Gardening: Greener instead of blue thumb
With spring and the beautiful days, the zest for action among amateur gardeners also increases - this year probably all the more so as the Federal Council has recommended staying at home if possible. However, accidents can also happen while gardening. Every year, about 14,000 injuries requiring medical treatment are recorded.
At Spring many Swiss people like to spend time in their Garden, to plant vegetables, tend ornamental shrubs or fertilize the soil. This year, this activity is likely to take on even greater significance, as it gives people the opportunity to get some fresh air and at the same time follow the Federal Council's recommendation to stay at home if possible.
Fall from the ladder particularly bad
Accidents also happen during gardening, more than 14,000 per year. In around 400 cases, serious injury or even disability is the result. Many Accidents happen because of lack of routine, ladders have the most serious - sometimes even fatal - consequences. However, the risk of accidents in your own garden can be reduced if you follow some tips and measures.
- Use a stable ladder for work at height: the safest place for the ladder is on a flat surface. And if you use an extension ladder on a tree, fix the top end to a branch for more safety.
- Always wear the appropriate protective equipment: closed-toe shoes with a good tread, safety glasses, gloves, and - if it gets loud - hearing protection.
- With electrical devices, it is always worthwhile to read the instructions carefully first - and only use the devices for what they are intended for.
- According to Electrosuisse standards, anyone using electrical equipment outdoors must connect it to a socket outlet equipped with a residual current device (RCD). This protects against electric shocks. And: If you take a break, pull the plug.
- Special care should be taken with corrosive garden chemicals: Protect gloves, goggles and mask. It is important to store the chemicals in the original container - securely closed and out of reach of children.
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