Safety
According to the (Royal Society For The Prevention Of Accidents) around 300,000 people go to hospital each year after been injured in the garden. Around 87,000 are actually injured while actively doing garden tasks. Below are some tips to reduce risks from injuries whilst gardening.
Gloves – Its always worth investing in a good quality pair of gardening gloves, to protect your hands from scratches, prickles & general wear & tear.
Boots – You need a good pair of safety shoes/boots to protect your feet whilst gardening, also to prevent any slips & falls on muddy wet ground. Especially when you are using sharp gardening tools (forks & spades) .
Knee pads – Knee protection is very useful on stony or cold ground. You can buy a traditional kneeling pad or knee pads that actually strap on to your knees.
. Always wash your hands thoroughly after gardening.
. Don’t store liquids in fizzy pop bottles if there is a risk of confusing It’s contents.
. Store tools properly its only funny in cartoons when someone steps on a rake or brush.
. Tidying away the hosepipe to prevent trips.
. Use cane toppers on canes to protect your eyes
. Keep a first aid kit handy in your shed, greenhouse, or car
. Long sleeves & trousers may seem unnecessary in the Summrtime but they can act as a barrier from scratches & bites.
As we all know Health & safety is mostly common sense but we can all forget when we get busy on our plots
Blog by Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary)
