Accidents do happen, but many could probably have been avoided by following a few simple practices.

Many adults end up in hospital every year because they followed bad practices when working on their garden.

The garden is not a war zone but there are things within it that should be treated as an enemy.

Before you get to work check that the area, and conditions, are safe to proceed.

Always wear the appropriate safety clothing. Sturdy footwear and gardening gloves are essential for all work and use added protection such as goggles, hard hats and ear plugs when undertaking work such as lopping tree branches.

The early signs of spring often brings the temptation to get out and mow the lawn, and whether a hand, electric or diesel mower this is the main cause of garden-related accidents.

Before carrying it out of the shed people have tripped over items that had not been stored safely, leaned over too far to pick it up and pulled a muscle, tripped on an uneven piece of garden path or dropped it on their foot.

Assuming you have moved the mower safely it is important to give it an initial check over, (wearing a glove) ensure the blades are free and check that all electrical cables are sound.

Before mowing, check the lawn for any hidden obstructions, an unused lawn for a few months may have collected some debris that will cause damage to the mower and potentially yourself. Always use with a trip-switch to ensure power is cut immediately a fault occurs.

To prevent personal injury all manual work should be assessed prior to starting a job.

If something needs lifting, ensure you are able to lift it correctly, bent knees, straight back, and if too heavy, do not attempt to pick it up yourself, but get other assistance.

Use a long-handled hoe or rake to prevent bending and possible back damage, kneel or sit on a low stool when undertaking ground level work and if using a fork or spade it is your legs that that should push equipment into the ground not the weight of your back.

Ladders should be used correctly, never stand on the top step or lean further than you can comfortably reach.

Other things to consider carefully, especially with children around, are the safe storage of pesticides, any poisonous plants in the garden and sharp rose thorns which can pierce the skin and cause tetanus.


Top 10 gardening injuries

Lawn mowers (6,500 accidents in the UK each year)

Flower pots (5,300)

Secateurs and pruners (4,400)

Spades (3,600)

Electric hedge trimmers (3,100)

Plant tubs and troughs (2,800)

Shears (2,100)

Garden forks (2,000)

Hoses and sprinklers (1,900)

Garden canes and sticks (1,800)