The GutterBrush Guys, Ltd. (www.gutterbrush.com) enjoy being outside and completing important home improvement/maintenance projects very much. But we are also always mindful of the safety of ourselves and those around us. Take a moment and consider taking health and safety precautions when raking leaves, cleaning gutters and performing other outdoor chores. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) taking a few simple steps and precautions can keep you from becoming injured while out of doors doing chores this autumn. “Many people work vigorously in the yard during the autumn season, and it often takes a toll on your body,” AAOS spokesman Dr. Laurence Laudicina, said in a news release from the academy. “Raking leaves and cleaning out the gutters are popular seasonal chores that can lead to falls or strain to your back and upper body.” In 2008 in the United States, about 617,000 people suffered injuries caused by rakes, other outdoor garden supplies and ladders, the U.S. Consumer Protection Safety Commission noted.
So to help everyone avoid becoming one of those statistics we wanted to pass along some of the tips presented by the AAOS:
•Warm up for at least 10 minutes with some stretching and light exercise before beginning work in the yard.
•Use a rake that’s comfortable for your height and strength. You can prevent blisters by wearing gloves or using a rake with a padded handle.
•Make sure that hats or scarves don’t block your vision, and watch out for large rocks, low branches, tree stumps or uneven surfaces.
•Vary your movements and alternate your leg and arm positions often. When picking up leaves, bend at the knees, not at the waist.
•Wear shoes or boots with slip-resistant soles.
•Don’t overfill leaf bags, especially if the leaves are wet. You should be able to carry bags comfortably.
•Don’t throw leaves over your shoulder or to the side. That kind of twisting motion places undue stress on your back.
•Inspect ladders for loose screws, hinges or rungs, and make sure it is free of mud, dirt or liquids.
•Make sure all ladder legs rest on a firm, level surface. Don’t use ladders on uneven ground or soft, muddy earth.
•Always face a ladder when climbing and descending.
•Confirm that the ladder is fully open and locked before you climb it.
•Angle ladders about 75 degrees from the ground.
•Don’t sit or stand on the top of the ladder or on its pail shelf.
•Use the right ladder for the job. Step stools or utility ladders are good for working at low or medium heights, while extension ladders should be used outdoors to reach high places.
Thanks heaps for this indeed!… if anyone else has anything, it would be much appreciated. Great website, Enjoy!…
Awesome, I did not know about this topic up to now. Cheers.
Excellent ideas here, have emailed my mum so expect a big reply!!
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I am a working mom in my mid 40-ties from the Midwest, and running is my hobby. Thus, I have to experience back pain a lot. After I did run my last run I had to make a break. It was aching terribly. Meanwhile I am recovering from back pain. I followed the advice I found here: Get Back Pain Relief Now and Lose The Back Pain (Get Your Free Pain Relief Guide!)
Jesse Canonne, the founder of The Healthy Back Institute, just lately published his new book titled “The 7 Day Back Pain Cure” and for the moment you can get it for FREE. Get a Gratis copy. And hurry – this offer can be taken from the market at any time!
Thank you again and keep up your solid work and much success!
P.S.: Give A Helping Hand to the peoples of Haiti! For your donantion, check out Yele Haiti
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