RoSPA Press Office : Press Release

May 25, 2000
GARDENERS WARNED OF BANK HOLIDAY DANGERS

Bank Holiday gardeners beware! Tending lawns, hedges and flower beds can land you in hospital, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents warned today.

More than 6,000 people injure themselves with mowers each year and about 4,800 have accidents with hedge trimmers.

Around 3,700 are hurt by secateurs, 3,000 by spades and shovels and even the humble flower pot leads to 3,500 hospital visits. Garden canes cause another 2,000 injuries.

Sarah Colles, RoSPA Home Safety Adviser, said: "The gardening season is moving toward its peak and this Bank Holiday weekend is a favourite time for tidying up and planting out.

"Garden tools can be dangerous if not used properly, and particular care needs to be taken with things like electric mowers and hedge trimmers.

"Tools and chemicals should be kept well out of the way of children when not in use - preferably locked in a shed."

A simple precaution like wearing gloves could prevent many injuries. And an RCD - residual current device - should be used with power tools to cut off the electricity in the event of an accident.

If the weather perks up, barbecues can also pose problems. About 1,000 people have barbecue injuries during a hot summer - some suffer serious burns. Children must be supervised near barbecues at all times - even when the cooking is completed. Make sure the barbecue is stable and on a level surface. Never pour petrol or meths onto the barbecue and use thick gloves when handling skewers and metal trays.

About 400,000 people are hurt in garden accidents each year and 50 people die.