Fall in New England means bright leaves, crisp air and a long list of yard chores. Raking, bagging, cleaning gutters and pruning branches are good exercise, but they also send a lot of people to urgent care with sore backs, cuts and falls. Here is how to stay safe this season, how to care for small injuries at home, and when to get checked.
Why fall yard work causes injuries
Most of us spend the summer on lighter tasks. Then one weekend in October we rake for three hours straight. Raking means a lot of twisting and reaching. Bagging and lifting wet leaves puts strain on the lower back. Climbing a ladder to clear gutters adds the risk of a fall. Sharp tools like pruners, loppers and saws can cause cuts and puncture wounds. Cold mornings and wet, slippery leaves make all of this a little harder.
Simple ways to prevent strains and falls
A few small habits can protect your back, hands and head:
- Warm up first. Walk around and do a few gentle stretches before you start.
- Pace yourself. Take short breaks, drink water, and switch tasks so you are not doing the same motion for hours.
- Rake smart. Keep your back straight, use your legs and arms, and switch hands often. Pick a rake that fits your height.
- Lift with your legs. Bend at the knees, keep bags close to your body, and do not twist while lifting. Fill bags only part way so they stay light.
- Wear gloves and good shoes. Gloves help prevent blisters and cuts. Shoes with good grip help on wet leaves.
- Watch for ticks. Leaf piles can hide ticks, so check yourself, your kids and your pets after yard work.
Ladder safety for gutter cleaning
Falls from ladders can cause serious injuries, including broken bones and head injuries. The CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) shares these tips:
- Set an extension ladder at an angle of about 75 degrees on firm, level ground.
- Keep three points of contact, such as two feet and one hand, at all times. Avoid carrying tools up in your hands.
- Never stand above the second-highest step of a step ladder or the fourth-highest rung of an extension ladder.
- If you are climbing onto a roof, the ladder should reach at least three feet above the edge.
It also helps to have someone nearby who can steady the ladder and call for help if needed. If you feel dizzy, tired or unsteady, come down and take a break.
Caring for minor injuries at home
Sore back or pulled muscle. Most back strains get better on their own. MedlinePlus, from the National Institutes of Health, suggests cutting back on activity for the first couple of days, then slowly getting moving again. Using ice for the first 48 to 72 hours and then switching to heat can ease pain. Wrap ice in a cloth so it does not touch your skin. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help; follow the package directions. Gentle walking is usually better than staying in bed.
Blisters and small cuts. Wash the area with soap and clean water, cover it with a clean bandage, and keep it clean and dry. Watch for signs of infection, like more redness, warmth, swelling, pus or fever.
Puncture wounds and dirty cuts. Garden tools and soil can carry germs, including tetanus. According to the CDC, adults usually need a tetanus booster every 10 years, or after 5 years in the case of a severe or dirty wound. If you are not sure when your last shot was, ask a provider.
When to visit urgent care
Our minor injury care team can help with yard work injuries that need more than a bandage. Come see us if you have:
- A cut that is deep, gaping, or keeps bleeding even after you press on it
- A puncture wound, a dirty wound, or a wound with something stuck in it
- Signs of an infected cut or blister
- A possible sprain or broken bone, such as swelling, bruising, or trouble putting weight on a foot, ankle or wrist
- Back pain that is not improving after a few days, or that keeps you from normal activities
- A minor fall from a step stool or low ladder where you want to make sure nothing is broken
Both our Acton and Canton clinics have X-ray on site, so we can check for a fracture during your visit. No appointment is needed. Just walk in, or reserve your spot online to save time.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if…
- Someone falls from a ladder or roof and hits their head, passes out, or seems confused
- There is a possible neck or spine injury. Do not move the person; call 911
- Back pain comes with loss of control of your bladder or bowels, or new numbness or weakness in your legs
- Bleeding is heavy and will not stop with firm pressure
- A bone is pushing through the skin or a limb looks badly bent
- There is chest pain, trouble breathing, or signs of a stroke while working outside
Enjoy the fall colors, and take it slow out there. If an injury slows you down, our team in Acton and Canton is here to help, seven days a week.