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Although gardening, whether it be in your own garden or on an allotment, it is very much known as a leisure activity and as such, it is not covered by any safety regulations or governed by any Enforcement Authority. However, it is in the best interest of the gardener to be aware of the risks and set precautions in place to eliminate them. A lot of work in the garden involves manual handling, from digging and planting to building which puts a great strain on the body. Factors affecting the individual's risk of injury include the age and physical fitness of the person. Injuries can include: |
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Externally: | ||
| Cuts, bruises, crush injuries and lacerations. | |||
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Internally: | ||
| Muscle or ligament tears, hernias (ruptures), prolapsed invertebral discs, damage to knees, ankles, shoulders and elbows. | |||
| Causes of injuries include the incorrect lifting, pushing or pulling techniques, poor posture or excessive repetition of movement. | |||
| Below are some notes that may be helpful when assessing the tasks being undertaken and avoid the possibility of accident and injury. | |||
| Assess the Risks | |||
| Although no formal risk assessment needs to be carried out it is a good idea to assess the surroundings and be aware of any potential hazards that could cause injury: | |||
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What does the task involve | ||
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What is the load | ||
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What is the working environment | ||
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Individual's capabilities | ||
| 1.1 | The Task | ||
| What elements of the task can cause problems: | |||
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Sudden movement of load | ||
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Frequent/prolonged physical effort | ||
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Insufficient recovery or rest periods | ||
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Work rate - pace yourself do not try to dig large areas all at once | ||
| 1.2 | The Loads (Lifting of Compost, etc) | ||
| Top | Are they: | ||
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Heavy, bulky or unwieldy | ||
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Difficult to grasp | ||
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Unstable or with contents that my shift | ||
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Slippery, sharp or damaging to hold | ||
| The above can be eliminated by: | |||
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Reducing load size | ||
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Reduce distance of travel | ||
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Use handling aids, eg, wheelbarrow | ||
| 1.3 |
The Working Environment
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Slippery, uneven or unstable surfaces | |
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Variations in the level of work or floor surfaces - on a hill for example | ||
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Unusually hot or cold temperatures | ||
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Humidity | ||
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Lighting | ||
| 1.4 | Individual Capability | ||
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Is unusual strength or height needed? | ||
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Workers who may have a health problem or medical condition | ||
| 2. | Digging | ||
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Tools: Try to buy and use tools that are the correct length for your height | ||
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Do not tackle too much initially if not accustomed to it | ||
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Never dig when the ground in wet or there is a heavy frost - it is difficult to do but also not good for the soil structure | ||
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Dig in small clods to avoid unnecessary strain of lifting and turning | ||
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Try to avoid twisting and turning | ||
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Wear appropriate clothing, particularly footwear | ||
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Rest frequently by doing light work between digging | ||
| 3. | Sowing | ||
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Tools: Try to buy and use tools that are the correct length for your height | ||
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Kneel whenever possible if sowing directly into the soil | ||
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Some seeds are coated with insecticide/fungicide to help germination, try to use gloves when handling, but if this is not possible always wash hands when finished | ||
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If sowing at a work bench try not to stoop as this will cause back ache | ||
| 4. | Watering | ||
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If using a watering can always fill up from the nearest watering hole to prevent lifting and carrying excessively | ||
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Only carry what is your limit | ||
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Refer to "Lifting Loads" | ||
| 5. | Using Machinery | ||
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Strimmers, Hedge Trimmers, Chain Saws: Parkhill committee endeavour to provide machinery for the convenience of members use in maintaining individual plots. The authorised keyholder reserves the right to refuse any member said use of machinery, or to refuse the loan of said machinery by any other keyholder to a member, if said member is deemed incapable of safely using the machinery or does not abide by sensible safety precautions in the use of said machinery. All members loaned machinery accept responsibility for their own safety while using said machinery and should return the machinery in good working order. If equipment is damaged please advise the key holder when you return it.. |
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Always read the user manual to gain knowledge of use | |
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If
on loan ask for training by a competent person |
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If refuelling is required, check you know the mix (petrol or petrol/oil mix) and always refill in a well ventilated area on a appropriate surface | ||
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Make sure it is not to heavy, this will put strain on the body, particularly the back | ||
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Wear appropriate clothing | ||
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Lawn Mowers, Rotavators, Shredders:
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Always read the user manual to gain knowledge of use | ||
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If on loan ask for training by a competent person | ||
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Whether manual or petrol, be aware of posture whilst using | ||
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If petrol, always refill in a well ventilated area | ||
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Wear appropriate clothing | ||
| 6. | Pesticides | ||
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Always read the instructions and directions | ||
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Be aware of surroundings | ||
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Only use when weather conditions are suitable eg dry and light or no wind | ||
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Wear appropriate clothing | ||
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Do not store in unmarked containers | ||
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Store correctly, preferably in locked cupboard away from animals and children | ||
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Use alternative biological methods if possible | ||
| 7. | Lifting Loads | ||
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Check approximate weight of load | ||
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Is the shape awkward? | ||
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Plan route, check for tripping and other hazards | ||
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Wear suitable clothing | ||
| 7.1 | The Lift and Movement | ||
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Bend the knees | ||
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Keep the back as straight as possible | ||
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Establish good balance | ||
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Ensure good grip is achieved | ||
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Use body weight to lift load | ||
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Avoid any twisting movements | ||
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Keep arms and load as close to the body as possible | ||
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