There are many potential dangers associated with work in the garden. Of course, the most dangerous aspect of gardening comes in the form of grass-care equipment. With a range of lawnmowers, strimmers and hedgecutters now sitting in most garden sheds, so too are the ever-present dangers associated with using these powerful pieces of equipment.

However, motorised equipment isn’t the only danger that faces gardeners during their work. Some types of plants, objects that may be hidden in the garden and even the sun can all present valid threats to a person’s safety.

Before relying on any safety gear and before carrying out any work, it is necessary to establish that the person in the garden is competent and well informed of the potential dangers. If you have children, you need to think about what’s a safe age to allow them to start operating garden equipment. This is not age-specific but it is vital to ensure your child has the required level of coordination, control and maturity.

Competency established, it is now time to look at safety gear and what you need. There is a wide range of safety gear available to prevent and reduce the risks involved for both you and your family. This gear is available in the majority of hardware and garden stores across the country and work in the garden should not begin without it.

Safety gloves

Safety gloves are a must for garden workers. Firstly, gloves will save you from getting splinters, pricks and cuts, which can be easily picked up from handling grass or hedge trimmings.

Gloves will also prevent contact with soil-borne and bacterial infections that may be present in your garden. Contact with animal waste, plant toxins and deadly chemicals on the lawn or hedge can also be avoided. There are various types of gloves, such as leather, latex, cotton or nitrile, and any person working in the garden should have access to a suitable type, depending on the job.

Face Shield/Safety goggles

Wearing some type of eye protection while gardening is a no-brainer. Goggles provide protection from impact and a secure shield around the entire eye to protect against hazards coming from any direction. Safety goggles are highly impact-resistant, so operator’s eyes are safe even if small stones or sticks become air-borne. Goggles can also be worn over prescription glasses and contact lenses.

A face shield will protect the entire face. This can be particularly beneficial where objects are flying at high speeds and impact could cut or mark your skin. It is recommended to use safety goggles in conjunction with face shields so that the eyes are protected when the shield is lifted.

Ear protection

Motorised equipment will always make noise. Prolonged exposure to these high decibels has the potential to cause damage to your hearing. A standard lawnmower has a decibel level of 100, which has the potential to cause serious damage after eight hours of exposure.

Clothing

While not often considered, wearing suitable clothing is very important to improve your safety in the garden.

Wearing loose-fitting clothing should be avoided at all times to prevent entanglement with machines or with hedges and bushes. Instead, tight-fitting, long-sleeved clothing should be worn. Long sleeves will prevent exposure to cuts and pricks on your arms as well as keeping your them clean. Wearing heavy trousers is also advisable to prevent stings and cuts which you may get while working on a lawn or hedge.

It is strongly recommended to wear a high-vis jacket, especially when working in conjunction with another person in the garden. With two people working side by side, it is vital both people are visible to each other.

Steel-toed boots

Having suitable footwear is very important while working in the garden. Workers should wear a thick, heavy leathered boot with steel-toe caps and under-sole if possible. While operating all mechanical garden equipment, there is a high risk from rotating blades. Steel-toe boots will minimise the risk of getting your foot caught under a lawnmower or catching your foot with a strimmer blade.

Steel-toe boots will also minimise the risk posed by hidden objects on the lawn. There is always a danger of stepping on sharp, hidden objects in the garden, especially if cutting over-grown areas.

Hat

The last part of your body to protect is your head. While the dangers to your head during gardening are not altogether evident, there are still risks present.

Workers should consider using a hard hat for certain jobs. If standing on a height or climbing on a ladder, a hard hat must be worn. It is also recommended to wear a hard hat while operating a ride-on lawn mower.

Husqvarna is one of the leading brands for garden equipment. Table 1 contains a price guide for just some of Husqvarna’s safety gear. For more information, see Husqvarna.ie