How to Survive Spring Cleaning Without Injury

How to Survive Spring Cleaning Without Injury

Warm weather is here again.  That means mowing your lawn, planting flowers, and weeding the garden—and doing spring cleaning indoors.  Household chores can help you get some physical activity, but it’s important to stay safe while completing your tasks.  When working in and around your house this spring, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) recommends that you follow these seven tips:

• Warm up and stretch before doing any strenuous work at home.

• Use proper techniques when lifting, carrying, and bending.  Keep your feet shoulder-width apart, bend at the knees, and tighten your stomach muscles.  Lift with your leg muscles as you stand up.  When lifting heavy or awkward objects, ask a friend or family member for help.

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• Don’t twist your body as you rake your lawn.  Use your legs to shift your weight and switch sides.  The same goes for pulling weeds and washing your car.

• Be careful when using ladders to clean gutters, trim trees, or to do other work.  Use a proper ladder in good condition to reduce your risk of falling.  And be sure to have a buddy spot you when you use a ladder—you’d be surprised how easy it is to fall off one.

• Lawn mowers and gardening tools can cause serious injury if not used properly and kept in good repair.  Have your lawnmower serviced every spring to keep it in good working order.

• Use a mop to clean floors instead of getting down on your hands and knees.

• When vacuuming, push the vacuum in front of you and walk in a long line, then pull back the same way.  Pushing and pulling in short strokes can hurt your back.

One more thing—many household and garden chemicals are toxic.  Always read the labels before using any chemical and wear protective clothing and gloves.  You can also find nontoxic substitutes that are safer for you and the environment.

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