The aesthetic appeal of your home is enhanced by a well-kept backyard with trees and blooming plants. But if a backyard isn’t kept tidy enough to be used to its full potential, it eventually turns into a storage area for miscellaneous items like garden tools and outdated outdoor toys. If you take the time and make the effort for a reliable backyard management routine, you can enjoy the beauty of having an open space. These cleaning chores may sound simple, however, because you are dealing with heavy tools as well as machinery, the chances for accidents are high.
Safety measures to follow
Dress appropriately
Do not dress in loose clothing and jewellery that might become entangled in machinery. Protect yourself against falls or fallen objects with the help of long pants, long sleeves, and strong footwear with non-slip soles (plus points for steel-toe boots). When performing tasks with loud or motorised equipment, always wear safety goggles, thick gloves, and hearing protection, such as earplugs.
Store everything safely
Stepping on, falling on, or being struck with garden equipment like shovels, rakes, and trowels can result in a variety of injuries. When near children, avoid using these tools. Keep them in secure, enclosed spaces when not in use. Weed killers and lawn fertiliser can be fatal for young children in your house. Materials that could be dangerous to children should be stored in sealed bags and kept away in places they can’t reach. If you live on a rented property, it is always a good idea to hire a bond cleaning service at the time of leaving to make sure you have a clean backyard.
Be careful when using a mower
Check your grass for any objects that could become projectiles before starting your mower, whether it be a riding or walk-behind model. Rocks, errant toys or sporting goods, and broken branches all come within this category. Never mow wet grass to prevent slipping. Wet grass is also difficult to cut. When using a walk-behind mower, avoid picking up errant branches while it is running since you risk cutting your fingers. If you want the blade to stop, always remove the bail lever on the mower.
Use protection against the sun
Unprotected skin can begin to burn from the sun’s ultraviolet rays in just a few minutes. Put on a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and a hat with a wide brim. 20 minutes before heading outside, apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen to bare skin, and reapply it as frequently as needed. If at all possible, garden in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the hottest part of the day. As much as you can, try to garden in the shade.
Do not overwork
Remember to perform simple back stretches while gardening and do some warm-up exercises before gardening. To prevent repetitive motions, rotate your tasks. For instance, switch to pruning for a while after 15 minutes of raking. Take frequent breaks, relax in the shade, and drink plenty of water. When lifting big goods, bend at the knees and avoid straining. Ask for assistance if the object is too heavy for you. Don’t spend too much time gardening.
