Ask the Experts Blog

Fall has arrived and the leaves are beginning to cover the ground. If you find yourself outside more than usual performing fall chores, such as raking leaves or cleaning out your gutters, it’s important to follow these tips to help ensure your safety:

Always warm up before engaging in yard work. Walk around the block, do some stretches, or engage in other light exercises before beginning. Be sure to warm up your back as it can become vulnerable to injury while raking leaves and bending over to pick up items.

Wear the right gear. In addition to dressing warmly, avoid wearing hats that block your vision or scarves that could get caught. If you are raking leaves, be sure to wear shoes or boots that are slip-resistant.

Practice ladder safety. About 180,000 ladder-related ER visits occur each year, as reported by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Ensure your ladder is placed on a level surface and never climb with your hands full. Instead of climbing a ladder to clean out your gutters, consider enlisting professional help for the job. 

Keep kid-sized equipment for your little ones. If your children love picking up pine cones or raking leaves, providing child-sized rakes and tools can prevent injuries while helping with chores.

“Being aware of your surroundings and taking every safety precaution possible dramatically reduces your risk of injury when performing fall chores,” said Kenneth Edwards, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon. “When you understand how injuries could occur, you’re more likely to take safety precautions that can keep you safe.”