OSEA Safety Blog

Fall Cleanup Safety

Tis the season for the leaves to start falling! With falling leaves comes the tedious task of clean up and the risks associated with it. Common fall cleanup injuries include ergonomic injuries as well as slips, trips and falls. The following outlines simple things you can do to keep yourself safe while performing your fall cleanup chores.

1. Do some light stretching prior to starting
2. Stay hydrated
3. Plan breaks throughout the day
4. Be aware of your body positioning – keep your feet in a wide base for balance, avoid overreaching, avoid bending at the waist, and avoid twisting motions
5. Rake leaves into several small piles instead of one big one
6. Don’t allow piles or bags to get too heavy to lift without strain
7. When clearing out the gutters, your ladder should be on stable, solid ground – do not place the ladder on uneven terrain nor on muddy, slippery ground
8. Wear proper footwear – something that provides a good base of support and prevents slipping
9. Be aware of local wildlife that you may encounter – particularly any stinging or biting insects
10. Watch for poisonous plants – wear long sleeves and pants when working outdoors
11. Don’t forget to protect your skin! Even though temperatures are dropping, sunburn is still a risk – wear sunscreen