Gardening Safety: Avoid These Common Hazards
As far as hobbies go, gardening is generally a peaceful endeavour. But it's not entirely without risk. Master gardener Jennifer Deeks shares tips for staying safe.
COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION
Most of us would not categorize gardening as an extreme sport, but there is definitely the potential for danger. This article is the first in a series that will focus on garden safety, including environmental risks, mechanical and ergonomic concerns, and managing insect threats and allergic reactions.
Sunburn and Heatstroke
Ontario’s potent summer combination of hot temperatures and high humidity makes it hard for our bodies to make good use of sweating to stay cool. Heavy garden work, even during moderate temperatures, should be punctuated by lots of hydration and rest breaks.
Heat illness appears as heat exhaustion (headache, muscle cramps, dizziness, and reduced urination) followed by heat stroke (loss of consciousness, disorientation, hot flushed skin, and no sweating). Heat exhaustion requires that you stop work, move to a cool area, and rest and rehydrate. If someone is suffering from heat stroke, they need to be moved to a shady area and seek medical attention – including calling 911 if necessary.
To prevent heat illness, drink fluids steadily before you feel thirsty. For normal low to moderate intensity activity, plain water is sufficient. If you are doing high intensity work over a long period – for example, removing heavy sod — then replenishing electrolytes using coconut water or sports drinks may be more appropriate.
The Centre for Disease Control recommends replacing fluids at a rate of 8 ounces (1 cup) of water every 15 to 20 minutes.
Sunburn is uncomfortable, but developing skin cancer from cumulative UV damage is the larger concern. Both milder repeated burns and less frequent but severe burns significantly elevate the risk of melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal carcinoma (Skin Cancer Foundation).
Liberal and repeated applications of high SPF sunscreen throughout the day will help prevent damage to exposed skin. Don’t forget to protect your ears, along your hair part, and that little spot on your lower back where your shirt rides up!
A wide brimmed hat does double duty in reducing sun and heat exposure and loose fitting long-sleeved, light-coloured clothing, is helpful. It’s important to remember than even on a cloudy day, UV rays that you can’t see are still penetrating skin.
Timing your garden work for early morning and late evening will allow you to miss the most intense sun and the hottest temperatures. I encourage you to enjoy a little siesta and get back at it when it cools off.
Storms
Storms are another predictable summer hazard when high heat and humidity cause unstable atmospheric conditions. While storm fatalities are rare, approximately 180 Canadians are struck by lightning each year (Health Canada Statistics).
When a storm approaches, be prepared to go indoors. Sheltering under a tree or porch is still a dangerous situation and if you are really stuck, a vehicle with the windows rolled up is the next best choice. When venturing back out into the garden following a storm, remain alert for hazards such as downed power lines or damaged tree limbs that are at risk of falling.
While gardening is generally a low-risk activity, it is still outdoors and physical, and comes with its own set of dangers to be managed and mitigated.
Are there other hazards you’ve noticed or experienced? Share yours in the comments
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