With the summer on the way, many of us plan to spend our time enjoying the open space of our lawns and yards. However with 350,000 accidents occurring in the garden per year, Hertfordshire Accident Prevention Group (HAPG) is asking people to be careful whilst out enjoying the sunshine.

Most people enjoy working on their gardens, however 50,000 accidents happen while people are actively gardening. Most common accidents happen with stepladders, barbecues and cluttered sheds. Indeed, 25,000 people are injured using power tools, most commonly lawnmowers.

Below are some basic pieces of advice to prevent accidents in the garden:

Tools and equipment

• Make sure all your tools are in good working order before you use them. Store them safely and try not to clutter your shed – this will help avoid unseen dangers lurking inside.
• Never use electrical equipment in wet conditions and always use a circuit breaker.
• Repair uneven or broken paving that can lead to trips and falls.

Children

• Supervise children when in the garden – particularly if you have a paddling pool or pond. It only takes an inch of water for a young child to drown.
• Ensure that play equipment is safe and in good order. Look for the British/European Standard labels.
• For your own safety, clearly label weed killers, insecticides and other dangerous chemicals if they are not in their original containers and keep out of children’s reach.

Fires

• Always supervise fires, bonfires or barbecues and site them away from sheds and fences. Keep a bucket of water handy for emergencies.
• Severe burns are often caused when lighting (or re-lighting) barbecues with flammable liquids such as petrol. Only use firelighters or special gel type starter fluids.

………………….., Chair of the Hertfordshire Accident Prevention Group says: “Although much of this advice is obvious, it is clear from the numbers attending hospital each year that garden safety is still an issue. We want to remind people who enjoy using their gardens about the dangers that can occur.”

For more information please contact the District or Borough Council Environment Health Office in your area

Issued on behalf of the Hertfordshire Accident Prevention Group