Hand Pruning Safety in Agriculture

1. When hand pruning you can find yourself in awkward positions with sharp tools. Hand pruning can cause lacerations, ergonomic strains, and face and eye injuries.

2. Before using any pruning equipment, make sure you are trained in the use of the tool. Always inspect the tool for sharpness, sturdiness, and check for damages. Make sure the tool is the right tool for the job and never try to makeshift a tool to complete a job.

3. To prevent eye and face injuries wear safety glasses and face shields. Leather or other cut resistant gloves, sturdy shoes, long-sleeved shirts, and pants should be worn. Ear protection is recommended if you may be working in an area where there is noise.

4. Just like you wouldn't run with scissors, never run with your shears and always carry at the handle, not the blade, with the blade facing down.

5. Consider a stretch and flex before you start using the shears. Take short breaks frequently when doing a repetitive task.

6. Inspect your work area before you start. If you are working near power lines, give yourself 10-feet clearance.

7. When using a ladder, set the ladder on a solid surface and never step above the top two rungs unless they are designed for stepping on. Do not face away from your ladder.

8. Pruning shears and blades should always be stored in a dry area. If you are cleaning your blades, make sure they're dry before putting them away. Also, it's important to store them in a way so the blades don't get damaged. Keep them off of shelves or the ground, and avoid leaning them against a wall.

9. In what other ways can you prevent injuries when using hand pruning shears?

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