Health and Safety

Backyard Bogeys

Story by Lisa Ostrowski

You can’t tell as you gaze out over your patch of green, but the grounds can harbour a multitude of dangers.  

The short, sweet summer makes gardening a favourite pastime of many Albertans. Growing your own fruits and vegetables can encourage a healthier lifestyle for your family, not only by convincing them to eat garden-fresh goods, but by promoting more active, outdoor activities. Yet your garden can carry more risks than you may imagine. This spring, prep your garden for safety.

Some of the biggest threats in your backyard are from everyday objects. Tools and machinery in your garden, when used improperly, can be sources of injury.

Using a riding lawnmower improperly can result in serious injuries to the driver or to unsuspecting children. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, there tends to be fewer per capita lawnmower injuries in Canada than in the United States, but these accidents are preventable. The driver should be the only one on the mower and should ensure there are no children playing outside before he starts. People under 16 shouldn’t operate these mowers. Most of us have gas or electric push mowers, but these can pick up and throw objects hidden in the grass, so check the lawn before you mow. If either kind of lawnmower needs maintenance, shut the motor off, and unplug electrical mowers, before attempting repairs.

Lawnmowers aren’t the only dangerous equipment in your backyard. Just using a spade or trowel for long periods can harm muscles that are more accustomed to snow shovels. But using the wrong tools, such as a hoe when you really need a spade, can be just as dangerous. Fortunately these dangers are easily minimized.

“There are things you should look for in buying tools,” says Jim Hole of Hole’s Greenhouses, “quality, well designed, ergonomic tools. You should also make sure that you’re using the right tool for the job. If you’re up on a ladder, stretching to cut branches with a saw that wasn’t built to cut branches, there’s a higher chance you’re going to get hurt.”

There are a wide variety of ergonomic tools available from most garden centers and websites, such as www.gardenscape.ca, which can reduce muscle strain. But any tool can be dangerous if used improperly. Before buying tools, check with the staff of the garden center to make sure the tool you are buying is appropriate for the job you have in mind. And, before and after using any hand tools, try doing some simple stretches, similar to those you’d do after sitting at a computer for a long period.

Chemical pesticides and herbicides are also dangerous when used improperly. Although Health Canada has approved most chemicals intended for backyard use, some experts say to avoid the use of chemicals altogether. Weed killers are known as “cosmetic pesticides” and are not actually necessary for gardens or lawns.

“The fewer concentrations of toxic chemicals that you apply or store around the house or garden, the safer it is for children and pets. The instructions on most commercial products indicate how and when to apply the chemicals and the margin of time and the safe methods to use in harvesting the produce,” says Norm Carlson, Environmental Health Manager of Calgary Regional Health. “There are no chemicals that should be used carelessly.”

Other options besides chemical pesticides include horticultural oils and soaps, which may seem slightly less effective at first, but are actually more effective in the long run.

“Keep in mind that pesticides often kill the good insects at the same time as taking out the bad ones. Many pests don’t require a harsh chemical spray,” says Jim Hole. “Instead, you can use softer products, such as soaps and oils that won’t harm the beneficial insects. These softer products work better over the long term; it’s as if you’re teaming up with the beneficial insects.”

Besides tools and chemicals, another danger in your backyard may be the very plants in it. When you choose plants for a flower or vegetable garden, make sure to do your homework first. Certain plants, such as monkshood, may have poisonous leaves or flowers and shouldn’t be planted where pets can get at them. Other plants, such as parsnips, have leaves that may cause blistering and allergic reactions in some people and animals. To choose the best plants for your family, ask the staff of your local greenhouse or garden center. They’re likely to know what plants are suitable for you if you have kids, curious pets or allergies.

A good rule of (green) thumb is to do your research. If you use the right tool or chemical for the job you should be in no danger in your backyard this season. 

Safety checklist for the garden

Avoid the pitchfork perils and tilling tales of woe.
Keep yourself and your family safe in the garden
this summer.

•Cover up with sunscreen and a brimmed hat to prevent sunburn and sunstroke.

•Have a file on hand for minor sharpening jobs. It’ll help keep your tools in good condition, and minimize the strain on your body.

•Wear gloves, especially when you handle plants that may cause reactions.

•Protect your hearing with proper ear gear when you use loud machinery, such as a lawnmower or hedge trimmer.

•Before you mow, walk around the yard, looking for hidden objects that your mower may pick up.