Leaf the Injuries Out of It

The fall season often involves house and yardwork. Here are ways to be safe and get the jobs done!

Reminders during yard cleanup:

• Warm up and stretch before going out to rake leaves and perform fall cleanups. Keep your muscles loose and hydrate with water often.
• Be sure to lift correctly and avoid twisting at the waist.
• Use gloves to prevent blisters and also switch hands during raking to not put excess strain on your shoulders or back.
• Wear gloves when reaching into the gutters to remove leaves and sticks.
• Practice ladder safety and keep your body between the side rails and hold on.
• Be cautious around electrical wires and ALWAYS look up when placing a ladder.
• If you are on the roof, be extremely careful as the majority of your body mass is above the waist causing you to be top heavy.
• Make sure a family member or neighbor is aware that you are on the roof in case something happens.
• Raking leaves onto a tarp requires pulling it, don’t overload the tarp or bag.
• Take your time, enjoy the outdoors, and For Safety’s Sake, Do Something to protect yourself from injury!

Common injuries are:

• Ergonomic injuries and cramping from raking and bending over in a bad posture.
• Heart attack due to the strenuous work.
• Hearing damage from leaf blowers and equipment without using hearing protection.
• Eye injuries from blowing leaves that have been chopped or from dust created from mulching.
• Burns from trying to burn the leaves in fire pits.
• Hand injuries from clogged tools and blisters from raking.
• Respiratory problems from the dust created from composting leaves or from burning them.
• Punctures or lacerations from sticks that are collected with the leaves.
• Contusions and broken bones from jumping into leaf piles, they really don’t provide cushion.

At home, work or play, it’s Safety every day! Safety Always!