Avoid Injury When Spring Cleaning

Posted: May 1, 2005

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), a number of spring-cleaning activities can be dangerous if safety measures are not taken. Seniors may be at a greater risk due to underlying health problems so extra precaution is suggested.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends the following guidelines for your spring-cleaning projects:

• Stretch and perform proper warm-up prior to starting clean-up projects around the home, such as painting or gardening.
• Proper techniques for lifting, carrying and bending should be part of any spring-cleaning project.
It is important to separate your feet, shoulder-width apart and bend at the knees while tightening the stomach muscles. Lift with your leg muscles as you stand up and don’t try to lift any object by yourself if it is too heavy or an awkward shape.
• When raking, don’t twist your body — instead, use your legs to shift your weight and switch sides.
• Instead of getting on your hands and knees to clean the floor, use a mop.
• When vacuuming, push the vacuum in front of you and walk in a long line, then pull back the same way. Pushing and pulling a vacuum in short strokes can hurt your back.
• Many spring-cleaning chores such as cleaning gutters and trimming trees involve the use of a ladder. Every ladder should be placed on a firm, level surface. Never place a ladder on ground that is uneven and watch for soft, muddy spots. The same is true for uneven flooring.
• Every spring before using a lawnmower, have it serviced to make sure it is working properly. Never try to dislodge dirt or grass from the lawnmower blades with your hands, while the machine is running. It is also important that you wear shoes while mowing the lawn.
• Read product labels and wear protective clothing and gloves when using chemicals for gardening or cleaning. Store all chemicals — at the appropriate temperature, which is usually indicated on the package — in a place that is out of reach of both children and pets.

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