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Working in the yard comes with its own set of perils and pitfalls and although warding against all of them is impossible following certain safety guidelines and knowing where problems may arise can help anyone to stay safe.

Tools and Equipment

Yard and gardening tools and equipment are a common source of yard injuries. To stay safe working outside with various pieces of equipment, be sure to follow a few simple safety guidelines.

Follow the instructions that come with any piece of equipment. That may mean reading that painful manual but it is much safer to know what to do rather than just going for it.

If using an extension cord be sure that the cord is a properly grounded outdoor cord to avoid risking electrical shock

Have a plan of action and assess the safety risks before starting any yard work.

If using a chainsaw and headgear be sure to wear to wear gloves, earplugs and safety goggles as well as fitted clothing. Although many precautions may seem unnecessary it is never possible to tell when something will go wrong.

Be sure to put away all yard and gardening tools when finished with them. A rake left prongs up can stab someone's foot or smack them in the forehead. This scene is funny when seen on television but it's better to stay safe and avoid the risk of a head injury.

Digging

Digging is not usually thought of as a hazardous task but to stay safe while doing working in the yard several precautions should be taken. First know where any buried gas, electrical or sewer lines run before starting to dig. If you are not sure where these lines are it is always possible to call your local utilities and check with them. Also be sure to put the shovel or other digging devise away when finished with it.

Critters

Another risk is posed by both the bug and animal creatures that can make up the wildlife in any yard. To stay safe during yard work be sure to note where any bee's nests and ant hills are and to stay away from them or have them removed. Also be sure to watch out for ticks and if you live in an area that is prone to them to wear clothing that will discourage them such as closed toed shoes and long pants. Furry animals should also be avoided, particularly foxes, raccoons, and opossums, as they can all be carriers of rabies. Snakes should also be avoided and given a wide distance.

Other tips to stay safe in the yard

Be very careful when burning any yard debris outside. Stay safe by always being prepared to douse the fire and keeping it at a manageable size.

Never let young children on or around riding lawnmowers. To stay safe when mowing the lawn be sure that that the yard is cleared of sticks, rocks and any other items that may cause problems.

Handle gas carefully. Be sure that all equipment is turned off before refilling and never have any flame around gasoline.

When using power equipment around the yard be sure that it is turned off when not in use and that children could not easily turn it on.

Be sure to use ladders only on even ground.

Learn more about this author, Megan Worley.
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