Safe work in the garden-a happy green corner

Working safely in the yard is not only a pleasure, but also a responsibility. Compliance with occupational health and safety regulations is crucial to prevent injuries and illnesses. Here are the basic rules that you should know and apply when gardening:

Preparing for work

• Check the weather – Always check the weather forecast before you start working in your backyard. Avoid working during extreme weather conditions such as heat waves, storms, or freezing temperatures. High temperatures can lead to overheating and heat stroke, and working during thunderstorms is associated with the risk of lightning damage. Frost, in turn, increases the risk of slipping and injury.
• The right outfit – Proper clothing is crucial for working safely in the backyard. Wear protective clothing such as long pants and long-sleeved shirts to protect your skin from scratches and insect bites. Gardening gloves are necessary to protect your hands from cuts, calluses, and contact with potentially harmful substances (gloves are available in stores for almost any type of work-see examples: https://kams.com.pl/k12,rekawice-robocze.htmlA hat or sun protection hat will help you avoid sunstrokes and burns. Suitable shoes are durable shoes with non-slip soles that will protect your feet from injury and provide stability on a variety of surfaces.

Tools and equipment

• Choosing the right tools – Choosing the right tools for the job at hand is crucial. Use tools tailored to your strength and abilities. Working with tools that are too heavy or complex can lead to overexertion and injury.
• Regular maintenance – Regularly check the technical condition of tools and equipment. Damaged tools can cause accidents. Sharpening tools such as scissors, pruning shears, or knives is essential for more efficient and safe work. Blunt tools require more force, which increases the risk of accidents.

Working technique

• Ergonomics – Ergonomic working methods help to avoid injuries. When lifting weights, always bend your knees, keep your weight close to your body, and lift your back straight. Avoid staying in one position for a long time – change your position regularly so as not to overload your muscles and joints. Good work habits reduce the risk of injuries and back pain.
• Traffic safety – When working with tools, make sure that there are no other people around, especially children. This prevents accidental injuries. When you are finished, always put your tools in a safe place. Leaving them on the ground or in the wrong place can lead to accidents.

Health protection

Irrigation system

Regular water intake is essential to avoid dehydration, especially on hot days. When exposed to the sun, the body loses a lot of fluids due to sweating, which can lead to dehydration. To prevent this from happening:

• Drink water at least every hour, even if you don't feel thirsty.
• Avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol, which can accelerate dehydration.

Sun protection

Protecting your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays is extremely important:

• Use UV creams to protect your skin from sunburn. Choose broad-spectrum creams with a high SPF (at least 30).
• Work in the shade if possible, especially during the hours of greatest sunlight, i.e. from 10: 00 to 16: 00. If you can't work in the shade, take frequent breaks in sun-protected areas.
• Wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses with a UV filter.

Protection from insects and plants

While working in the garden, we are exposed to insects and plants that can cause allergic reactions or skin irritation:

• Use repellents to avoid being bitten by insects such as mosquitoes or ticks. Choose medications that are effective and safe for your health.
• Be careful when working with plants that can cause allergic reactions. Wear gloves to avoid direct contact with plants with toxic properties, such as nettle or Sosnowski's borscht.

Handling in case of an accident

First Aid kit

Always have a first-aid kit equipped with:

• Basic bandages, such as bandages, gauze swabs, patches, and sterile bandages.
• Disinfectants for cleaning wounds.
• Scissors, tweezers, and disposable gloves.

Knowledge of first aid basics

Knowing the basic rules of first aid can be invaluable in the event of an accident. Is worth:

• Take a first aid course to learn how to deal with emergencies.
• Know how to properly apply a bandage, help with burns, cuts or bites.

Environmental awareness

Use of chemicals

The use of plant protection products requires caution:

• Always use chemicals in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Improper use can be harmful to health and the environment.
• Keep chemicals in a safe place, away from children and pets.

Natural and ecological plant protection products

Considering the use of natural and organic plant protection products is good for the environment:

• Choose natural pesticides and fertilizers that do not harm the environment and are safe for your health.
• Use biological methods, such as using beneficial insects to control pests.

Planning and organization of work

Activity planning

Good gardening planning is crucial:

• Make a work schedule to avoid haste and improvisation, which can lead to accidents.
• Think through the order of tasks to make optimal use of time and resources.

Appropriate breaks

Regular work breaks are essential to prevent fatigue and increase efficiency:

• Take short breaks every 1-2 hours to relax and hydrate yourself.
• During breaks, try to stay in the shade or cool place so that your body can recover.

Compliance with these rules will ensure not only safety, but also comfort of working in the yard. Health and safety are of paramount importance, so it's worth taking the time to properly prepare and organize your work.

FAQ: Safe gardening

What are the best clothes for working in the backyard?

It is best to wear long trousers and long-sleeved shirts that protect the skin from scratches and insect bites. Gardening gloves are needed to protect your hands, and a hat or hat is needed to protect you from the sun. Shoes should be strong, with non-slip soles.

Why is it important to drink water regularly while working in the backyard?

Drinking water helps to avoid dehydration, especially on hot days. Hydration is crucial for maintaining a normal body temperature and functioning of the body.

How can I protect myself from the harmful effects of the sun?

Use UV creams, wear protective clothing and a hat. Work in the shade if possible, especially during the hours of greatest sunlight, i.e. from 10: 00 to 16: 00.

What should I do to avoid insect bites?

Use repellents that repel insects. Wear clothing that covers as much of your skin as possible to minimize the chance of bites.

What are the safest plant protection products?

Natural and ecological plant protection products are the safest. Avoid excessive use of chemical plant protection products and always follow the manufacturer's instructions.

What should a first-aid kit contain for gardening?

The first aid kit should contain basic bandages such as bandages, gauze swabs, plasters, disinfectants, scissors, tweezers, and disposable gloves.

What are the basic rules of first aid that I need to know?

It is worth knowing the rules of first aid, such as how to deal with cuts, burns, insect bites and basic resuscitation methods.

How do you plan your gardening activities to be safe and efficient?

Make a work schedule, avoid haste and improvisation. Plan a sequence of tasks to make optimal use of time and resources, and take regular breaks to prevent fatigue.

Why is it important to check the weather forecast before starting work in the backyard?

Checking the weather helps you avoid working in extreme weather conditions such as heat, storms, or freezing temperatures, which in turn minimizes the risk of injury and accidents.

How do I take care of my garden tools so that they are safe to use?

Regularly check the technical condition of tools and equipment, sharpen them to make them more efficient and safe. Keep your tools in the right place after you finish your work.

Remember that safe work in the yard is not only compliance with labor protection rules, but also awareness of your own capabilities and concern for your health. With proper preparation and planning, you can enjoy a pleasant and safe outdoor experience.