With people spending more time and money on gardening in the United States, it is
important to make sure you are staying safe outside while doing yard work. Below are
some helpful tips to keep in mind while you are gardening and enjoying the outdoors
this summer.
Dress to Protect 鈥� Use Personal Protective Equipment
If using powered tools or equipment wear safety glasses, sturdy shoes and long pants
Protect your hearing by using ear plugs or muffs when using loud machinery
Wear gloves to protect your hands from blisters, fertilizers, pesticides, bacteria,
fungi, and sharp tools
Use insect repellent to protect yourself from garden pests, like ticks and mosquitoes
Check out this helpful infographic from the
Try some warmup exercises before starting your physical activity
Use safe body mechanics when lifting, squatting, or doing other tasks
Protect your knees
Wear a good pair of gloves
Use tools and equipment to help make work easier
Be mindful of heavy loads, and break down into multiple smaller parts when possible
Minimize repetitive fine motor motions
Take frequent rest breaks
American Society for Surgery of the Hand鈥檚 mission is, 鈥渢o advance the science and
practice of hand and upper extremity surgery." Check out Some helpful tips include:
Wear gloves when working outside
Avoid prolonged repetitive motions
Use Tools, not your hands
Use the right tool for the job
Check your posture
Additional resources
: 鈥渋s a grassroots non-profit advocacy organization focused on community gardening.鈥�
Learn more at their website.
has a directory of, 鈥渙ver 40,00 family farms and farmers markets, along with restaurants
and grocery stores that feature local food.鈥� Check it out!
: 鈥淪ince 1971, our mission is to promote gardening.鈥� This great resource is available
to anyone interested in learning more about gardening.
: 鈥淥ur vision is an America where no one is hungry. Our mission is to advance change
in America by ensuring equitable access to nutritious food for all in partnership
with food banks, policy makers, supporters, and the communities we serve.鈥�
Outdoor safety
For anyone planning some outdoor recreational activities, at home, in a park or out
in the wilderness, check out the for some excellent resources.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture鈥檚, website has some excellent resources on recreational activities and outdoor safety
tips. (General Safety Tips include: Trail Tips, Camping Tips, Lightning, If You Get
Lost, Checklist)
Travel with a companion
Be in good physical condition
Think about your footing while traveling
Wear appropriate clothing
Check your equipment
Be weather wise
Learn basic first aid
Make camp before dark
Be alert for slippery areas
Alcohol and cliffs don鈥檛 mix!
Think before you drink (water in streams)
Additional resources
鈥淪ave lives, from the workplace to anyplace. The is America鈥檚 leading nonprofit safety advocate. We focus on eliminating the leading
causes of preventable injuries and deaths.鈥� Check out their website on , which shares helpful tips on warm weather and cold weather activities.
from the is "a national public education campaign to reduce childhood drownings, submersion
injuries and entrapments."
