The Hub July 2017 | Page 6

Health Canada Staying safe and healthy in the garden Gardening has become an increasingly popular activity in Canada in recent years. Gardening offers many emotional and physical benefits, from peaceful meditation to vigorous exercise. But gardeners still need to be careful when using power tools and equipment and when handling fertilizers and other chemicals, especially when there are small children around. The risks Injury can happen when a lawnmower slips or overturns on a slope or wet grass, when rocks and debris fly out from underneath, or when clearing clogged blades while a power mower is still running. Injuries can be caused by falls from a ride-on lawnmower, often due to more than one person riding on it. Electric shock is a potential danger when operating tools with frayed cords or in wet conditions. Excessive noise from power garden equipment can gradually cause permanent hearing loss and the inability to hear warning sounds. Repetitive strain injury can result from doing one task for too long. Muscle strain, back injuries and blisters can be caused by moving a greater weight than your body can handle, bending, and improper use of garden tools. Dehydration can occur if you don't take in enough liquid, especially water, when you exert yourself. Over-exposure to the sun can cause sunstroke, sunburn and over the long term, skin cancer. Bulbs and seeds can be choking hazards for young children. Some plant not turn the machine on a slope, and use a slow speed and low gear. Before plugging in any power equipment, make sure the power switch is "off ". Use the right equipment, in the right way, and don’t overdo! varieties are toxic to children or pets who may try to eat them. Equipment can cause injuries if left lying on the ground. Safety tips Power Tools and Equipment Read, understand and follow all of the manufacturer's instructions before using. Always wear proper equipment when using power tools, including leather shoes or workboots, ear protection, gloves and safety glasses. Keep children out of the mowing area and never allow them to operate or ride a lawnmower. Remove all rocks, sticks, toys, and tools from the lawn before mowing. Never mow or use electrical equipment in wet conditions. Mow across the face of slopes, not up and down. For ride-on lawnmowers, do not mow in areas with a slope of over 15 degrees, do not stop or start on a slope, do Overexertion Warm up with some slow stretches, holding each for at least 20 seconds. Find a comfortable posture for your body and keep your work in front and close to you, to avoid reaching and twisting. Use pads or a padded kneeling stool for work at ground level, and rotate tasks to avoid injuries from repetition. Use the right tools for the job. Use a wheelbarrow to transport earth and equipment. Work within your strength and endurance, pace yourself, and take a break when you're tired. Make sure you drink liquids, especially water, when exerting yourself. Sun Avoid gardening between peak hours of 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is the strongest, or garden in the shade during those hours. Wear protective clothing: a large-brimmed hat, long sleeves and long pants. Wear a broadband sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 on all exposed skin. Unintentional Injuries Always safely store all equipment, tools, garden chemicals, seeds and bulbs out of sight and out of reach of young children. Keep a close eye on children when they are in the garden. Keep them away from ponds, which can be a drowning hazard. For more information about staying safe in the garden this summer, visit www.healthycanadians.ca 6 The HUB July 2017