and respect the nature around you including spider webs, beetles and insects. If you're bit, head to a walk-in clinic for medical treatment.

Lawn Mowing

Fall may be the last time you mow your lawn until spring arrives and the grass begins to grow again. Riding lawnmowers, however, are not toys and should not be treated as such. Never allow teens or tweens that don't know how to operate these machines mow a lawn by themselves. In fact, this chore is best left for the adults if using a riding lawnmower.

If using a push-type of lawnmower, electric or gas powered, these also require adult supervision to prevent cuts, scrapes, falls, or injuries from improper use.

Yard chores in the fall are a must-do but everyone needs to be sensible when performing these tasks to prevent injuries.

Frequently asked questions

  • What are some safety precautions to take when cleaning out gutters?

    When cleaning out gutters, it's important to use a ladder correctly and never attempt the task alone. Wearing gloves can also protect against biting insects that may be hiding in the gutters. In case of a fall, it's crucial to know the location of the nearest urgent care center.
  • How can I ensure safety while raking tree leaves?

    To ensure safety while raking leaves, make sure the rakes are not broken or cracked. Use a step stool or ladder to pull down rakes stored on high shelves. Teach everyone involved how to rake properly, and ensure they wear proper eyewear and gloves. It's also important to work as a team and keep very young children away from plastic garbage bags.
  • What are some potential dangers of fall gardening?

    Fall gardening can pose risks such as back injuries from improper bending, stepping on tools left lying around, or bites from insects. To minimize these risks, wear gardening gloves, use the right tools for each task, bend at the knees when picking vegetables, use insect repellent in areas with deer ticks, and keep the garden clean and organized.
  • What precautions should be taken while mowing the lawn in fall?

    When mowing the lawn in fall, it's important to remember that lawnmowers are not toys. Teens or tweens should not operate these machines unsupervised. If using a riding lawnmower, this task is best left to adults. For push-type lawnmowers, adult supervision is also required to prevent injuries from improper use.
  • Why is it important to use the buddy system while cleaning gutters or picking fall fruits?

    The buddy system is important in these scenarios as it provides an extra layer of safety. If a fall or any other kind of accident occurs, the buddy can provide immediate help or call for medical assistance.
  • Why should I wear gloves while doing yard work in the fall?

    Wearing gloves during fall yard work can protect your hands from insect bites, sharp twigs, and other potential hazards. They can also provide a better grip on tools and objects.
  • What is the proper way to rake leaves to avoid injury?

    The proper way to rake leaves is to hold the rake close to your side and use a short sweeping motion. Avoid forcing the rake way out in front of you and bending to pull the leaves into a pile, as this can cause a back injury.
  • Why is it important not to leave tools lying around while gardening?

    Leaving tools lying around while gardening can pose a tripping hazard, and stepping on them can cause injuries. It's best to keep the garden area clean and organized to prevent accidents.

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