Yardwork safety tips to prevent injury while working outdoors

Medically reviewed by Dr. Betsy Koickel, MD on April 24, 2026.

What are your upcoming weekend plans? As the weather warms up and the grass turns green, your yardwork to-do list might start to grow. From mowing the lawn or raking to putting down mulch or planting flowers, there is a lot to be done. If you are not careful, the simplest yard work can lead to an unexpected injury.

So as you grab your gardening tools and head outside, remember these safety tips:

Protective clothing is essential when working in the yard, as it helps shield you from chemicals, contaminants, and skin irritants commonly found in fertilizers, weed killers, and other lawn products. It also provides a barrier against ticks, mosquitoes, and other outdoor pests.

To stay protected, consider wearing gloves when handling lawn chemicals or pulling thorny weeds. High rubber boots are also recommended, as ticks tend to stay close to the ground and can easily latch onto exposed skin around your ankles and lower legs.

Power tools can be extremely useful, but they also present serious risks if not handled properly. Always ensure tools are turned off and unplugged when not in use, and take the time to understand how to operate each piece of equipment safely to prevent lacerations or other injuries.

When working outdoors with machinery or power tools, protecting your eyes is essential. Flying debris can cause severe damage, but these injuries are often preventable by wearing proper safety goggles.

Hearing protection is another good idea, since some power tools can be very loud and even cause hearing damage.

You may wonder what immunizations have to do with yard work. Surprisingly, tetanus lives in the soil and can enter the skin through cuts or other open wounds.

If you’re not up-to-date with your tetanus vaccinations, think twice before gardening. Digging in the soil can make you susceptible to a tetanus infection.

Are you moving heavy wheelbarrows full of mulch, stones, or dirt? Remember to always lift with your legs, not your back. Strained back muscles are common with heavy-duty yard work.

Always listen to your body – if it’s hurting, take a break.

Even if it’s not hot and humid outside, take breaks often and drink plenty of fluids. Yardwork can be an intense physical activity, which means your heart is working hard and your body temperature may rise.

Be on the lookout for signs of heat-related illness, such as:

• Breathlessness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Rapid pulse
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Loss of consciousness

No matter what kind of yardwork you’re doing – from something that takes an hour to something that takes all day – take regular breaks and try to stay in the shade. Be mindful of your body and don’t push yourself too far. Remember: it’s good to get back outside, but not if your yardwork is cut short by an injury.

If you do experience any type of injury from yardwork, visit an urgent care location near you. We care for injuries 7 days a week.