With spring on the horizon, you probably have plans for your yard. Whether you want to overhaul the landscaping, build a retaining wall, or lay down concrete pavers for the patio, planning ahead will make your work a lot easier. Before you bring out the materials, tools, and lawn equipment you’ll be using, make sure you’re ready with the following safety accessories.

Critical Safety Gear for Yard Work

1. Heavy-Duty Gloves

To protect your hands from abrasions, cuts, and chemical exposure, you’ll need a good pair of gloves. There are different types available, so try them on and make sure they’re appropriate to the type of work you’ll be doing as well as the kind of lawn equipment you’ll be using. For example, if there are any buttons or switches on a particular tool, test your dexterity and precision while wearing the gloves.

2. Safety Glasses or Goggles

To prevent any dirt or construction debris from getting in your eyes, wear safety glasses or goggles. Glasses are great for basic tasks, but if there will be a lot of material flying around or you’ll be working in extremely windy conditions, goggles offer more protection since they completely enclose the eye area.

3. Hard Hat

If you’ll be pruning trees, cleaning the gutters, or doing anything that involves a ladder, pick up a hard hat. They’ll protect you if anything falls or you miscalculate the distance of something overhead. Make sure it fits snugly; if it’s too loose, it could easily be knocked off.

4. Reflective Vest

Building a retaining or decorative feature? If you’ll be doing some hardscaping on the perimeter of your property by the road, a reflective vest will ensure you stay visible to any cars driving by. Even if the street is relatively quiet, wear a vest if you’ll be working there for long hours.

5. Hearing Protection

Various types of lawn equipment can be incredibly loud, especially if they’re motorized. While you may not be bothered by the noise initially, long-term exposure can eventually cause hearing loss. You can get either earplugs or earmuffs; the ideal choice will depend on which tool or piece of equipment you’ll be using. The former, while convenient and easy to carry around, doesn’t offer as much hearing protection as the latter.

If you’re preparing for major yard work in the Baldwin County, GA, area this spring, stop by Southside Equipment Company for the farm, garden, or lawn equipment you need. They’ve been trusted throughout the community for more than 30 years. Whether you need something small like the safety gear listed above or large-scale equipment such as a riding lawn mower, they’ll have it ready for you. Aside from equipment, they also have a service department to help keep your tools in good, working condition. To learn more about their products and services, visit their website or call them today at (478) 452-5523.