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Workplace Safety

 

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The District's Workplace Safety Committee holds regular meetings. If you're interested in joining the committee or have suggestions for consideration, please reach out to the District's Workplace Safety Coordinator. DASD staff members can attend meetings even if they are not official members of the committee. If you have a concern or want to discuss a specific topic, feel free to join a meeting. To get meeting details, contact safetycoordinator@dasd.org.

Safety Tips

Stay Safe in the Garden this Spring

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that more than 400,000 injuries, related to outdoor gardening and garden tools, are treated in emergency rooms each year.  As planting season arrives, prioritize safety for yourself and your children by following these helpful tips.
 
Gardening Hat.
Block the Sun
Sunburn can happen in any season. Protect yourself by:
  • Applying sunscreen with SPF 15+ and UVA/UVB protection.
  • Wearing a wide-brimmed hat to shield your face, ears, and neck.
  • Peak UV hours: 10 AM–4 PM (or 9 a.m.–3 p.m. during standard time).
Use the Proper Hand Tools
Use tools that are the right size and type for the job—don’t dig with your hands. Hidden objects like roots, glass, or metal can cause injury.
  • Choose tools that fit your hand comfortably to avoid blisters or muscle strain.
  • Keep your wrist straight while using tools to reduce fatigue and prevent injury.
  • Keep tools sharp and follow instructions for proper use.
Protect Your Muscles and Joints
Gardening involves repetitive tasks and heavy lifting, which can strain your body. To stay safe:
  • Switch tasks every 15 minutes and take short breaks to avoid overuse injuries.
  • Vary your activities to engage different muscle groups.
  • When lifting, use your legs and knees—not your back.
  • Hold heavy items close to your body to reduce strain.
Watch Out for Pests
After gardening, check your clothes and body for ticks—they can cause skin irritation, blisters, or even disease.
Also be cautious of:
  • Wasps
  • Mosquitoes
  • Snakes
  • Fire ants
  • Fleas
To protect yourself:
  • Use insect repellent.
  • Wear long sleeves and pants.
  • Avoid pest-prone areas and consider treating your yard with pesticides.
Gardening gloves.
Wear Gardening Gloves and Protective Shoes
  • Wear rubber-coated gardening gloves to protect against burns from fertilizers, chemicals, and pesticides.
  • Gloves prevent cuts, scrapes, insect bites, and exposure to harmful plants, fungi, and bacteria.
  • Always inspect gloves for holes or tears before using them, especially when handling garden chemicals.

 

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