Take it from the professionals at JKE Enterprise Landscaping Supply: every type of landscape project holds potential for danger. Certainly, as landscapers we deal with heat, sharp tools, and repetitive work on a daily basis. These perils can result in injury or damage to your home (broken waterline, tree limbs on roofs) even for the most experienced contractor — let alone for a homeowner attempting to make the repairs themselves!
Do-it-yourself landscaping projects can be among the most dangerous, as homeowners lack the training to freak accidents from occurring. To keep all DIY landscapers safe this spring and summer, JKE has provided the following tips:
Dress Appropriately for Landscaping
While landscaping, one should always wear clothing that is bright and of a highly-visible color. Believe it or not, the leading cause of fatalities among landscapers is car accidents. Don’t be another statistic—make sure that people can easily see you while working.
There are other preventative fashion measures a landscaper must take as well: long pants, closed-toed shoes, gloves, and ear and eye protection are essential to preventing flying debris or tools from causing injury. It’s also important to avoid wearing any jewelry or loose clothing that could get caught in the equipment.
Only Use the Sharpest Tools
Despite common opinion, a dull blade is much more dangerous to a user than a sharp one. Because a landscaper must use more force with a dull blade, repetitive stress injuries can follow. By keeping your hand tools in sharp, working order, one can prevent injury while getting the job done faster and easier.
Respect the Power of Power Tools
The tools used to perform landscaping projects (tillers, blowers, mowers, and trenchers) can result in serious personal injury if operated incorrectly. Before using a power tool for the first time, it’s important to read the safety manual first. Doing so will tell a user not only how to effectively operate the equipment, but what to do if it malfunctions as well.
Use Caution While Making Repairs.
Jams in a power tool or mower happen sometimes, and that’s fine. Prior to fixing such problems, always make sure that the power supply is turned off and that every blade is motionless. All too often, landscapers undergo impromptu amputations resulting from contact with spinning blades in lawnmowers and other tools.
Because of the great danger associated with landscaping, it’s best to leave the biggest and most complicated projects to the professionals. It’s all too easy for an inexperienced landscaper to incur injury if they’re not careful. For years, JK Enterprise Landscape Supply has helped Northern Virginia home and business owners beautify their properties and are here to help you. Not only do we want to make your home’s appearance stand out, we want you to stay safe in the process!
