More than five million people in Austria garden, and on average more than forty people are injured every day. Falls are the most common cause of accidents. Very serious injuries often occur when working with machines, most of which involve the hands.
“Every year, on average, more than 16,000 people are so seriously injured while gardening that they require hospital treatment,” reports the Road Safety Board (KFV).
Broken bones (46 percent), open wounds (25 percent), and tendon and muscle injuries (eleven percent) are the most common types of gardening injuries.
Hand injuries are the most common
The hands are particularly commonly affected and are responsible for approximately one third of injuries. The upper limbs as a whole – from the hand to the shoulder – account for just over half of all cases. In 32 percent of all injuries, the lower extremities, especially the ankle, lower leg, foot and knee, require treatment.
Be careful with lawn mowers, chainsaws, etc.
Seven percent of accidents involve motorized or electrically powered equipment, such as lawn mowers, chainsaws or hedge and tree trimmers. For the safety of children and pets, robotic lawnmowers should only operate when no one is in the garden, but never at night or at dusk when small animals such as hedgehogs or lizards are nearby.
Haste and carelessness lead to accidents
However, most accidents happen due to distraction, hecticness and carelessness, according to the KFV. A fall occurs in 60 percent of cases: “Falls while gardening are mainly caused by slipping or tripping over tools, unrolled garden hoses or cut branches.” One in ten gardeners treated in hospital falls from ladders or trees.
Tips for a safe gardening season
Experts recommend functional clothing, gloves and sturdy shoes, wearing safety glasses when pruning hedges, for example, and great caution when handling a chainsaw: “It is best to wear trousers with cut protection.”
Ladders should ideally be held by a second person and equipment should be checked for functionality and safety before each use.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
