Can I borrow your brains for storming?

[zazen999]

As long as it doesn't get too Viz like, you should be ok.

[piskieinboots]

no Viz in my business - just postits and old envelopes

[bubblewrap]

Think you're right Bubblewrap - Manual Handling Regulations cover it all and not much wriggle room!

This will make things clearer
Manual handling
I think where I got the Idea from was where I once worked & I think it was an agreement with the unions.

[scarey55]

Can I borrow your brains for storming?

Nope, nada, not a chance...
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No brain to lend you

[BrideXIII]

Can I borrow your brains for storming?

Nope, nada, not a chance...
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No brain to lend you

well piskie is really good at growing stuff, ask her to plant one for you?

[snuffer]

After breaking my spine and neck several years ago I do know a little about back pain. I would echo what BrideXIII says about a good wheelbarrow. For ages I struggled with a quite small cheap barrow. I was in agony pushing it around even when it was empty. Decided to invest in a really good expensive one and it is much better. The main difference was in the hieght of the handles and the balance of the barrow. New one is bigger and so heavier when full but there is no rule saying you have to fill it.

Choosing good tools really does help.

Not very useful for the business plan but might save some pain along the way. Good luck in whatever you do.

[BrideXIII]

After breaking my spine and neck several years ago I do know a little about back pain. I would echo what BrideXIII says about a good wheelbarrow. For ages I struggled with a quite small cheap barrow. I was in agony pushing it around even when it was empty. Decided to invest in a really good expensive one and it is much better. The main difference was in the hieght of the handles and the balance of the barrow. New one is bigger and so heavier when full but there is no rule saying you have to fill it.

Choosing good tools really does help.

Not very useful for the business plan but might save some pain along the way. Good luck in whatever you do.

well in a way it IS useful for the business plan, getting the best tools for the job is part of that, costs more at outlay, but will last longer, do the job better and faster, and less time off work with a bad back so more wages

[piskieinboots]

Not very useful for the business plan but might save some pain along the way. Good luck in whatever you do.

It is perfect for the BP - thanks

[kentvegplot]

I would add (from experience) - limit the amount of time you are willing to spend per day on the gardening. For example, you might tell clients that you do a maximum of 4 hours per day - that way, you are less likely to carry on to get something finished, and overdo it in the process.

Good luck - I've done it the other way around, design qual. first, now doing the RHS....

[digthatchick]

and flirting with delivery drivers can get a lot of heavy lifting done for her [/QUOTE]

Never worked when I tried it ... well there was this one...

[roitelet]

Long handled tools really do save the back and you need a good back for the flirting

[FionaH]

not sure, in our house there is a law that anything over 5kg the brats have to carry

Darn right! My lads expect to carry baskets in the supermarket
Friend of mine whos a landscaper hires my lads for a small pittance when she has heavy stuff to do.

[BrideXIII]

i just wish there was a mine round here i could send em down

[Stacey Steve]

If you don't have to tip things too often from a wheelbarrow, then one of the four wheeled trucks would be a good idea, no lifting and pulling is easier than pushing.

Ensure that the wheels are of the inflatable, industrial wheelbarrow type. A wide inflatable wheel will ride over rough, soft ground better than a thin solid type tyre.

For digging, investigate the Tyrex style spade, used a lot on my site by people with back problems.

Raised beds are obviously better on the back. We have around here high raised beds for people in wheelchairs, so they can not only garden but be able to touch and smell flowers.

[SarzWix]

This website has some great information about how to choose, and where to find tools designed to be easy on your back/knees etc. Carry on Gardening : Tools

Also when planning a job, try and build in at least one rest day per week, and truly use it to rest, not to rush around catching up with something else! A proper rest can often solve a problem before it gets a chance to kick in!