As the year draws on and weather gets colder, I want to take a moment to mention a condition that can affect lawn care workers who use weedeaters, edgers, leaf blowers, and other vibration-heavy tools during cool and cold weather months.
I first became aware of the existence of Raynaud’s Syndrome and its risks to lawn care business workers my first year in the lawn care business while reading the instruction manual of a new professional weed eater I had just purchased. I have operated weedeaters for many years and I know proper operating technique. However, as a matter of course, I read the instruction manual and learned of a health risk I had never perceived.
The manual’s caution mentioned that workers enduring several hours of vibration each day (especially during cold weather) from power equipment were at greater risk of effects from Raynaud’s Syndrome.
According to Wikipedia, Raynaud’s syndrome is a hyperactivation of the sympathetic system causing extreme vasoconstriction of the peripheral blood vessels, leading to tissue hypoxia.
I am not a doctor and I don’t exactly know what the above paragraph means. However, I do know, after reading my instruction manual, to be aware of excess vibration from weedeaters, edgers, and blowers during cold weather.
In the “StartALawnCareBusiness.com” lawn care business training materials, we make note that you should keep a close check on your health and you should get regular health checkups from your health care professional. A checkup is also advised before you start your business work simply to understand your general health and diagnose any underlying health concerns.
Of great importance (and the general gist of this blog post) is to always read and follow the instruction manuals for all of your lawn care equipment. You many think instruction manuals are only filled with common sense and you already know how to operate each piece of lawn care equipment. However, there is valuable information within those manuals and it is wise to read them completely so you fully understand proper usage and cautions (known and unknown) of your lawn care equipment. Though I am very familiar with most types of lawn care equipment, I always read the instruction manual thoroughly before operating any new piece of equipment. I advise you to do the same.
You never know what you don’t yet know.
Disclaimer: This blog does not provide medical or professional advice of any sort. You should seek advice from your health care provider for answers to all questions you may have.