Gardening and Outdoor Safety

A picture of a wooden basket full of vegetables.

With people spending more time and money on gardening in the United States, it is important to make sure you are staying safe outside while doing yard work. Below are some helpful tips to keep in mind while you are gardening and enjoying the outdoors this summer.

Dress to Protect — Use Personal Protective Equipment

If using powered tools or equipment wear safety glasses, sturdy shoes and long pants
Protect your hearing by using ear plugs or muffs when using loud machinery
Wear gloves to protect your hands from blisters, fertilizers, pesticides, bacteria, fungi, and sharp tools
Use insect repellent to protect yourself from garden pests, like ticks and mosquitoes

Check out this helpful infographic from the University of California, Berkeley on Ergonomic Tips for Home Gardening

Try some warmup exercises before starting your physical activity
Use safe body mechanics when lifting, squatting, or doing other tasks
Protect your knees
Wear a good pair of gloves
Use tools and equipment to help make work easier
Be mindful of heavy loads, and break down into multiple smaller parts when possible
Minimize repetitive fine motor motions
Take frequent rest breaks

American Society for Surgery of the Hand’s mission is, “to advance the science and practice of hand and upper extremity surgery." Check out Gardening Safety: How to Garden Pain-Free | The Hand Society (assh.org) Some helpful tips include:

Wear gloves when working outside
Avoid prolonged repetitive motions
Use Tools, not your hands
Use the right tool for the job
Check your posture

Additional resources

American Community Gardening Association: “is a grassroots non-profit advocacy organization focused on community gardening.” Learn more at their website.
Local Harvest Farmers Markets in Palatine, IL has a directory of, “over 40,00 family farms and farmers markets, along with restaurants and grocery stores that feature local food.” Check it out!
The National Gardening Association: “Since 1971, our mission is to promote gardening.” This great resource is available to anyone interested in learning more about gardening.
U.S. Hunger Relief Organization | Feeding America : “Our vision is an America where no one is hungry. Our mission is to advance change in America by ensuring equitable access to nutritious food for all in partnership with food banks, policy makers, supporters, and the communities we serve.”

Outdoor safety

For anyone planning some outdoor recreational activities, at home, in a park or out in the wilderness, check out the U.S. Army website on Outdoor Safety for some excellent resources.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s, U.S. Forest Service website has some excellent resources on recreational activities and outdoor safety tips. (General Safety Tips include: Trail Tips, Camping Tips, Lightning, If You Get Lost, Checklist)

Travel with a companion
Be in good physical condition
Think about your footing while traveling
Wear appropriate clothing
Check your equipment
Be weather wise
Learn basic first aid
Make camp before dark
Be alert for slippery areas
Alcohol and cliffs don’t mix!
Think before you drink (water in streams)

Additional resources

“Save lives, from the workplace to anyplace. The National Safety Council is America’s leading nonprofit safety advocate. We focus on eliminating the leading causes of preventable injuries and deaths.” Check out their website on Seasonal Safety, which shares helpful tips on warm weather and cold weather activities.
Pool Safely from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is "a national public education campaign to reduce childhood drownings, submersion injuries and entrapments."