Safety in the garden

*Be careful not to snip your fingers or hands when pruning!

* Use safety toppers on garden canes and stakes, even if bright tape to mark them.

* Store tools so they won't fall on someone. Even when laying tools down outside, make sure blades on shovels, hoes, and gravel rakes are facing down. This will keep you or someone from stepping on them, hurting your foot or springing the handles up to your head.

* Use ladders long enough for the job. Make sure they are in good repair, with no cracks or broken parts, and with anti-skid pads. Make sure they are set up on level ground. And don't step too high on them, above the marked safe rungs.

When using power equipment such as leaf blowers and weed trimmers, know how to operate machinery safely, even if this seems obvious. Store gasoline in safe containers and locations. Use proper clothing and protective gear for your body, especially ear and eye protection. I have some denim “chaps” found online, made specially to attach quickly around legs with velcro. Use slip-resistant shoes. Don't wear loose jewelry that might get entangled. If using chain saws, learn their own specific safety precautions.

When mowing, turn mowers off and remove the spark plug wire before trying to work on or underneath them. Make sure mowers have safety shields. Watch for rocks and debris, and don't mow over. Disengage blades before crossing gravel drives or walks. Don't mow with children nearby -- this is a leading cause of accidents. One out of every five deaths from riding mowers involves a child. If using a push mower, mow across slopes. Wear heavy shoes, leg (pants) and eye protection. Never pull a hand mower towards yourself. If using a riding mower, don't go on steep slopes. Mow up and down slight slopes. Watch behind when backing.