3 Tips to Stay on Guard in Your Yard

Lawn work safety: Stay on guard in your yard

The world seems to be divided into two types of people: those who enjoy yardwork and those who do not.

But there is one thing we all can agree on: when you are handling sharp objects and toiling in the sizzling summer sun, it's important to be careful.

"A beautiful yard is nice, but so are all of your fingers and toes, not to mention a healthy back," says Abbey LeCompte, a WellSpan Urgent Care nurse practitioner.

"A beautiful yard is nice, but so are all of your fingers and toes, not to mention a healthy back."

– Abbey LeCompte, CRNP

Here are her top three tips on how to stay on guard in your yard:

1. Suit up safely.

On your body: light-colored, lightweight clothing.

On your head: a sun-shielding hat.

On your eyes: safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying objects.

On your ears: hearing protection if lawn equipment is loud.

On your hands: protective gloves if you are working with poisonous plants or chemicals.

On your feet: shoes or boots, not sandals.

On your skin: sunscreen with an SPF of 50.

2. Take care of your body.

Weeding, trimming, and raking are repetitive motions that can be taxing. Don't be the weekend warrior who goes 100 mph Saturday and Sunday and then spends Monday flat on the couch due to sore muscles.

Take time to stretch and warm up before working.

Vary your motions.

Drink water and take breaks in the shade.

3. Be cautious with mowers and power equipment.

Watch for children and pets while working.

Never put a child on your lap on a riding mower.

Educate and supervise kids who are using equipment. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends kids should be at least 12 years old AND exhibit sound judgment, strength, coordination, and maturity before operating any type of mower, and at least 16 years old to operate a riding mower.

Beware the projectile. Take a moment to clear your mowing path of sticks, rocks, and other objects.

Never reach under a mower to grab something tangled in the blades.

On a riding mower, go up and down hills. With a push mower, go side to side.

stay on guard in the yard

Accidents happen, even in your own yard.

Urgent Care

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Urgent Orthopedics

Did yard work turn into a pain in the back (or ankle, or shoulder ...) ? We have specialized urgent care locations for that. Which means faster, expert care for you.

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