Fall in Alberta is a sprint. We all know the drill: as soon as September hits, there’s a short window to clean the gutters, trim those stubborn tree branches, clean up the yard, and make sure the house is sealed tight before the snow flies.
Every year around this time, garages across Spruce Grove open up, ladders come out, and the “Weekend Warriors” get to work. But as someone who lives and breathes safety gear every day, I also know September is peak season for preventable injuries—slips off ladders, flying debris in the eyes, and nasty cuts from yard tools.
Before you climb onto the roof or fire up the chainsaw this weekend, here is a quick, no-nonsense gear checklist to keep you safe and sound.
1. Ladder Safety Starts from the Ground Up
Gutters full of leaves are a pain, but a fall off a six-foot ladder will ruin your whole fall. Before you climb, check your footwear. Standard running shoes or old slip-ons don’t have the shank support or tread to grip a narrow metal ladder rung—especially if it’s damp out. Put on a decent pair of boots with good arch support and an anti-slip sole. And remember the golden rule: keep three points of contact (two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand) on the ladder at all times.
2. Ditch the Gas-Station Safety Glasses
If you’re trimming branches, power washing, or using a leaf blower, eye protection isn’t optional. But most people grab cheap, scratched-up safety glasses that fog up the second you start working, so they end up taking them off. Invest in a pair of anti-fog, UV-blocking safety glasses that actually fit your face comfortably. If they don’t fog up and you can actually see, you’ll actually keep them on.
3. Match the Glove to the Job
Raking leaves? A basic leather driver glove will save you from blisters. Handling sharp tree branches, metal flashing, or power tools? You need cut-resistant gloves. Gloves are rated on a cut-level scale—a simple Cut Level 3 or Level 5 glove gives you high dexterity while protecting your hands from deep punctures or slip-ups with sharp tools.
4. Keep a Real First Aid Kit Nearby
When you’re out in the yard, minor cuts and scrapes happen. Having a well-stocked, clean first aid kit right in the garage—instead of hunting through bathroom cabinets with a bleeding finger—saves time and keeps small injuries from getting infected.
At NWT Safety Supplies, our goal isn’t just outfitting commercial job sites; it’s making sure everyone in our community makes it back to the dinner table safely at the end of the day. Stop by the shop before your next weekend project, and we’ll make sure you’ve got the right gear for the job.
Get out there, enjoy the crisp weather, and work safe!
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