Spring cleaning can be fraught with danger, warns the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. To make sure you stay safe while sprucing up, Rosemont, IL-based AAOS offers the following tips:
- Follow proper lifting and bending techniques — separate your feet to shoulder width and use your leg muscles to stand up. Do not try to lift heavy or awkward objects by yourself.
- When gardening, avoid prolonged repetitive motions such as digging, planting and trimming. Take frequent breaks.
- To get to hard-to-reach areas, use a step ladder rather than a chair or counter.
- Always be sure ladders are placed on a firm, level surface. Never use ladders on ground or flooring that is soft, wet or uneven. Do not overreach: Your belly button should not go beyond the sides of the ladder.
- Read labels on gardening and cleaning products for proper use, and wear protective clothing when necessary.
- Store all chemicals at a proper temperature and out of reach of children and animals.
