lawn clippings. You may love your lawnmower, but keep in mind it is a powerful tool -– one that can cause significant injury. In 2007, more than 225,000 people were injured by power, manual and riding lawn mowers, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

To avoid lawnmower-related injuries:

• Make sure the engine is off and cool before you begin any maintenance work or refuel your lawnmower.

• Never use your hands or feet to clear debris from under a lawnmower. Use a stick or broom handle instead. Likewise, never touch the blades with your hands or feet, even if the engine is off. The blade can still move and cause serious injury.

• Never remove safety devices, shields or guards on switches.

• Do not leave a lawnmower running unattended.

• Wear protective gear like goggles and gloves, boots and long pants when mowing. Never mow barefoot or in sandals.

• Do not consume alcoholic beverages and mow.

Ladder Safety

Autumn is a great time to clear out gutters, check roof integrity and wash windows. More than 532,000 people were injured in falls from ladders last year, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

To stay safe on a ladder:

• Inspect the ladder for loose screws, hinges or rungs. Clean off accumulated mud, dirt or liquids.

• Make sure all four legs rest on a firm, level surface. Avoid uneven ground or soft, muddy spots.

• Before you climb, be sure all ladder locks and safety braces are engaged.

• Never sit or stand on the top of the ladder or on its pail shelf. These areas were not designed to carry your weight.

• Choose the right ladder for the job. A step stool or utility ladder is good for working at low or medium heights, for jobs such as washing windows. Extension ladders are appropriate for outdoors to reach high places, for when you need to clean gutters or inspect the roof.

• Be aware of your balance. Be careful when moving items off a shelf while you’re standing on a ladder. If you have to stretch or lean to reach your work area, it would be safer to climb down and reposition the ladder closer to your work.

For more information from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) visit www.aaos.org or www.orthoinfo.org.

Claire Yezbak Fadden is the Associate Editor of LifeAfter50.com.