Spring clean-up and yard work are well underway now, as the snow has cleared and warmer weather has arrived. 

Planning on spending an afternoon doing yard work? It's best to do so safely!

Before ever even using any equipment, you want to make sure you're familiar with it. Be sure to read the owner's manual to get yourself acquainted with hardware.

You always want to make sure your equipment is clean before use. Mowing the lawn? You need to walk the yard searching for stones, sticks and even toys. If you ride over something such as a stone, a mower could throw it over 100 feet!

Your apparel is just as important as everything else. Proper footwear is a must. No opened-toe shoes and sneakers or boots are best.

Proper fitting gloves can help improve grip as protecting yourself from poisonous plants and chemicals.

Protective eyewear can be very important while performing such tasks as weed whacking. 

Tiny rocks can fly up and do damage.

And on those super sunny days, don't forget the sunscreen!

Before any type of manual labor, it's important to stretch your body. Lifting heavy equipment and object can be dangerous alone.

It's said all the time, but it's worth stressing to bend with the knees and use your legs instead of your back.

If you've deemed an object to be heavy, trying a cart or wagon to move it.

Proper hydration is vital as temperatures rise, heading into the summer months. Drink plenty of fluid and take breaks by sitting in the shade or going inside for air conditioning.

While working outside, it is vital to monitor where your kids and pets are. It's safest to keep young children and pets indoors while working.

Once completed using equipment requiring fuel, make sure it is properly cooled down before refueling.

A few other yard work tips include checking with your local utility company before digging, check extension cords for wear and tear before use as well using ladders safely by setting them down on a firm level surface.