Strimmers are more dangerous than you think

[Leper]

A near neighbour has been using an electric garden strimmer for years. It was a relatively cheap supermarket model, but did the jobs for which it was bought. Likely, it was one of the least powerful strimmers too. But, recently my neighbour suffered a bad eye injury when the plastic strimmer line caught some weeds which were speedily flung against his face. The user was not wearing eye protection. An eye shield costs about €1.50 in some pound Shops. Be careful out there, use protection.

 

[JoeRoberts]

full face shield even better

 

[mathepac]

And long trousers, preferably denims or work overalls.

 

[Cervelo]

Sage advice there Mr Leper
Any of the professionals I see using strimmers always wear face protection for the reason you've highlighted
Gardening like any work place is full of hazards which can be life changing so it's always best to err on the side of caution.
When I was a kid one of my weekly chores was to cut the back garden grass with the petrol rotary mower. One particular day I was out cutting and my father was watching from inside the house, next thing the window smashes as a pebble narrowly misses him and lands in the room.
Needless to say that was the last time I observed him checking out my grass cutting skills

 

[dubdub123]

Good call out. I'd normally wear goggles if I end up strimming and also for some home maintenance stuff, but it's easy to just forget to put them on if in a hurry. I had never thought of full face gear to be honest but I might check that out. I'd imagine Screwfix might stock some decent stuff

 

[Sue Ellen]

An eye shield costs about €1.50 in some pound Shops.

Something more upmarket would probably be safer like as mentioned above something from Screwfix

Be careful out there, use protection.

Not making light of this serious subject but that quote could apply to almost anything

 

[bkenn14]

Leper
What age group was your neighbour ,
I find the younger age group are better at wearing all sorts of safety gear when doing working around the house and garden face shield is better if you also need to use a face mask I find,

 

[clinteastwood]

Good timely reminder Leper!.
As mathepac said, dont wear shorts either - even if weather is fine. Last year I slashed my leg by the nylon cord and needed stiches - not nice at all.

 

[mathepac]

I find the younger age group are better at wearing all sorts of safety gear

For sure, health and safety laws are having an influence thankfully. I am grateful though that we haven't reached the stage of what I see Ahmurhikhans, Hoo Ya, doing where the big leather gloves seem to come out whether they're moving the bins, walking the Chihuahua, or changing baby's diaper.

My semi-detached neighbour and I are having a wall built to replace the fence that blew down during the storms. The main man is a 3rd generation stone mason and he handles and manoeuvres six-inch solid concrete blocks with his bare hands. His "helper", who keeps him supplied with blocks and mortar, wears gloves so between them they're 50% protected.

Rain stopped play briefly.

 

[Leper]

Just to answer questions poised:-
My neighbour is in his early 60’s and he is usually safety conscious eg he wears headphones when using his petrol mower.
It does no harm to review safety procedures. Wearing shorts is what I’d normally do, but not from now on while operating tools.
It’s no great load to carry reviewing safety precautions.
Remarkably, I should know better than I do as I used to work in A&E in a major hospital as a clerical worker in a previous life. Complacency obviously is an issue I must correct.
Thanks All..

 

[extopia]

I’m in 60s. Would never strim without faceguard. All you need is one stone or twig or weed stem belting into that thing to know you need it.