Clinical staff share gardening safety reminder

Health staff at NHS Grampian are urging North-east residents to take care as they venture out into their gardens this Spring.

It is estimated that around 740 people injury themselves across Grampian each year while undertaking horticultural projects – with around 70 admitted to a hospital bed.

Some of those patients are left facing a lengthy recovery, in some cases after surgery, with a small number facing life-changing injuries.

Consultant orthopaedic surgeon Louise McCullough said: “Ultimately our message is enjoying the Spring and Summer weather, enjoy outdoor spaces, but if you are gardening, please think twice and think safety first. Hopefully we won’t have a need to see you at one of our emergency departments.

“Every year people lose fingers, toes, eyes, or worse while undertaking gardening tasking, but not taking the correct safety precautions.

“Simple things like cutting the grass – wear proper footwear. Accidents can and do happen. The blades on a mower can even send a stone flying at some speed into your foot. For some tasks you might even want to consider wearing toe capped boots.

“Unplug mowing machinery before checking inside or underneath (if it’s electric), and if it’s petrol the machine should be off for 10 seconds and tipped to the oil filler side to inspect it.

“Wear gloves and cover other areas of the skin when pruning flowers, bushes or cutting hedges – it gives you some protection from the blades and from any sap. It also helps avoid things like splinters, which can in some cases lead to infections.

“Protect your eyes when using strimmers and use the appropriate protective equipment if you are spraying weed killer, making sure to read the instructions to see when it is safe for children, adults and pets to come into contact with that area.

“It is also recommended to wear a dust mask when undertaking some activities, including potting as plants can release particles and can cause coughing and irritation.

“Be careful when lifting heavy items, like branches or gardening equipment, or climbing ladders,” Louise added.

“Enjoy the current warm spell, wear sunscreen and drink plenty water. We hope you have a fantastic Spring and Summer when the weather allows, and very much hope not to meet you in one of our emergency departments.”

The Royal Horticultural Society has some excellent advice on how to garden safely, you can read it here: www.rhs.org.uk/garden-jobs/how-to-garden-safely