05/29/2026
🌿 As the weather warms up, more people are getting outside for yard work, home projects, sports, hiking, and outdoor recreation. But every spring, injury rates rise as people suddenly jump back into physical activity after a less active winter season.
According to the CDC and injury researchers, some of the most common spring and early summer injuries include:
🔹 Muscle strains and sprains
Overexertion injuries are among the leading causes of emergency-room and workplace injury claims. Lifting, pushing, pulling, digging, raking, and repetitive movement can place major stress on the back, shoulders, knees, and ankles.
🔹 Slip-and-fall injuries
Wet grass, uneven ground, ladders, loose gravel, and outdoor debris contribute to a major increase in falls during spring projects and recreation. The CDC reports that slips, trips, and falls account for nearly 1 in 5 nonfatal workplace injuries involving missed work time.
🔹 Ladder-related injuries
Spring cleaning and home maintenance often mean more ladder use. National injury data shows tens of thousands of ladder-related injuries occur every year, both at work and at home.
🔹 Knee, ankle, and shoulder injuries
Doctors frequently see increased cases of twisted knees, rolled ankles, tendon irritation, shoulder strains, and lower back injuries when people suddenly return to sports, running, yard work, or outdoor activities “too much, too fast.”
🔹 Heat-related injuries and dehydration
Even before peak summer temperatures arrive, exertional heat injuries begin increasing during outdoor work and recreation. Researchers found that thousands of emergency room visits each year are linked to exertional heat injuries, including many connected to yard work and home projects.
A lot of these injuries happen during completely routine activities — mowing the lawn, cleaning gutters, helping with DIY projects, or enjoying a weekend outdoors. Taking breaks, staying hydrated, using proper lifting technique, and easing back into physical activity can go a long way toward preventing injuries.
If you or someone you know has been seriously injured because of unsafe conditions, negligence, or a preventable accident, Berelc Law Office is here to help answer questions and discuss your options.
📞 706 356 0518
📍 Serving Hartwell, Lavonia, and Northeast Georgia
