HOW TO RAKE LEAVES
THE RIGHT WAY
RAKING LEAVES: IT’S A SIMPLE, HARMLESS CHORE, RIGHT? NOT ENTIRELY.
In 2012, Americans
suffered more than
38,000 INJURIES
DURING THEIR ANNUAL YARD CLEANUP.1
Before you check off the fall to-do, study these safety tips:
THE RIGHT TOOLS
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CLOSED-TOE SHOES
A RAKE FIT
FOR THE JOB:
comfortable for
your height and
light enough to
use without strain
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4
LONG PANTS AND
SLEEVES to protect
against insect bites
and rashes
5
GLOVES
to prevent
blisters and
splinters
A MASK if you
have allergies
or asthma
THE RIGHT POSTURE
Raking leaves can
cause back, neck
and shoulder pain.
NECK RELAXED
THIS POSTURE
CAN HELP AVOID
MUSCLE INJURY:
ELBOWS BENT
AT YOUR SIDES
KEEP BACK STRAIGHT
ONE FOOT
FORWARD WITH
THE OTHER BACK
ALSO CONSIDER:
STRETCHING before you start raking
CHANGING THE POSITION of your hands and legs regularly
USING YOUR LEGS to shift weight — avoid twisting your body
RAKING DRY LEAVES ONLY — wet leaves are heavier
and can cause slips and falls
BENDING AT THE KNEES and not at the waist
when filling and picking up bags
NEVER THROWING BAGS OVER YOUR SHOULDER —
this can twist and stress your back
NEVER FILLING BAGS with more than you can safely carry
THE RIGHT DISPOSAL
CHECK LOCAL LAWS TO SEE IF YOU ARE
ALLOWED TO BURN LEAVES or if they must
be disposed of in a designated facility. If
burning is allowed, avoid doing so on windy
days. SELECT A SITE THAT IS AWAY FROM TREES,
GRASS AND OTHER FLAMMABLE MATERIALS.
http://newsroom.aaos.org/media-resources/news/rake-safely-tipsfor-an-injury-free-fall-cleanup.htm
The information in this article was obtained from various sources.
While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant
the accuracy or reliability of the information. These suggestions are
not a complete list of every loss control measure. The information
is not intended to replace manuals or instructions provided by the
manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. Nor is it
intended to effect coverage under any policy. State Farm makes no
guarantees of results from use of this information. We assume no
liability in connection with the information nor the suggestions made.
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