Kids' Kare: Lawnmower Safety
By: Mark MacGregor
Updated: April 23, 2012
Spring is here and with all of the recent rain, your grass is probably growing like crazy... and that means it's time to get your lawn mower out of storage and resuming the weekly ritual of mowing the grass. Although power mowers have become part of our summer routine, we often don't realize that they are one of the most dangerous tools around the house.
Each year, about 70,000 people, including about 10,000 children, are treated in Emergency Departments for injuries caused by power mowers. This includes deep cuts, loss of fingers and toes, and broken bones. The best way to prevent these injuries is take appropriate safety precautions.
Children younger than 16 should not be allowed to use ride-on mowers, and children under 12 should not use walk behind mowers. Children should never be allowed to ride as passengers on ride-on mowers.
Before you mow, pick up any object in the grass like stones and toys that could turn into a flying object and cause injuries. And make sure that small children are indoors or well away from the area you plan to mow.
Wear sturdy shoes, not sandals or sneakers, to protect your feet. Protect your legs by wearing long pants rather than shorts. It's also always a good idea to wear some type of safety glasses or goggles to protect your eyes
Start and refuel your mower outside, not in a shed or a garage. Mowers should be refueled with the motor turned off and cooled. Any maintenance, like resetting the hight of the blades should be done by an adult.
Always push, never pull a mower, and don't mow when the grass is wet.
Never try to unclog the mower with your hand - use a stick or a broom handle to remove obstructions. And wait until the blade stops completely before removing the grass catcher or doing any other maintenance.
A well maintained lawn looks great, and there's nothing like the smell of freshly mowed grass. But mowing does have its risks, so make sure you take the time to eliminate as many dangers as possible. You want to enjoy your afternoon outdoors, not in the Emergency Department.
Each year, about 70,000 people, including about 10,000 children, are treated in Emergency Departments for injuries caused by power mowers. This includes deep cuts, loss of fingers and toes, and broken bones. The best way to prevent these injuries is take appropriate safety precautions.
Children younger than 16 should not be allowed to use ride-on mowers, and children under 12 should not use walk behind mowers. Children should never be allowed to ride as passengers on ride-on mowers.
Before you mow, pick up any object in the grass like stones and toys that could turn into a flying object and cause injuries. And make sure that small children are indoors or well away from the area you plan to mow.
Wear sturdy shoes, not sandals or sneakers, to protect your feet. Protect your legs by wearing long pants rather than shorts. It's also always a good idea to wear some type of safety glasses or goggles to protect your eyes
Start and refuel your mower outside, not in a shed or a garage. Mowers should be refueled with the motor turned off and cooled. Any maintenance, like resetting the hight of the blades should be done by an adult.
Always push, never pull a mower, and don't mow when the grass is wet.
Never try to unclog the mower with your hand - use a stick or a broom handle to remove obstructions. And wait until the blade stops completely before removing the grass catcher or doing any other maintenance.
A well maintained lawn looks great, and there's nothing like the smell of freshly mowed grass. But mowing does have its risks, so make sure you take the time to eliminate as many dangers as possible. You want to enjoy your afternoon outdoors, not in the Emergency Department.
