The Great Outdoors is Calling…Make Sure You’re Prepared!

Well, the weather is finally starting to get nice and with it, we all turn our collective attention to the great outdoors. Whether for work or pleasure, if you plan to spend any significant time outside doing landscaping work, here are ten safety and security tips to remember when dealing with machinery, insects, heat and more.

1. First and foremost, always keep an eye on the thermometer and take all necessary precautions when working in the heat.
2. Stay hydrated – when working in hot weather nothing is more important than drinking plenty of water. Stay away from liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar as they can actually cause you to lose body fluids.
3. Be alert for any signs of heat-related illness especially high body temperature, headache, dizziness, rapid pulse or nausea.
4. Treat the sun with respect. Reduce the risk of sunburn and skin cancer by wearing long sleeves, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunshades. Use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher.
5. When operating a lawn mower, blower or other machinery, make sure you wear safety goggles, sturdy shoes and long pants.
6. Make sure your equipment is working properly.
7. Don’t forget to protect your ears and hearing when operating machinery.
8. Wear gloves to protect from skin irritations, cuts, and contaminants.
9. If you’re in a heavily wooded or damp area use insect repellant containing DEET.
10. Always follow instructions and warning labels on chemical and lawn and garden equipment.