According to the National Safety Council there were nearly 166,294 injuries related to yard and garden equipment in 2021.

Not every accident is avoidable, but many trips to the ER are preventable. If you are going to do the job yourself, take the time and effort to maximize safety and prevent turning a nice spring day into a long emergency department visit. It is wise to wear eye protection anytime you are working with heavy machinery or sharp tools.

The lawnmower can turn your lawn into a finely manicured oasis, but it also has the potential to cause traumatic disasters. People rush to the ER every year with hands and feet that have been severely injured after coming into contact with a spinning mower blade.

Just like the mower, make sure your tools are in good working order. With electric tools, make sure the cord is intact and has no frays, exposed wires, or breaks. Know how the tool functions, especially safety features. One common source of injuries is inexperience with the project that is underway. And, never remove or bypass safety features.

A word of warning for those trimming trees, cleaning gutters or painting the house; falls from ladders and stools are a common cause of injury sending approximately 238,000 people to the emergency room in 2019, according to the National Safety Council.

You may want to consider leaving the truly challenging projects to the professionals. Still, you can be sure that an emergency physician will be there 24/7 to help you if an accident happens.