After an unusually cold winter that brought snow to South Hampton Roads, many residents are taking advantage of the mild spring weather to de-clutter their garages and yards and tackle cleaning projects.
Unfortunately, spring cleaning chores can create a number of safety hazards that can lead to injuries if simple precautions are not followed, according to the American Academy of Orthpaedic Surgeons.
“Thousands of Americans are injured from cleaning and home improvement projects each year, and it is often because we fail to recognize the dangers of these seemingly simple, low-risk chores,” said orthopaedic trauma surgeon Dr. Gregory John Della Rocca, who also serves as spokesman for the AAOS. “By recognizing the risks involved in using items such as ladders, lawn mowers and power tools—and knowing how to use them properly—you can reduce your risk of injury.”
Indeed, more than 511,000 people were treated in hospitals, doctors’ offices and emergency rooms for injuries related to ladder use in 2012, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Another 301,425 people were injured from lawn mower-related injuries that same year while nearly 7,500 were treated for injuries related to power tools and more than 569,000 injuries were related to sofas, couches, davenports, divans or studio couches.
To help prevent these injuries, AAOS offers the following recommendations to stay safe this spring:
Ladder Safety
- Always place ladders on a firm, level surface. Never place a ladder on ground or flooring that is uneven, soft, wet or otherwise unstable;
- Make sure your shoelaces are securely tied and your pant legs do not extend underneath your shoes;
- When working on a ladder, leaning too far to one side or reaching too far overhead can make you lose your balance and fall. As a point of reference, your belly button should never go beyond the sides of the ladder;
- Never climb a ladder without someone nearby who is able to spot you;
- If working outside, make sure the ladder is away from electrical wires, tree limbs or any other obstructions; and
- Use a sturdy step ladder instead of a counter-top or furniture, such as a table or chair, when cleaning high, hard to reach areas.
Lawn Mower Safety
- Keep lawn mowers in good working order. When using a lawn mower for the first time in a season, have it serviced to ensure it is working correctly;
- Be sure the motor is off before inspecting or repairing lawn mower equipment;
- Use a stick or broom handle (not your hands or feet) to remove debris from the blade;
- Wear protective gloves, goggles, closed-toe, sturdy shoes and long pants when using a lawn mower. Never mow barefoot or while wearing sandals or flip flops;
- Do not leave a lawn mower unattended when it is running. If you must walk away from the machine, shut off the engine; and
- When using lawn mowers, be sure that children are not playing in the area being mowed. Never carry a child on your lap when utilizing a ride-around lawn mower or tractor.
General Safety
- Use proper technique when lifting and carrying to avoid back injuries:
- Separate your feet shoulder-width apart, bend at the knees, tighten your stomach muscles and lift with your leg muscles as you stand up; and
- If an object is too heavy or is an awkward shape, do not try to lift it by yourself.
- Read directions carefully before operating power tools and other equipment;
- Be cautious when using extension cords. To avoid tripping or falling, be sure they are properly grounded and do not drape extension cords across spans of crossing walkways;
- Take frequent breaks while working around the house and drink plenty of fluids before, during and after to prevent dehydration; and
- Always keep a phone within reach in case of accident or injury.
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