It's a well known fact that most accidents occur in and around the home and although your garden is an ideal place to unwind, it calls for the same level of attention as the inside of your home, if accidents are to be avoided. You only have to think about the garden tools that are used on a regular basis to carry out those essential gardening tasks to realise how accidents may happen. Add to this the fact that the garden itself can be a source of danger and it is clear why ensuring your safety while in the garden is a priority.
Perhaps one of the most common problems a gardener may face is hurting their back. This can occur due to carrying heavy objects around the garden or spending long periods of time with your back bent. Think about all the time you can spend moving heavy containers or bags of soil and fertiliser around. Or all that time spent bending over, planting, weeding or maybe just tidying up. Even carrying out what may seem like fairly simple tasks such as using a wheelbarrow or spade can cause strain on your back therefore it is important to be careful.
Always try and ensure that when carrying garden supplies that you have lifted them correctly (knees bent, back straight) and that you only carry items of a weight that you are comfortable with. Avoiding having to overreach in the garden can also lessen the strain put on to your back. Adopting a knelling position is another great way of helping avoid back ache since it is less likely to cause problems than bending.
Many garden tools rely on electricity, but these essential items carry their own set of dangers if not handled responsibly. Garden tools such as lawn mowers and strimmers generally have electrical cords that if not kept in check can become worn which may lead to an electric shock if touched. Cables may also prove to be a hazard if accidentally severed while in use. For this reason, it is best to check any cables for sign of wear before plugging in and always be mindful of where the cables lay when in use.
Any garden tool however can pose a safety risk since many of the tools you may use on a regular basis may have sharp edges. Without the use of proper safety equipment injuries may occur from cuts or inadvertently hurting your toes or feet in the case of using a spade. The wearing of protective gloves and gardening boots may help prevent these injuries from taking place.
For lots of people, a water feature can be a focal point in the garden but these too can be dangerous if not properly set up and maintained. Garden ponds and water features can pose problems especially if children often frequent the garden. Care should be taken to ensure that a cover of some sort is fitted to areas of water large enough for a child to drown in and proper supervision is a must. Water features commonly have fountains or lighting which is likely to be powered from electricity. Again, water and electricity are a dangerous combination therefore care should be taken at all times.
Children love gardens and provide a great space to play therefore it is important for any gardener to ensure that any potential risks are minimised or removed. Garden tools should be kept out of children's reach to prevent them from hurting themselves or each other and as mentioned above, care should be taken around water features. Wherever possible, children should play on soft areas unless supervised as hard landscaping could lead to injuries should anyone fall over.
Many of the areas that surround garden safety are based on common sense and as long as proper care is taken, your garden will be a place of wonder and a haven for you and your family to relax in. Being mindful of potential risk areas and addressing them before an incident takes place will let you get on with the important task of enjoying your beautiful garden flowers in all their glory.
