With spring yard clean up and garden planting comes clearing fallen branches and getting that shovel back into the earth.  Protect yourself by practicing safe gardening standards including:

• proper ergonomics when lifting heaving objects and soils / mulches,
• getting help with removing overhead limbs and branches,
• taking the time to stretch your back and legs after kneeling in the garden beds,
• limit prolonged repetitive movements to avoid overuse injuries and
• use the proper tool for the job