Michigan Outdoor Safety How to be protected from lawn and garden injuries

Michigan outdoor safetyThe US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) wants everyone to be aware of the need for caution and responsibility when tending to lawns and gardens. CPSC has proven that nearly 400,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries from lawn and garden tools. One out of five deaths involves a child.

CPSC recommends that the public take the necessary precautions to prevent injuries from outdoor equipment. They include:

Safety Tips for Michigan residents to avoid Outdoor injuries

  • Dress appropriately for the task
  • Wear long pants
  • Long-sleeved shirts
  •  Close-fitting clothes
  • No jewelry
  •  Sturdy shoes with slip-resistant rubber soles
  • Eye protection
  • Heavy gloves
  • Hearing protection

Before starting up machinery, remove objects from the area in which you are working that can cause injury or damaged equipment. Make sure that safety devices on the equipment are in place and functioning correctly before starting work.

  • Never let a young child ride or operate a garden tractor or riding mower.
  • Keep children indoors and supervised at all times when any outdoor power equipment is being used.
  • Never assume children will remain where you last saw them.
  • Be alert and turn off the mower if children enter the mowing area.
  • Unplug electric tools and disconnect spark plug wires on gasoline-powered tools before making adjustments or clearing jams near moving parts.
  • Turn off power tools if they must be left outside to prevent use by children.
  • Never work with electric power tools in wet or damp conditions.
  • Make Sure that extension cords are in good condition, are made for outdoor use, and are the proper gauge for the electrical current capacity of the tool.
  • Handle gasoline carefully.
  • Never fill gas tanks while machinery is on
  • Never fill when equipment is hot
  • Wipe up spills
  • Store gas in an approved container away from the house
  • Never smoke around gasoline

Stay safe while working outdoors

Finally, more consumer safety tips are available at the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Finally, for home safety tips to keep your home safe from burglars visit click the link to find out more helpful tips on protecting your home.