Avoiding Accidents and Injury in the Backyard. The horrible fact is that our backyard is not always the safest place to be. Taking a few vital steps now can ensure you have a safe and happy summer.
In the wake of the current pandemic, and with summer fast approaching, families will be flocking to their own backyards to avoid the crowds and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. However, there are many hazards lurking about. In this post, we will discuss some common ones as well as some you may not have thought of.
Pools, Hot Tubs, and Ponds
According to the Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus Ohio, it is a grim fact that more than 1,000 children die each year from drowning, and half of them could have been avoided if there was a four-side fence around the pool.
- Ladders into an above-ground pool should lift up and lock in place.
- Hot tubs should have a hardcover that is kept locked when not in use.
- Children should be supervised by an adult when using the pool.
- Toddler blow-up pools and plastic pools should be emptied and stored away when not in use.
- Be aware of state and local ordinances concerning pools, hot tubs, and ponds
- A sturdy fence with a child-proof latch should encircle a pond. Take care to choose a fence that a child can’t crawl under and that it can hold the weight of a child that may fall upon it.
- Decorative child-resistant covers are available for ponds.
- Have an emergency flotation device near pools.
- Make guests aware that you have a pool, hot tub, or pond for their safety.
- Never let children walk on or play with the cover of the pool, hot tub, or pond.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends swimming lessons for all children over 4. There are classes available for younger children as well.
Playground Equipment
A CDC study showed that 70% of playground deaths happen on backyard playground equipment and almost any study you look at will show falls are the number one playground injury.
- Have a safe surface material, such as pea gravel, mulch, or rubber tiles, under play equipment to cushion falls. Don’t put loose fill over concrete or cement and rake to avoid compacting.
- Younger children should always be supervised by an adult.
- Make sure equipment like swing sets are secured to the ground.
- Never tie ropes or clotheslines to the playground equipment. They can cause strangulation.
- The My Alberta website has a nice playground checklist that is worth taking a look at.
- Choose a site for the structure that is not under low tree branches or wires
- Place equipment so that there is at least 6 feet of play area surrounding it.
- Make sure any platform over 30 inches has barriers to protect from falls.
- Perform routine maintenance. Check nuts and bolts are in place and tight. Oil moving parts. Ensure plugs and caps are in place. Check for splintered wood and bent pipes and tubing. Repair accordingly.
- If you have a DIY swing set, ensure the swings are set at least 8 inches apart.
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Trampolines
Experts recommend you never get a trampoline, but if you do, remember only 30% of trampoline injuries are from falling off. The risk is in the actual use of the trampoline
- Jumping can result in fractures and sprains of limbs as well as head and neck injuries.
- Always have an adult spotter.
- Only allow one person at a time to use the trampoline.
- Don’t place near trees, poles, or fences.
- Check bolts and springs regularly and have a padded cover over the frame, springs, and hooks.
- Ensure kids don’t jump so high that they lose control of the jump.
- Remove jewelry and any loose items from pockets before use.
- Make sure the area under and surrounding the trampoline is kept clear of any objects.
- Never jump from a building, tree, or other high structure onto a trampoline.
Tree-houses
The Treehouse Guide has excellent information to avoid damage to the tree which can cause your treehouse to be unstable. I strongly suggest you read it before building a treehouse.
- The greatest risk to children is from jumps and falls.
- Build tree-houses low to the ground. No higher than 10 feet.
- Ensure the tree is sturdy enough to hold the weight.
- Never build near utility lines.
- Surround the area below the structure with wood mulch at least 9 inches deep.
- Children under 6 should always be supervised.
- Don’t use any ropes or chains. Children can be strangled by them.
- Use solid walls in construction, not guard rails.
- Perform routine maintenance of nuts and bolts, ladders, windows, and wood condition. Repair accordingly.
Slip ‘N Slide
Like the trampoline, experts recommend you never get a Slip ‘N Slide. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a warning against parents and teens using them. They are more likely to be injured.
- Use only on the grass.
- Don’t walk or run on the slide.
- Ensure there are no obstacles nearby that children can crash into.
- Never use stakes to secure it to the ground, They can become loose and cause serious injury.
- Direct adult supervision should be used when in use.
- Put slide away properly when not in use to avoid suffocation.
- Only use water. Don’t add dish soap or other slick substances.
Sandboxes
CBSNews reports sandboxes can be breeding grounds for bacteria, parasites, and other infectious germs. Dr. Marc Siegel, a professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City, describes sandboxes as “swimming pools without disinfecting chlorine.”
- Use the right kind of sand. Choose natural beach sand or river sand. Avoid any sand with tremolite in it.
- If you are building your own, construct with non-toxic landscaping timbers.
- Always cover when not in use. If sand gets wet, let dry before covering.
- Clean sand regularly to remove any foreign objects or clumped sand.
- Replace sand at least every 2 years.
- Wash both children and toys after use.
- Bugs love sandboxes. To help reduce the amount you get, plant-insect repelling plants like mint, marigolds, and lemon balm nearby. Avoid planting flowers, they will attract bugs. You can spread coffee grounds for slugs and snails and cinnamon for ants.
- Don’t let pets play in the sandbox.
Fire Pits
An ABC News Report states “Fire pits are nearly ubiquitous in backyards across the country, rated recently as the most popular outdoor design feature by the American Society of Landscape Architects. But the trend comes with a price — at least 5,300 injuries related to fire pits or outdoor heaters were treated at emergency rooms in the U.S. in 2017, according to the Consumer Products Safety Commission. That’s nearly triple the 1,900 injuries reported in 2008. A quarter of the victims are under the age of 5. Many are burned the next day when abandoned coals are still hot.”
- Always place or construct a fire pit on level ground at least 10 to 20 feet from buildings and plants
- Check local laws for requirements.
- Never have a fire pit in a partially enclosed space or under a building overhang.
- Check for low-hanging tree branches that can ignite from sparks.
- Surround fire pit with sand, stones, or brick.
- Only use seasoned wood to cut down on sparks
- Never use lighter fluid or other accelerants.
- Always use the screen if one was provided.
- Keep a hose or sand handy for any out-of-control fires. It’s also wise to have a fire extinguisher or fire blanket.
- Supervise children. Don’t allow them to get too close.
- Use heavy furniture to discourage people from moving too close. Built-in furniture is even better.
- Douse a wood pit properly when done with it. Don’t allow the fire to go out by itself.
Barbecue Grills
Statistics from The National Fire Protection Association state 2014-2018, fire departments went to an annual average of 8,900 home fires involving grills, hibachis or barbecues per year, including 3,900 structure fires and 4,900 outside or unclassified fires.
- Don’t turn the grill on with the lid closed. The build-up of gas will explode upon ignition and could blow up in your face.
- Keep your grill at least 10 feet from and structures.
- Don’t grill under a wooden roof or have any hanging decorations nearby that can easily catch fire.
- Clean the grill regularly. Grease build-up can cause flare-ups
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby for emergencies and a spray bottle of water to douse any large flare-ups.
- Check propane tanks for leaks.
- Don’t wear any flowing clothing that can ignite and pull long hair up into a ponytail.
- Keep children well away from the grill at all times.
- Don’t leave a lit grill unattended.
- If you use a charcoal grill always wait until the coals have completely cooled before disposing of them.
Lawn Mowers
Bradley Mowers states 75 people are killed and 20,000 injured each year due to lawnmower use. 1 in 5 deaths involve a child.
- Never have a passenger on a riding mower.
- Start and refuel mowers outside, never in a closed space.
- If you run out of fuel, let the mower cool down before refueling.
- When operating a lawnmower, wear long pants and sturdy closed-toe shoes. Use eye and hearing protection.
- Clear area to be mowed of rocks, sticks, and other debris.
- Don’t pull the mower backward unless absolutely necessary. always push mower.
- Don’t allow children under 12 to operate a push mower and children under 16 to operate a ride-on mower.
Yard Maintenance
According to an article in the Telegraph, gardening injuries land 87,000 people in the United Kingdom in the hospital every year.
- Always wear sunscreen when outdoors to protect against skin damage.
- Lawn sprinklers should water the lawn, not the sidewalks. You don’t want to be liable if someone slips and falls.
- When gardening wear gloves to reduce the chance of injury or irritation if you have contact with poisonous plants.
- Wash gardening tools if they come in contact with Poison Ivy or similar plants.
- Put garden tools like rakes and hedge clippers away properly after use.
- Don’t apply pesticides when children and pets are nearby. Also, avoid applying them on windy days.
- Don’t allow children or pets near an area where pesticides have been applied until the area is dry.
- Don’t operate power tools like chain saws and hedge trimmers with children nearby.
- Always lock the shed or garage where lawn tools and chemicals are stored.
- Fill any holes in the yard to prevent sprains and breaks.
- Clean up dog poop. No one wants to step in that.
- Don’t try to pet wild animals like rabbits and raccoons. They may bite and many carry diseases.
- Make sure gates are closed when children and animals are in the backyard and that fences are in good repair.
- Always check for ticks when you come in from the yard. Even if you live in an area not commonly affected by them, birds and rodents may drop them in your yard.
- Have proper outside lighting for nighttime use. Illuminate paths with solar lights to keep down electric costs.
- If you use Tiki torches make sure they are anchored down and far away from anything that can ignite.
- Dump any standing water to keep mosquitoes from having a convenient place to breed.
- Pull up stakes from lawn games like horseshoes when not in use.
I hope you found this post helpful and informative. Please enjoy your backyard. Stay happy, healthy, and safe.
